Multiple tools with the same number.

[ANDY MCGRATH]

When posting I get a sign that comes up from the operation manger stating; Multiple tools using the same tool number were found, generate a tool change in the NCI? In the past in version v7.2 this was not a problem

having a specific tool doing more then one operation. In v8 it makes me do multiple posts.

[Dennis at CAD/CAM Consulting]

Andy,

This is interesting and it bring up a few questions. Are you re-selecting the same tool from the tool library and adding it as another tool to the same job? Are you selecting different tools (different diameters etc)but using the same tool number? How does your machine handle tool changes and tool length/diameter offsets? Why would you want all of the tool to have the same tool number?

I have had a couple of Mastercam users tell me that they always program for 1 tool only and always change tool 1's length offset. I have had them tell me their machine is broken and thinks it always has tool 1 in the spindle.

I have not found a way to suppress that message in V8 yet...

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Dennis Neil

email: [email protected]

http://dennisne.home.netcom.com

[ANDY MCGRATH]

The tool lets say tool number 5 may be a 1/2 inch end mill, in one operation I may have it contour, and in another operation I may have it pocket the only difference may be the feed rate may change between the two operations.