IMPERIAL – TRAINING TUTORIAL SERIES

TOOL
MANAGER
Tool Manager Training Tutorial

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Mastercam 2018 Tool Manager Training Tutorial
Copyright: 1998 - 2018 In-House Solutions Inc. All rights reserved
Software: Mastercam 2018
ISBN: 978-1-77146-717-9
Author: Mariana Lendel
Revision Date: March 29, 2017

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents
Overview Of The Steps Taken To Create a new tool library: .........................................................4

Creating A New Tool Library ........................................................................................................5

Starting Mastercam Tool Manager ..............................................................................................5

Creating a Tool database file .......................................................................................................6

Create a new Cutting tool ............................................................................................................9

GETTING STARTED
Create a new holder .................................................................................................................14

Editing the holder and the cutting tool ......................................................................................21

Creating and editing a tool assembly .........................................................................................24

Tool Projection ..........................................................................................................................28

Importing a tool from an existing tooldb ...................................................................................30

Import the entire library tools ...................................................................................................36

Importing holders From an existing tooldb ................................................................................40

Import a tool from a dxf file ......................................................................................................45

Tool Manager Training Tutorial

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tool Manager Training Tutorial

 CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

CREATE A NEW TOOL DATABASE

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|3

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY OVERVIEW OF THE STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY:

OVERVIEW OF THE STEPS TAKEN TO CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY:

Create a new Tool Library:
 Start Mastercam Tool Manager.
 Start a new Tool Database and save it.

Create and edit a tool assembly:

 Create a cutting tool and a holder.
 Edit the holder.
 Edit the cutting tool.
 Assemble the cutting tool and the holder.
 Edit the assembly.

Import an existing tool library in the new library:

 Open multiple sessions of Tool Managers.
 Sort the existing library and find the desired tool and holder.
 Drag and drop them in the new library.
 Select an entire library tools and drop them under the Cutting Tools in the new Tool Database Explorer.

Import a tool from a dxf:

 Find a tool in the Iscar website in dxf format.
 Import the tool in the new tool database.
 Find a tool in the Sandvik website in dxf format.
 Check and edit the tool in Mastercam to make sure it is drawn according to the rules.
 Import the tool in the new tool database.

Page|4 Tool Manager Training Tutorial

CREATING A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

CREATING A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

Mastercam’s Tool Manager provides an efficient and comprehensive way to manage tools and tool holding components, and
to create tool assemblies to use in Mastercam. In addition to the tooling component support, Tool Manager also integrates
work material and cut parameter data so that you can accommodate a manufacturer’s cutting recommendations. You can
also create your own cut parameter data and store it in the database.

STEP 1: STARTING MASTERCAM TOOL MANAGER

The Tool Manager is launched separately from Mastercam in the Windows Start menu Mastercam folder. Certain Tool
Manager functions are integrated into the Mastercam interface and are launched from within Mastercam when you are
creating new tools. Also, while you are in Tool Manger, your data is automatically saved as you work, avoiding possible loss
of work and saving time by not requiring manual backups.

ALL PROGRAMS
 Click on Mastercam 2018 folder to expand it.

 Select Tool Manager to launch it.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|5

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATING A TOOL DATABASE FILE

STEP 2: CREATING A TOOL DATABASE FILE

 From the Start Page - Mastercam 2018 Tool Manager, select File.

FILE
 Select New as shown.

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CREATING A TOOL DATABASE FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Click on the Tool Database button as shown.

 Make sure that the folder where you save the new tool is under C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\shared
Mcam2018\mill\Tools.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATING A TOOL DATABASE FILE

 In the File name field enter New tool library and Save it.

 The Database Explorer should look as shown.

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CREATE A NEW CUTTING TOOL CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

STEP 3: CREATE A NEW CUTTING TOOL

Tool Manager uses Documents to organize specific types of data such as tools, holders, and assemblies. The main
workspace uses a tab-style interface to present these documents.

FILE
 Options.
 General.
 Ensure that Default Units is set to Inch.

 Select the OK button to continue.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|9

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATE A NEW CUTTING TOOL

 In the Database Explorer, to open the Tools document, double-click on the Cutting Tools as shown.

 From the Home ribbon, click on the drop down arrow and select the Roundover Tool as shown.

 The Defined Tool dialog box will be launch.

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CREATE A NEW CUTTING TOOL CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Change the tool dimensions as shown in Figure: 3.0.1.

