Take a simple example; a rectangular pocket 100mm x 50mm with corner radii of 10mm and a depth of 25mm.

Is the best option to use a 20mm diameter to machine the part completely or would it be quicker to machine with a larger tool first and then with a smaller tool afterwards? How large should the large tool be, and how small should the smaller tool be?

Remove the guesswork!

Download the EdgeCAM Tool Selector Lite, follow the tutorial in the help file and try the examples.

You may be surprised!

Impressed?

Why not load your own DXF profiles, and start reducing cycle times today.

Next…..
Follow the instructions to customise the Tool Kit in line with your own tooling library. Also edit the feedrate associated with each cutting tool to represent those used on your own machine tools and with the workpiece materials you have to machine.

Choosing the correct set of tools to machine a component is a critical step in creating an NC program with minimal cycle time.

EdgeCAM Tool Selector Lite is designed as an introduction to the concept of automatic tool selection. Pathtrace is committed to further automating the CAM process and tool selection is just one area of current development.

In the full version of EdgeCAM Tool Selector, to be introduced later this year, 3D pocket features can be analysed to identify the kit of tools that will machine the part resulting in optimum cycle time.