Cutting data tab

Use the Cutting data tab to specify the parameter values that the tool uses when completing different operations like slot machining, turning or plunge milling. Adding cutting data is useful if want to reuse the tool in the future.

To display a Tool dialog:

• Click Home tab > Tool panel > Create Tool; or
• From the Tools context menu, select Create Tool.

This tab contains the following:

Tool Family — Select a tool family from the list.

This provides a way to group tools together so they can share cutting data in the Tool Database. For example, you can enter the tool material name as the Tool Family, then all tools with the same Tool Family and Stock Material share cutting data.

The Cutting Data records are synchronised and shared for all tools with the same Family Name and Stock Material.

If you have a blank Stock Material, then the cutting data is synchronised and shared for all tools with the same Family Name, blank Stock Material and Cutting Data records. They are not shared for tools with blank Family Name, and the same Stock Material and Cutting Data records.

If you change the Tool Family, the Cutting Data from other tools with the same Tool Family and Stock Material is applied to this tool. If no tools in the project or in the tool database share the same Tool Family and Stock Material, the Cutting Data remains unchanged.

— Click to add a new Tool Family.

The Enter the new family name dialog is displayed.

Enter a name (which cannot contain any spaces). Click on to accept the new name, or to cancel.

Tool ID — Enter the name of the tool. The Tool ID is added to the cut file. If you export a tool to a tool database you export the Tool ID and not the Name (on the Tip tab). By default the Tool ID is the same as the Name, but you can edit it so it is different. It is possible to have two different tools with two different Names, but the same Tool ID.

Coolant — Select a coolant option from the list:

• None — When selected, there is no coolant output.
• Standard — When selected, turns the coolant on.
• Flood — When selected, turns the coolant to flood.
• Mist — When selected, turns the coolant to mist.
• Tap — When selected, turns the coolant to tap.
• Air — When selected, turns the coolant to air blast.
• Through — When selected, turns the coolant to through spindle.
• Double — When selected, enables two coolant codes.

PowerMill turns the coolant off at the end of a toolpath.

You can apply coolant several different places. For more information see Coolant and how it updates/flows.

Cutting Data table — The table summarises the information in the Edit Cutting Data dialog. To edit a value, double-click on the row.

Tip: If you have a turning tool, the Edit Turning Cutting Data dialog is displayed. Select Finishing/General if you want to add cutting data to the tool but you do not want to differentiate between the various types of toolpaths.

Clear — Click to clear the cutting data of a selected row.

Delete — Click to clear all the cutting data and the tool family.

Edit — Click to edit the cutting data of a selected row.

Display Feed/Tooth and depth of cut in TDU — Select to display the Feed/Tooth and the depth of cut values in tool diameter units rather than actual values.

Tip: Tool Diameter Units is the distance relative to the tool diameter. So with a 10 mm tool and a TDU of 0.5, this gives an actual value of 5 mm.

Hide Empty Rows — Select to hide all empty rows. This enables you to see the completed rows more easily.

Add Tool to Tool Database — Click to display the Tool Database Export dialog. Adding a tool to the Tool Database is useful if you want to reuse the tool in the future.