The first step is to pick a tool from the current tool crib (see the Manufacturing menu). The most important criteria are diameter and length. If a tool can’t be found to satisfy the criteria, then you get an error and NC code is not generated.
Tool diameter — FeatureCAM analyzes the dimensions that define the Slot feature to determine what size tool to use. For a Simple Slot, the tool must match the width of the slot, which also guarantees the correct radius at the ends of the Slot. For normal Slots, the largest tool that can cut the slot to width and still leave the Finish allowance is selected.
Tool length — FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long enough to cut to the bottom of the Slot.
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Operation type |
Automatically selected tool |
Possible user overrides |
Notes |
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Roughing |
endmill |
face mill, endmill |
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Finishing |
endmill |
face mill, endmill |
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Chamfer |
chamfer mill |
spotdrill, centerdrill, countersink, chamfer mill |
The size of the tool selected may be affected by the Tool diameter tolerance attribute on the Tool Selection page of the Machining Attributes dialog.
See also:
Tooling groups for details on the different tooling types.