Tool Finder
Presentation
The purpose of the Tool Finder is to get the maximum tool diameter admissible for the machining of a pocket.
When you have already selected a geometry, some tools filters are automatically applied with tool diameter ([1] on the image below) and sometimes Bottom radius.
Rules of Application
The combination of these 3 calculations gives the preselected value:
pocket radius are checked: tool radius cannot exceed this value,
passageways between islands and pocket walls are computed and the lowest value is taken into account,
also the algorithm automatically applies a mathematical formula on the tool diameter that cannot be superior to half the inscribed diameter, to avoid proposing tools with diameter as big as the entire pocket itself! (check the Special Case below).
Cancel the Tool Finder
2 solutions if you do not want the automatic preselection:
Deactivate the filter by clicking on [2],
Or start the selection by choosing the tool, then the geometry.
Cases of Application
If several profiles are selected, the smaller values are taken. Here are some cases below:
Pocket with different corners  | We have a pocket with corners at different radii, with the smallest being 6 mm. Hence, the tool finder suggests a tool of maximum diameter of 12 mm. |  Toolfinder- Pocket with different corners |
Pocket with 2 Islands  | We have got a pocket with 2 islands. The distance between the 2 islands is 11 mm while distance between the island and the walls is 10 mm. Consequently, tool finder suggests a tool of 10 mm diameter or less. |  Toolfinder - Pocket with 2 islands |
Pocket with 2 Islands and different corners  | This pocket has corners with different radii and contains 2 islands. Both the distance between the islands and with the walls is 10 mm. However, the gap at the island corners with the walls is less than 10 mm and the tool finder suggests 9.73 mm. |  Toolfinder - Pocket with 2 Islands and different corners |
Pocket with multiple Islands  | This pocket has many islands and it is difficult to measure the gaps in between with control. However, the Tool finder can still measure and suggests a maximum tool diameter. |  Toolfinder - Pocket with multiple Islands |
Special Case: Cylindrical Pockets In this case, we do not apply the principle of the biggest admissible tool, because it would be the same size of the pocket! The formula applied is to get the inscribed diameter and divide it by 2. |  | |