Multi Cutters by Tool Life

Access: Open this function from the following location:

From the NC Menu Bar, select NC Edit > Other > Multi Cutters by Tool Life .

Divide a long single finishing procedure into multiple procedures with multiple cutters. The finishing procedure can be divided by cutting time or cutting length, improving surface quality and optimizing tool life.

This function can be applied to single milling and drilling procedures.

Replacement cutters can be created during calculation or selected from a predefined list (see Replacement Cutters in the Parameters table below).

Notes:

Replacement cutters must be the same shape as the procedure's existing cutter.
The cutter and holder (if exists) must be included in the procedure's cutter to avoid collisions.
Cutter replacement is not allowed in any of the following circumstances:
- During subroutines.
- If the cutter is tilted.
- During approach or retract motions.
- In the middle of a drilling cycle.
- During a single drilling operation.

Configuring Multi Cutters by Tool Life

Click on a finishing procedure in the NC Process Manager.
Select the Multi Cutters by Tool Life function. The Multi Cutters by Tool Life dialog is displayed.
Set the dialog's parameters. See the Parameters table below for more.
When you have finished making your selections in the dialog, click Preview .
You can click Cancel to restore the original tool path, or click OK to approve your selections and exit the dialog.

Parameters

Divide by	Drop-down list to set how the procedure is divided: By cutting time or by cutting length. Cutting Time—Divide the procedure by cutting time. Cutting Length—Divide the procedure by cutting length.
Cutting Time	Enter the cutting time in minutes. For Divide by Cutting Time, the valid range is 0.1 to 99999. The default value is copied from the cutter Life Length parameter. For Divide by Cutting Length, the valid range is 0.1 to 99999. The default value is calculated from the cutter Life Length multiplied by the procedure nominal feed divided by 1000.
Additional Allowance	The additional amount (in percentage) of time or length that replacement of a cutter can be deferred, normally to solve a specific problem. The default value is 10 percent. Minimum value = 0 percent Maximum value = 100 percent
Divide Position	Only in Air The cutter is replaced at air motion before the place it finishes its life (and before moving down). Max Feed and Air Connections are considered as Air. Any Motion The cutter can be replaced in any place. When this option is selected, the Approach/Retract option (below) is enabled.
Replacement Cutters	Select from List Select from a predefined list of cutters. This is the default option. When this option is selected, you can click Select Cutters to display the Multiple Cutters Selection dialog to select cutters. Create New Cutters Create new cutters identical to the existing cutter with different magazines. When this option is selected, you can click Magazine Numbers to display the Magazine Numbers dialog to define magazine numbers for newly created cutters. Pause Machining Move the tool to a specific point and pause to allow the operator to replace inserts. This must be supported by the Post. When this option is selected, you can click Set Pausing Position to display the Pausing Position dialog.
Approach / Retract	Drop-down list to set the cutter's approach and retract motions along the tool axis or tangential. Along Tool Axis—The cutter will approach / retract along the tool axis. Tangential—The cutter will approach / retract through a 90° arc that is tangent to the contour. When this option is selected, the App/Return Arc Radius and App/Return Arc Angle fields are displayed. App/Ret Arc Radius: default = Tool Radius Minimum value = 0.01 Maximum value = 999 App/Ret Arc Angle: default = 45 Minimum value = 1 Maximum value = 90

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