GO2cam Production Help
GO2cam Production Help
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Tool Page

Overview

Tools can be used for milling, turning, Swiss-type machining, or Wire EDM operations. All tools are described using similar pages, organized into two tabs:

Tool – Contains the tool description and the holder definition.

Options – Contains additional information such as the supplier, reference number, cost, and identification parameters.


At the top of each page, the following common actions are available:

INIT.png

Reset the page with default values of parameters
SAVE.png

Save the tool with all modification in Tool and Options pages and the holders if defined.
trash.png

Delete the current tool from library.

Tool Tab

On the Left side of dialog, you can find:

  • a comprehensive image

  • characteristics defined by ISO standards identifiers, such as APMX for cutting length and DC for Cut Diameter.

When the tool page is open, the tool remains displayed next to the dialog box. The tool representation is updated in real time to reflect any changes made in the dialog.

On the right side of the dialog, in the clear blue frame, are defined the different stages of the tool assembly.
Tool Page1.png
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Tools Update Enhanced

Any modification in Tool page (diameter value, coolant, specific number) generates modifications in the Technology page of cycles using the updated tool. For instance, cutting conditions are recomputed, coolant numbers are assigned, etc.

Turning: Use of standards for inserts

For turning tools equipped with inserts, a dedicated parameter is available at the top of the tool page. This parameter allows you to define the insert according to its ISO designation. Once the ISO designation is entered, the insert is automatically created with the corresponding ISO-standard characteristics.

Process of Creation of a Tool with its holders.

This video demonstrates several key features, including the creation of inserts based on ISO standards and the process of selecting and configuring tool holders.

Video workflow:

  1. Download the solid insert holder model (STEP file) from a tool manufacturer's database (ISCAR in this example).

  2. In GO2cam, create the tool by defining the insert ISO designation (WNMG 080404-GN in this example).

  3. Import the STEP file and define the insert holder symbol file.

  4. Save the insert holder and load it into the tool page.

  5. Adjust the KAPR angle to correctly position the insert within its holder.

▶️ Watch the video below for an example of this functionality.

Creation of turning tool with Standard insert.png

Options Tab

This page does not contain any mandatory information. However, several parameters can be useful for tool management, identification, and production cost estimation.

Tool Page2.png

  • Drawing – Allows you to load and view an image or drawing of the tool.

    The following file formats are supported: .png, .bmp, .jpeg, .tiff, .dxf, .dwg, and .pce.

  • Information – Contains general information about the tool, including the supplier and reference number.

  • The Tool Life and Price fields are required when estimating the manufacturing cost of a workpiece. For more information, refer to Estimation of Costs.

  • Barcode – A recently added field that allows barcode information to be exported to workshop documentation.

  • Tool Type – Contains specific information related to the tool geometry and material.

    A tool can also be assigned to a tool family. For more information, refer to Tool Families.

  • Identification: specific identification number and coolant can be given here.

    • Material and Machine Grades enable to link the tool to a machine or a material. Grades are specific identifier defined in the machine and material files. If the tool does not have any grade, it is available for any type of machine and material. But if a grade is defined in the tool, it is available only for this machine or material. You can define several grades per tool, by separating them with a comma.

Programming With Holders

Effective management of milling tools is crucial for optimal machining. When advising on the milling process and programming, we strongly recommend incorporating toolholders. Every user should utilize toolholders when machining a workpiece due to their significant advantage. Toolholders offer enhanced control over potential collisions. If a toolholder isn't defined during programming, any future collisions involving it won't be factored into the calculations, resulting in an inaccurate toolpath. Therefore, always program with toolholders, specifically for 3-axis milling, programming your toolpath with toolholders is essential for superior collision management.