Tool Manager

[mtnflyr]

When selecting tools for a part, if I choose more than one of the same type of tool, I get the message "A similar tool(#1 - 0.5000 ENDMILL1 FLAT- )already exists." How do I make this stop?

The worst problem is if I copy operations to another Toolpath Group it will eliminate any duplicate tools. Please help.

[3R!< W3NG3R]

I only get that message when I post a program with more then one tool sharing the same tool number.

Try changing the tool numbers.

[Ocean Lacky™]

How many 1/2" endmills do ya need? Once you pick a tool, it should stay in your Tool List, just keep using the same tool.

[mtnflyr]

It seems to go by Tool Type and Diameter in the Tool Manager. I will typically have more than one Endmill1 Flat 0.5000. I2" rougher 1/2" finisher etc..

[Ocean Lacky™]

I'd use two tool numbers, then T1=Rougher, T2=Finisher. I'd also setup my Tool Library to reflect the same situation.

[New Job]

To answer your question, you can turn off the check for duplicate tool numbers option in the tool setup page of your job set up. I do not know if this is in the MD or not.

 

HTH

[Matt Berube at Ferron Mold]

It has nothing to do with tool numbers. I get the same thing every time I bring in my standard tool library and there are no duplicated numbers.

 

I just accept the similar tools and all is well.

 

It is annoying to have to accept it every time though...

[mtnflyr]

I guess I'm not getting my point across.

I'm not talking about duplicate tool numbers in the Operation Manager, I'm talking about the decsription of the tools in the Tool Manager . I have umpteen Endmill1 Flat 0.5000 endmills in the tool manager. They all have a different Tool Name but the Tool Type and the Diameter are the same. When selecting tools from the Tool Manager if it sees that I already have a Tool Type Endmill1 Flat Dia. 0.5000 of one name and then select another with another name it thinks it is the same tool.

[mtnflyr]

dcapps, it sounds like you're on the right track, but that leads to another question. Where the heck do I find the Tool setup page or the job setup? Not sure what that is.

[Ocean Lacky™]

As far as I know, Mastercam does not distinguish between "Joe's" 1/2in. Endmill and "Tom's" 1/2in. Endmill. All it sees is that there are TWO 1/2in. Endmills.

[Cuda84]

Right under your machine group, in your operations manager.

[New Job]

In ops manager expand the Properties entry.

[mtnflyr]

Thanks dcapps.

I found the check box for duplicate tools but that doesn't seem to fix the tool manager telling me I am duplicating tools. I guess I'll just have to accept it.

[crazy^millman]

mtnfly bst thing I can tell you is make up new libaries for each machine. Then you limit the tools you need and their decriptions to only what you want. I perosnally hate a 500 to 700 tool libary to call up and go thorugh. Much easier to just go though a 20 to 50 tool libary on thing I know I got I know I need. You can even go as far as have material spefic to machine spefic tool libaires if you want that way if you have youe setting at set speeds and feeds by tool and have your tools dialed in you are set and up and running with very little effort everytime you need to do a new program.

 

HTH

[mtnflyr]

I don't really have a problem with the number of tools in my library. I do have libraries for specific types of machines, base on RPM limits, and also for different materials. I tend to use a lot of 1/2" end mills of various lengths so there will always be duplicate Endmill1 Flat 0.5000 in my library. That's just what I've been using as an example. That goes for most of the dia. end mills I use.

I didn't have this problem with version X. I know whe I was setting up X2 a question was asked about duplicate tools #s. Apperantly I choose the wrong option. Shouldn't there be a way to change the way the library lets you choose tools?

[Thad]

quote:

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It is annoying to have to accept it every time though...

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Thad teh infomercial

 

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