Creating a tool shank from a pattern

This example shows you how to create a shank for a specific tool. The shank profile is generated outside PowerMill and imported as a pattern. You can create a form tool profile, routing tool profile, and tool holder in the same way.

To create the pattern:

1. Click Pattern tab > Create panel > Pattern to create a new pattern.
2. From the individual pattern context menu, select Insert > File. This displays the Open Pattern dialog.
   1. Click to display the Examples file and then click on the Patterns folder.
   2. Select sample_shank.dgk and click Open.

      

To create the shank:

1. Create a 10 mm Ball Nosed Tool.

   The Ball Nosed Tool dialog is displayed.

2. Select the Shank tab.
3. Click Pick a Pattern and then select the pattern you have just inserted into the project.
4. Click the Create shank from pattern button.

   The shank is added to the tool tip.

   

   Because tool shanks cannot contain negative Y moves, PowerMill removes them from the pattern when creating the shank.

   

   Pattern with negative Y move.

   Shank created from the pattern with only positive Y moves.