Tool Library and tool settings

What it does

Manages the tools used in the job. The tools under Project tools are the tools of this job.

Where to find it

Model › Tools › Tool Library and the Tools node in the CAM Manager

Standard tool library by group

The MECHCAD catalogue holds standard metric tools you can buy off the shelf (IDs T100 and up) in addition to the original tool set. The S / F values of the standard tools are generic starting values; adjust them for your material and actual tool.

The same groups are used wherever you pick a tool: the Tools node in the CAM Manager lists the job tools by group (for example Drill (5)), and the tool selector in the Tool section of the operation box lists the tools by group, with the operation's own group first. Each row shows the Ø, and the Filter tools: name, group, Ø ... box narrows the list.

Main tool settings

Chamfer tools

A chamfer mill uses Included angle (A) (for example 90° or 60°) and Tip dia (d) (the flat tip). MECHCAD uses these two values to put the cone exactly on the chamfer line. A Chamfer operation sets Chamfer width (default 0.5) and Tip offset (how far the tip goes below the bottom of the chamfer, default 0) in the Path Setting section of the operation box, and shows the computed position, for example Tool axis 3.000 mm off the edge, tip at Z-3.000 (A90, tip d2). If the chamfer is too wide for the tool, you see chamfer too wide for the tool. If you click a chamfer face that is already in the model, MECHCAD takes the sharp edge and the width from that face.

The Tool box (create / edit a tool)

Click New tool..., or right-click a tool in the CAM Manager › Edit Tool..., to open the floating Tool box. It has the Cutter / Holder / Speeds tabs next to a drawing of the tool with its dimension letters (D, L, FL, SD, R, A ...).

When you edit a tool that is in use, the toolpaths of the operations using it are marked for recalculation, and the cutter in the simulation changes with it (see Simulation).

Try it: Choose the right tools for a screwdriver rack

A 160 × 30 × 20 bench rack with six Ø8 holes keeps your screwdrivers standing. Out of the box, the operations would use a 6 mm end mill and a 6 mm drill. Here you pick the right cutters from the library.

1. Model a 160 × 30 × 20 block. On the top face, draw six Ø8 circles at Y 15 and X 15, 41, 67, 93, 119 and 145, then Extrude Cut them Through All.
2. CAM › New Job › Mill Template. In Stock, choose Part + allowance (0.5 mm on top to face) and set Support height (parallels) to 5 so the drill can break through.
3. Click Model › Tools › Tool Library. Type HSS in the search box and select Ø8 HSS-Co twist drill DIN 338 (T35). It is already in Project tools. (Tools from the MECHCAD catalogue folder are copied in with Add to project.)
4. Click Edit parameters and set Default RPM to 1000.
5. Add a Face on the top face. In the Tool section of the operation box, choose T3 12mm 3F face mill. It needs far fewer passes than the 6 mm default.
6. Add a Drill: click all six hole walls and press Enter. Smart Hole picks the first Ø8 drill of the job for you, T35, and sets Depth to 22.903 (20 mm of plate + the 118° point + 0.5 mm to break through). Set Peck depth to 4.
7. Simulate. The estimated time is about 3.3 min, and the G-code changes tools with T35 M06 and S1000.

Challenge: Add a Chamfer on the top edge of one hole with T20 6mm 90deg Chamfer Mill so the screwdrivers slide in easily.

Note: CAM is available only in MECHCAD Premium (and during the trial).