Figure: 3.0.1

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|11

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATE A NEW CUTTING TOOL

 Select the Next button and change the Feed rate, Plunge rate, Spindle speed, Name and Milling properties as
shown in Figure: 3.0.2.

Figure: 3.0.2

 Select the Finish button to exit the Define Tool dialog box.

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CREATE A NEW CUTTING TOOL CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 The tool will look as shown.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATE A NEW HOLDER

STEP 4: CREATE A NEW HOLDER

 To open the Holders document, double-click on the Holder in the Database Explorer.

 From the Home ribbon, double click on the Holder icon as shown.

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CREATE A NEW HOLDER CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 The Holder Wizard will be launched as shown in Figure: 4.0.1.

Figure: 4.0.1

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATE A NEW HOLDER

 Leave the Upper Type to BT and the Lower Type to ID and in the Upper Size enter 40 and press Enter.
 Set the ID Size to 1. The dialogue box should look as shown.

 Click on the Add Segment button.

Page|16 Tool Manager Training Tutorial

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CREATE A NEW HOLDER CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Change the values as shown in Figure: 4.0.2.

Figure: 4.0.2

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|17

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATE A NEW HOLDER

 Click on the Add Segment button again and change the last row values as shown in Figure: 4.0.3.

Figure: 4.0.3

 Select the Next button to continue the holder creation

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CREATE A NEW HOLDER CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Leave the default settings as shown in Figure: 4.0.4 and click on the Finish button.

Figure: 4.0.4

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATE A NEW HOLDER

 The holder should look as shown.

NOTE: You can rotate the holder in the Graphics Window by holding down the mouse wheel and moving the
mouse.

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EDITING THE HOLDER AND THE CUTTING TOOL CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Right mouse click on the tool and select the Isometric view.

 Right mouse click again and select Fit.

STEP 5: EDITING THE HOLDER AND THE CUTTING TOOL

To edit the Holder or the Cutting tool you can select them in the Tools or Holders documents and then use the Properties
Grid and change the value as needed.

Editing the Holder

 In the Holders document double click in the holder Name column as shown.

 In the Graphic area click on the segment that you want to modify as shown.

NOTE: The segment color will change to red.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|21

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY EDITING THE HOLDER AND THE CUTTING TOOL

 Change the segment Height to 0.5 as shown in Figure: 5.0.1.

Figure: 5.0.1

 Select the Finish button to exit.

 The holder should look as shown.

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EDITING THE HOLDER AND THE CUTTING TOOL CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

Editting the Cutting Tool

 Select the Tools tab and double click on the tool row as shown.

 Change the Shoulder Length to 0.375 as shown in Figure: 5.0.2.

 Press Enter and the geometry of the cutting tool will be updated as shown in Figure: 5.0.2.

Figure: 5.0.2

 Select the Finish button to exit.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATING AND EDITTING A TOOL ASSEMBLY

STEP 6: CREATING AND EDITTING A TOOL ASSEMBLY

 Click on the Assembly button in the Home ribbon as shown in Figure: 6.0.1.

Figure: 6.0.1

 Tool Manager opens the Assemblies document.

 Click on the Holders tab.
 Click on the holder as shown in Figure: 6.0.2.

Figure: 6.0.2

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CREATING AND EDITTING A TOOL ASSEMBLY CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Hold left click and drag the Holder in the Assembly Tree.

 Release the mouse to drop the Holder.

 The Assembly Tree should look as shown.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY CREATING AND EDITTING A TOOL ASSEMBLY

 Double click on the Tools tab and click on the tool.

 Hold down and drag the tool in the Assembly Tree same way as you did with the holder.
 Release the mouse and the Assembly Tree will look as shown.

NOTE: You can have more than one instance of the Tool Manager open, and drag and drop assembly
components from another database to add the component to the assembly.
Putting multiple tools in an assembly is not allowed. Dragging another tool onto an assembly will replace the
existing tool.
You cannot place a holder component after a tool component.

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CREATING AND EDITTING A TOOL ASSEMBLY CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Click on the Assemblies tab.

 The assembly should look as shown.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY TOOL PROJECTION

STEP 7: TOOL PROJECTION

There are two options to adjust the tool projection. You can click on the holder in the graphic are and use the ruler to
dynamically edit the tool projection or you can click in the holder area and in the Properties General settings change the
Tool Projection size.

Option 1: Adjust the Tool Projection in the graphic area

 In the Graphics Window, move the cursor above the holder and click.
 The holder is going to be highlighted “glows” as shown.

