Configure hole template operations

Use these steps in an Operation tab of Edit Hole Template. To create the template and reach this dialog, see Create a hole template.

1. Configure Passes and other strategy tabs as needed for this operation.

2. To use Search criteria instead of manually picking a tool for your intended cut, open the Tool tab and set Tool Selection to Search criteria. This searches the selected libraries for tools that match your settings.

3. Set Search By so results fit the hole and operation—for example by how diameter compares to the hole (single value, a range, or a ratio to the hole diameter), or by tap-drill sizing from thread data when you machine threads.

4. When they apply, set other fields to refine the search (geometry such as tip angle, corner radius, or chamfer; stick-out with length below holder; how feeds and speeds come from presets; form tapping).

5. Remember that Search criteria define which tools match; they are not a ranking. When several tools still match the same criteria, which one is used may depend on order in the library list.

6. Click OK to save the operation.

7. (Optional) To create a fallback operation that automatically runs when a primary operation cannot complete holes due to collision avoidance:

   Note: Fallback operations are only available for Drill operations. Other milling toolpaths cannot be used as fallback operations.

   1. For the primary Drill operation, configure all required settings in the operation dialog, with the following changes:

      • Turn on Flute, Shaft & Holder collision checking.
      • Set Shaft and Holder Mode to Fail on collision to skip entire holes where a collision is detected, or to Trimmed to machine partial depths and pass remaining stock to a follow-up operation.
      • Select a tool that will collide in this operation.

   2. Click OK to save the operation.

   3. In the Edit Hole Template dialog, select the row with the primary operation and click Duplicate operation.

   4. Configure the second Drill operation with a tool that is optimal for drilling the specified hole in this template. This tool should be longer or have different geometry to avoid the collisions that prevented the primary operation from completing.

   5. Select the row with the second Drill operation.

   6. When the Fallback for operation above checkbox appears, select it.

   7. The second Drill operation will be indented under the primary one in the table.

   8. (Optional) To chain additional fallback operations, repeat the duplicate-and-configure steps with progressively longer tools.