User-defined tools (PartMaker, Tool Data)

To create a user-defined (or custom) tool:

  1. Draw the custom tool to your specifications, using PartMaker's CAD mode or another CAD system.
  2. Save your drawing to a .dxf file. Ensure that you:
    • Use a filename that makes it easy to identify the tool. You will need to use this filename later on when adding the tool to the Tools Data file (.tdb).
    • Save the file to the folder where the Tools Data file (.tdb) is stored.

    If you are using PartMaker's CAD mode, use the File > Export > DXF File option to save your drawing to a .dxf file.

  3. In PartMaker, select ToolMinder > Tools to display the Tool Data dialog.
  4. On the Tool Data dialog, click New to add a tool to the Tools Data file, then select the User Defined option to specify that you are creating a user-defined tool. Ensure that the name you give to the tool on the Tool Data dialog (in the Rename to field) is the same as the name you used for the .dxf filename.
  5. Click Verify Shape to see the profile of the tool you have created and click Shape Preview to preview a 3D model of the tool and the shank, as they will appear during simulation.
  6. Click Apply to add the user-defined tool to the Tools Data file.
Parent topic: Tool Data dialog (PartMaker)