 Hold down Ctrl key until the double arrow appears and then click.

 The dynamic ruler appears.

 When the ruler displays move the cursor as shown.

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TOOL PROJECTION CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Move the mouse back and forth along the tool to change the length that the tool projects from the holder.

NOTE: The moves are in increments of 0.25”.

 Click when the ruler is located at 1.500” as shown.

Option 2: Adjust the Tool Projection in the Properties

 In the Assemblies document click in the Holder Name column and in the Properties, Tool Projection change
the size to 1.75 as shown in Figure: 7.0.1.

Figure: 7.0.1

 The assembly will be automatically saved.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORTING A TOOL FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

STEP 8: IMPORTING A TOOL FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

In this step you will learn how to import tools from the Mill_Inch. Tooldb into the New tool library.Tooldb.

NOTE: The default location for tool database files is C:\Users\Public\Documents\Shared

Mcam2018\mill\Tools. However, you may have to navigate to a different location if you have customized your
default location for tool database files.

Open another session of Tool Manger

 Select the Open icon as shown.

 Make sure that you are in the Tools folder (C:\Users\Public\Documents\shared Mcam2018\mill\Tools).
 Select the mill_inch.tooldb and open it.
 The Database Explorer should look as shown.

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IMPORTING A TOOL FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 In the Database Explorer double click on the Cutting Tools.

 The Tool Manager should look as shown.

NOTE: There are no Tool Assemblies in this Tool database.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORTING A TOOL FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

Find a tool using Sorting and Grouping by Column

 To sort the tool database you can drag a column header in the area below the document tabs as shown.

 Click in Diameter header column and drag it above.

 The sorting will be based on the diameter as shown in Figure: 8.0.1.

 Click on the Diameter button making sure that the arrow points upwards as shown in Figure: 8.0.1.

Figure: 8.0.1

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IMPORTING A TOOL FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Scroll up and find the 0.5 diameter and click on the + sign in front of it to expand it as shown in Figure: 8.0.2.
 Scroll down to find the 1/2 Flat Endmill as shown in Figure: 8.0.2.

Figure: 8.0.2

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORTING A TOOL FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

Drag the 1/2 Flat endmill into the New tool library
 Re-size both Tool Managers by selecting and dragging one corner of the dialog box and then set them side by
side as shown.

 Select the 1/2 Flat Endmill and drag and drop it to the New tool library Database Explorer in the Cutting Tools
as shown.

Page|34 Tool Manager Training Tutorial

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IMPORTING A TOOL FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 In the Tools Document of the New tool library, the 1/2 Flat Endmill is added as shown.

NOTE: The tool can be modified as needed changing the setting values in the Properties.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY TOOLS

STEP 9: IMPORT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY TOOLS

To import the entire library you need to have both Tool Managers open. You will have to select all tools and then drag and
drop them in the Cutting Tools of the new library.

 Make sure that both mill_inch.tooldb and New tool library.tooldb are opened.
 In the mill_inch.tooldb, to remove the sorting by Diameter, click on the Diameter button to select it as shown.

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IMPORT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY TOOLS CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Hold, drag and drop it below as shown in Figure: 9.0.1.

Figure: 9.0.1

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY TOOLS

 To select all the tools available in the Tools Document, select the first tool and then holding down the Shift key
scroll down and select the last one.
 Release the Shift key.
 Right mouse click in the tool list area and select Copy as shown in Figure: 9.0.2.

Figure: 9.0.2

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IMPORT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY TOOLS CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Right mouse click in the Tools Document of the New tool library.tooldb and select Paste as shown in Figure:
9.0.3.

Figure: 9.0.3

NOTE: It can take several minutes until the system copies all the tools.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|39

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORTING HOLDERS FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

STEP 10: IMPORTING HOLDERS FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

In this step you will learn how to import holders from the same library into the New tool library.Tooldb.

 From the mill_inch.tooldb, in the Database Explorer double click on the Holder.
 The Tool Manager should look as shown.

Page|40 Tool Manager Training Tutorial

IMPORTING HOLDERS FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

Find a holder using Sorting and Grouping by Column

 Click in Upper Connection header column and drag it above.

 The sorting will be based on the Upper Connection Type as shown in Figure: 10.0.1.

Figure: 10.0.1

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|41

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORTING HOLDERS FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

 Click on the Upper Connection Size and then click on the + sign in front of the CAT to expand it as shown
in Figure: 10.0.2.
 Scroll down to find the C4C4-0016 as shown in Figure: 10.0.2.

