Creating a form tool

To create a form tool:

1. Create a curve in the graphics window that you want to be used as the 2D turned profile of the tool. There are some requirements which the curve must meet.

   You can display the profile of an existing tool in the graphics window to help you create this curve.

2. In the Tool Manager dialog or on the Tools tab of the Feature Properties dialog, select either an endmill, sidemill, or twistdrill tool.
3. To create a new tool:
   • click New tool in the Tool Manager dialog; or
   • click New tool on the Tools tab of the Feature Properties dialog.
4. Select Use curve to describe tool shape in the Tool Properties dialog.
5. Select the curve you created from the Select curve list.
6. Click OK to close the Tool Properties dialog.

Note: When you use a curve to define the shape of a tool, many of the dimensions in the Tool Properties dialog are not used, but the Diameter is still used for calculating stepovers and generating the paths.