Cutters and Holders

Access: Open this function from one of the following locations:

The Cutters and Holders dialog (or the minimized version - the Select Only Mode):

When not editing or creating a procedure, select NC-Process > Cutters > Cutters from the menu bar or select Cutters in the NC Guide Toolbar.
While editing or creating a procedure, use one of the following methods (in both methods, the Select Only Mode is displayed):
- In the Advanced Mode, click on the cutter name in the Procedure Parameter Table.
- In the Wizard Mode, select the cutter button.
In the Process Manager, click on the cutter name in the procedure row (in this case, the Select Only Mode is displayed).

Select a cutter for a procedure, define cutters and holders, and set machine and motion parameter defaults for specific cutters.

Cimatron's cutter and holder libraries offer an organized, powerful working environment, as well as the ability to create strong, centralized libraries and import catalogs from major suppliers. The libraries provide a flexible working environment and include powerful management capabilities.

Multiple cutters can be defined for individual procedures.
A parameter set can be defined by selecting a Machining Type (Roughing, Semi Finishing, Finishing, Hi Feed).
Milling, Drilling, and all other non-turning cutters are defined in the Cutters & Holders dialog, and can be set with multiple shanks, holders and spindles.
Turning (lathe) cutters are defined in the Turning Cutters dialog.

Example cutter with a holder and multiple spindles

Item	Description
1	Spindle Second Stage
2	Spindle First Stage
3	Holder
4	Shank
5	Shaft
6	Cutter

Example turning cutter

Item

Description

Turret

Tool Holder

Tool Insert

Definitions

Cutter Table	A tool displayed in the Cutters and Holders dialog which is used for managing cutters inside an open NC file (a file that contains milling procedures with their milling motions).
Cutter Library	A tool for managing cutter definitions. The actual cutters may reside in one or more files and the Cutter Library enables a definition of libraries (collections) of one or more such files. The Cutter Library is also used for reading cutter definitions into a Cutter Table.
Extension Library	A tool for managing extension definitions. The actual extensions may reside in one or more files and the Extension Library enables a definition of libraries (collections) of one or more such files.
Holder Library	A tool for managing holder definitions. The actual holders may reside in one or more files and the Holder Library enables a definition of libraries (collections) of one or more such files. The Holder Library is also used for reading holder definitions into a Cutter Library and Cutter Table.

The file types available for the Cutter, Extension and Holder Libraries are of the following types:

NC file (ELT), a file that contains milling procedures with their milling motions - read only.
NC Procedures template file (PCT, TPT, MTT) - read only.
Automatic Drill sequence file (ELT) - read only.
Specially designated files for the definition of Cutters and Holders (CHL - Cutter-Holder Library) - read and write.

Cutter, Extension, and Holder Libraries

Cimatron provides separate cutter, extension and holder libraries. The cutters, extensions and holders are separate entities and are assembled in the cutter table.

The libraries enable users to browse, sort, filter, and search through available cutters, extensions and holders.

The libraries’ interface also allows for easy editing and includes management options such as a Remove Duplicate option that searches and deletes identical copies of existing cutters.

This provides:

A powerful and flexible work environment
Organized cutter and holder libraries

There are separate libraries for the cutters, extensions, and holders.

The libraries can retrieve cutters, extensions, and holders from NC files, NC templates, drill sequences, and designated files.

Centralized libraries

Manufacturers can build centralized cutter, extension and holder libraries which can be shared on the server, so that all Cimatron users in the company are working with the same standard tools and holders.

NC programmers, tool room personnel, and shop floor operators share the same up-to-date data throughout the organization.

The centralized libraries can be viewed by all and managed by authorized users (including viewer seats).

Users can also maintain personal libraries, and access both their own libraries, and the company’s libraries, side by side.

This provides:

An efficient, organized work environment
Improved communication across the company
Standardization across the company

Both of these seats can access the cutters and holders from a centralized library (on the network), or they can use the cutters and holders stored locally on their own computers.

Multiple libraries

The structure of cutter, extension, and holder libraries can hold within it any number of sub-libraries. This means that users can toggle between centralized libraries, libraries shared over the network, and personal libraries.

This also provides users with the flexibility to maintain separate libraries for different types of jobs or for different materials or machines.

Users can also share and exchange libraries easily over a network or even by email.

This results in:

A powerful and flexible work environment
Organized cutter and holder libraries
Better communication between departments
Standardization across the company

There are separate cutter libraries for different materials.

Below, the user has created separate holder libraries for different machines.

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.