Figure: 10.0.2

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IMPORTING HOLDERS FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

Drag the holder into the New tool library

 Re-sized both Tool Managers by selecting and draging one corner of the dialog box and then set them side by
side.
 Select the Holders document in the New tool library as shown.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORTING HOLDERS FROM AN EXISTING TOOLDB

 Select the C4C4-0016 and drag and drop it to the New tool library Database Explorer in the Holders document.

 In the Holders Document of the New tool library, the holder is added as shown.

NOTE: The holder can be modified as needed changing the setting values in the Properties.

Page|44 Tool Manager Training Tutorial

IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

To import all the holders from the library, follow STEP 9

 Click on the X in the upper right corner to close both Mastercam Tool Mangers.

STEP 11: IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

In this step you will learn how to create tools using a dxf files from two major Tool manufactures: ISCAR and Sandvik.

NOTE: In order for the Tool Manager to read in DXF tools, the DXF tool file must be in ISO 13399 format.
The geometry must conform to the following:
1. The tool geometry must be in a horizontal orientation.
2. There must be a level named "nocut" (it does not matter what the level number is) and this level must
contain the non-cutting portion of the tool.
3. There must be a level named "cut" (again level number does not matter) that contains the cutting
geometry of the tool.
4. All "cut" and "nocut" geometry must be on the Y+ side of origin.
5. These 2 boundaries must be closed.
6. These 2 boundaries, at minimum should be adjoined but they can overlap.

Download a dxf file from ISCAR

 Open a browser and go to www.iscar.com.
 Select Product Lines and then Milling as shown.

 Select the H.F.M. (High Feed Milling).

 Click on For more information about High Feed Milling cutters, click here.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|45

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

 Select the Fast Feed Endmills, Carrying Double-Sided inserts with 6 Cutting Edges as shown.

 Select from the list the FF EWX D25-3-050-W25-05.

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Click on the DXF as shown to download it.

 Click again on the Download DXF File Now!!!

 Save the file to an easy to find location.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|47

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

Create the tool in Tool Manager

 Open Tool Manager as shown before.
 From the Recent Documents, open New tool library.tooldb as shown.

 From the Home ribbon, in the New Milling click on the drop down arrow and select the Custom Tool as shown.

 The Define Tool dialog box will be launched.

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Select the Import and link to custom geometry from a file icon as shown in Figure: 11.0.1.

Figure: 11.0.1

 Find the dxf location, select the 3105259 - FF EWX D25-3-050-W25-05.dxf and open it.
 The geometry should look as shown.

 Select the Next button.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|49

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

 Change the values to match the following screenshot.

 Select the Finish button to exit.

 The tool will be added into the tool database and look as shown.

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

Download a dxf file from Sandvik

 Open a browser and go to www.sandvik.coromant.com.
 Select the Tools tab.
 Find the Milling tools and click on the Go to the milling tools page.

 Scroll down and click on the Shoulder milling, edging.

 In the Shoulder milling, edging under Deep shoulder milling with long edge cutters select the CoroMill 390 as
shown.

 Click on the Assortment tab as shown.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

 In the search field enter RA390-032C5-36L to find the tool.

 Scroll down and select the 2D model (DXF) to download it.

 Click on the Save as button and save the file 1196566.dxf on your computer.
 Exit the browser.
Create the tool in Tool Manager
 Open Tool Manager as shown before.

Page|52 Tool Manager Training Tutorial

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 From the Recent Documents, open New tool library.tooldb as shown.

 From the Home ribbon, in the New Milling click on the drop down arrow and select the Custom Tool as shown.

 The Define Tool dialog box will be launched.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|53

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

 Select the Import and link to custom geometry from a file icon as shown in Figure: 11.0.2.

Figure: 11.0.2

 Find the dxf location, select the 1196566.DXF file and open it.
 Invalid Tool Properties Problem with custom tool file or data will appear as shown.

NOTE: Most of the Sandvik tool dxf file are not conforming with ISO 13399 format.
You will have to open the file in Mastercam and fix it.
The problems with Sandvik files are:
1. In the “nocut” level you will need to add the non-cutting portion of the tool.
2. In the “cut” level you will need to add the insert geometry.
3. You will need to fix both geometries to ensure that they are closed boundaries.
4. Make sure that the geometry contains only lines and arcs. No splines are supported,

 Select the X in the upper corner to close the Tool Wizard.

