Tool Property Screen

# Help for Tool property screen

This screen sets up all the properties related to the tool. This includes the feed and spindle speed.

It is important that all relevant data be entered. If you change a tool diameter, but do not update the chip load and spindle speed then the old value will be used for the next operation. This may not be a good idea!

Note that some values are dependet on others, for example the Feed rate calculation depends on the Cutting tip count and the chip load. You should enter the values in this screen in the order indicated, from top of screen to the bottom.

## Tool Selection

If you do not use Machs tool table then simply leave the tool number a Zero and enter a tool diameter.

If you have a tool table you may select a tool from it by pressing the "Select Tool from Table" button. This will pop up a list box from which you amy select a tool. When you make the selection the tool diameter and number will be placed in the appropriate DRO on the tool property screen.

## Select Surface Speed

The Surface Speed is based on the material selected in the first screen, and the tool type selected here. This wizard uses a Material table that is explained on the material screen. For each material type a suitable surface speed for each tool type is listed. If you wish to use these standard speeds simply select the tool material by one of the 4 buttons.

If you are using a special tool, or simply want to enter your own surface speed it may be entered in the DRO. Be sure to select the correct units.

## Number of Cutting Tips

Next, enter the number of cutting tips, of flutes, your tool has.

## Chip Load

Chip load is the ammount of material removed by each tip as it rotates through the work. If you click the "Calc Chip Load" button a chip load value will be calculated based on the size of tool you selected. You may also enter a chip load value directly in the DRO.

## Speed and Feed

Next a spindle speed and feed rate must either be calculated or entered in the DROs. As with chip load the wizard will calculate these speeds if you press the "Calculate Speed and Feed" button. Note this calculation depends on the tool diameter and chip load selected, so it is important that you enter those values before calculating speed and feed.

## Overrides

You may enter an override percent for spindle speed, feed rate, or for plunge rate in the appropriate DROs. Most commonly a plunge override will be set since most tools must be plunged down in Z slower than they will cut in normal X,Y movement.

## Other settings

You must also select a spindle direction, and optionally select coolant or flood.

The tool properties selected in this screen will be used for the next operation.