Unique (fixed) numbers for tools.

This forum is for requests and queries about machine tool support for Vectric Products
Post Reply
User avatar
Brent C
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:36 am
Model of CNC Machine: Weeke BHC-350 / MulitCam SF48
Location: Nixa, Mo
Contact:

Unique (fixed) numbers for tools.

Post by Brent C »

I'm new to Aspire but have used many Cam packages. We run a Weeke and a Multi-cam, both with ATC. The Weeke is always programed by a "tool ID#" For instance, tool #128 is always a 1/2 compression cutter no matter which position it sets in in the tool changer. If the code calls for tool #128, the controller will automatically recoginize which tool holder postition that tool is in, or if it is even loaded in the ATC carosel (or rack). The Multicam, on ther other hand, is programs by tool holder postion only, which is risky because there's no identity of the tool itself, only a position #. If I put the wrong tool in that position the controller is going to use it anyway. I would like to set up my tool library based on fixed tool numbers (tool ID#) - not tool location.

My question is: Can I set up my tool library so each tool has it's own unique (fixed) number, and then assign the tool changer position number when exporting the code. It would then be nice to have a report that identified ATC position #1 - tool #128 - 1/2" compression, ATC position #2 - tool #143 - 1/4" 60 deg. V-point, etc...

Thanks for any help.

User avatar
Mark
Vectric Staff
Posts: 1054
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 2:55 pm
Model of CNC Machine: CNC Shark, ShopBot, Roland PNC3000
Location: Alcester U.K.
Contact:

Re: Importing your existing Tool Database into VCarve Pro V6

Post by Mark »

Hello Brent,

You can assign each tool in your library a unique tool number if you wish.
In version 6 there is also now, a Tool Notes field.
You could if you wished edit the post processor to use the the Tool Notes
field as the output for the ATC commands
(This could be useful for instance if you wished to output an alphanumeric value).

To output the Tool Notes value within the post processor output,
you would user the variable [TOOL_NOTES].

In your case you could probably choose to use the Tool Notes field to represent the Tool Holder
position / Tool number as the unique number or vice versa.

Providing that your MultiCAM supports the use of comments,
a useful addition to the header section of your MultiCAM post processor might be the [TOOLS_USED]
feature, which lists all of the tools used by the file, in order of use.
More details can be found in the Post Processor Editing Guide,
(Help > Post Processor editing guide).
As I am sure you are aware, our standard Homag-Weeke post is a non-ATC post.

I hope that this helps.

Cheers,

Mark.

User avatar
Brent C
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:36 am
Model of CNC Machine: Weeke BHC-350 / MulitCam SF48
Location: Nixa, Mo
Contact:

Re: Unique (fixed) numbers for tools.

Post by Brent C »

What I invision may not be realistic but here goes.

My tool ID numbers are always constant (60 deg v carve= tool #143, 1/2" compression = tool #128).

Now, I designed a project last year and what to run it again. I open the file and save the tool path. I have no idea how I arranged those tools a year ago so, at that time the software (Aspire/Vcarve) opens a dialog box that says something like:

the selected tool paths require the following tool(s):
#143 - 60 deg v-carve
#128 - 1/2" compression

please assign tool postition numbers now:

tool 143 = position #____

tool 128 = position#____

Now these positions are a conscious decision that's fresh on my mind instead of an accidental default I forgot to consider.

User avatar
Brent C
Posts: 41
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2011 12:36 am
Model of CNC Machine: Weeke BHC-350 / MulitCam SF48
Location: Nixa, Mo
Contact:

Re: Unique (fixed) numbers for tools.

Post by Brent C »

I was just thinking,

Another advantage of this would be the ability to define the same physical tool with 2 different cutting charictaristics.

example: 60 deg v-carve feed rate 100 IPM=tool #143
60 deg v-carve feed rate 70 IPM=tool #144

Then, assign tool position # at dialog box when posting code:

tool #143 = position #1
tool #144 = position #1

now the machine will use the same physical tool with 2 different feed rates

User avatar
Mark
Vectric Staff
Posts: 1054
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2007 2:55 pm
Model of CNC Machine: CNC Shark, ShopBot, Roland PNC3000
Location: Alcester U.K.
Contact:

Re: Unique (fixed) numbers for tools.

Post by Mark »

Hello Brent,

Apologies, I missed your additional posts.
(Aspire/Vcarve) opens a dialog box that says something like:

the selected tool paths require the following tool(s):
#143 - 60 deg v-carve
#128 - 1/2" compression

please assign tool postition numbers now:

tool 143 = position #____

tool 128 = position#____

Now these positions are a conscious decision that's fresh on my mind instead of an accidental default I forgot to consider.
You can do this with the File notes function. (Main Menu > Edit > Notes).
If you type a period as the first character in the File notes, followed by the information
that you wish to be reminded about, the File notes window will open up when you first open the file.
Another advantage of this would be the ability to define the same physical tool with 2 different cutting charictaristics.
You can define the same physical tool with the same tool number as many times as you
like with different parameters, within the tool database.
You just need to provide a different name to recognize which is which.
(Or you can just use one tool with the most commonly used parameters and
alter the parameters on a toolpath by toolpath basis using the "Edit" button on the toolpath forms.

Make sure that your post processor contains a "New Segment" section, so that these
different parameters for the same tool are always output.

I hope that this helps.

Cheers,

Mark.

4240harold
Vectric Craftsman
Posts: 153
Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:25 pm
Model of CNC Machine: weeke bhp200
Location: Northern Ireland
Contact:

Re: Unique (fixed) numbers for tools.

Post by 4240harold »

Hello Brent
I also use a Weeke cnc with ATC. I also use another Cam package with which I am able to export as many tool changes along with tool nums to woodwop ,but with Aspire I can only export 1 tool path at a time ,the tool num is not included ,these toolpaths are then loaded individually into woodwop and the tool nums put in manually,
I have asked weeke for details to make postprocessor but they have not been very helpful,If I had been able to get the required info from weeke the Vectric team would have sorted the postprocessor,
Although it is a bit cumbersome to export the toolpaths this way ,it does work,and Aspire has become an invaluable asset which I would reccommend highly.
if i can be of any help to you dont hesitate to call
Harold

Post Reply