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 meet the criteria, then you get an error and NC code is not generated.
Tool diameter — FeatureCAM conducts an analysis of the dimensions that define the pocket to determine what size tool to use. FeatureCAM prefers large tools for pockets but is influenced by the corner radius. The largest tool that can cut the pocket without gouging is selected.
Tool length — FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long enough to cut to the bottom of the pocket.
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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:
Tool Groups for details on the different tooling types.