PartMaker can work with a Master Tools Database file to transfer tool data to and from PartMaker. The Master Tools Data file is stored in a PartMaker Tool Database file (.tdb) or a comma-separated values (.csv) file. Master Tool Database files are language-specific, so must match the language your PartMaker application uses.
The .csv file contains a single, continuous list of tools, including the tool parameters for each tool. If a particular parameter is not relevant for a tool, a dash (–) is shown. For example:
When you open a .csv file from the Manage Tools Files dialog, PartMaker displays all tools from the file that match the display criteria you have specified. PartMaker ignores any data in the file that it does not recognize as PartMaker tool parameters.
The following tool parameters must be saved in the Master Tools Database File for PartMaker to be able to recognize them and import them into a PartMaker Tools Data file (.tdb):
- Name and Type parameters for all tools.
- Diameter parameter for all milling and drilling tools.
- Orientation and Location parameters for turning tools.
If any tool in the.csv file is missing tool parameters other than the ones listed above, PartMaker sets these parameters to default values when displaying or importing that tool.