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

Fixing the tool geometry in Mastercam

 Launch Mastercam 2018

FILE
 Open.
 Make sure that the extension is for Autocad Files (*.DWG, *.DXF) files as shown and open 1196566.DXF file.

 The drawing should look as shown.

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|55

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

VIEW
 From the Managers group, click on the Levels as shown.

 Make sure that you click on the pin icon to dock the level to the left of the graphics view.

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Make Level 5 the Main level by clicking on the 5 in the Number column as shown in Figure: 11.0.3.

Figure: 11.0.3

 Make the rest of the levels invisible by clicking on the Turn all levels off icon as shown in Figure: 11.0.4.

Figure: 11.0.4

Tool Manager Training Tutorial Page|57

CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

Move the Insert geometry in the “Cut” Level 22.

 Hold down the Shift key and click on the insert to select it as shown below.

NOTE: Wireframe color was changed to dark blue for better visibility. You may keep the color as light blue.

 Right mouse click in the graphics window and from the Mini Toolbar select the Change Level icon as shown.

 Make sure Copy is enabled, disable Use Active Level and in the Level Number enter 22 as shown in Figure:
11.0.5.

Figure: 11.0.5

 Select the OK button to exit Change Levels dialog box.

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

Move the non cutting geometry in the “Nocut” Level 27.

NOTE: The non cutting geometry is not as clearly defined as the insert. You will first have to select most of it,
then create the missing geometry and trim it to ensure a closed chain. You will also need to use Mirror
command to move the non cutting geometry on the Y+ side of the origin.

 As some of the geometry is made out of small splines to ensure that you select the geometry hold down the
Shift key and then select the segments as shown in a thicker line.

NOTE: Zoom in when needed. To zoom in, move the cursor in the area that you want to zoom in and scroll up
the mouse wheel.

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CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE

 Move the cursor in the area as shown in Figure: 11.0.6.

Figure: 11.0.6

 Scroll up the mouse wheel to zoom in the area.

 Hold down the shift key and select the rest of the geometry as shown in Figure: 11.0.7.

Figure: 11.0.7

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Right mouse click in the graphics window and from the Mini Toolbar select the Change Level icon as shown.

 Make sure Copy is enabled, disable Use Active Level and in the Level Number enter 27 as shown in
Figure: 11.0.8.

Figure: 11.0.8

 Select the OK button to exit Change Levels dialog box.

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Name the Levels

 In the Levels panel, click in the Number column on number 22 as shown in Figure: 11.0.9. This makes Level 22
the current level.
 Name the level “Cut” as shown in Figure: 11.0.9.

Figure: 11.0.9

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Make Level 27 current level, name it and make the rest of the levels invisible
 To make level 27 current level, in the Levels Manager click in the Number column on 27 and name it “Nocut” as
shown in Figure: 11.0.10.

Figure: 11.0.10

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 Click on Turn all levels off icon to make the rest of the levels invisible as shown in Figure: 11.0.11.

Figure: 11.0.11

 Press Alt + F1 to fit the geometry to the screen and see the entire geometry.

 To hide the Levels Manager, click on the Auto Hide icon as shown.

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Project the entities in the Top plane at Z zero

TRANSFORM
 From the Position group, select the Project icon as shown.

 Make a window around all entities as shown.

 Select the End Selection button.

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 In the Project panel enable Move and set the rest of the parameters as shown.

 Select the OK button to exit the command.

 Right mouse click in the graphics window and from the Mini Toolbar select the Clear Colors icon as shown.

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Create a vertical line

WIREFRAME
 From the Lines group, select the Line Endpoints icon as shown.

 In the Line Endpoints panel make sure that Freeform and Two endpoints are enabled as shown.

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 [Specify the first endpoint]: Select Endpoint A as shown.

 [Specify the second endpoint]: Select Endpoint B as shown.

 Select the OK button to exit the command.

Trimming the geometry

WIREFRAME
 From the Modify group, select the Trim Break Extend icon as shown.

 In the Trim Break Extend panel enable Divide/delete as shown.

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 Hover the cursor above the geometry as shown and scroll the mouse wheel up to zoom in the area shown
in Figure: 11.0.12.

Figure: 11.0.12

 Select the segments that need to be removed as shown in Figure: 11.0.13.

Figure: 11.0.13

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 In the Trim Break Extend Panel, enable Trim 2 entities as shown.

 [Select the entity to trim/extend]: Select Entity A as shown in Figure: 11.0.14.

 [Select the entity to trim/extend to]: Select Entity B as shown in Figure: 11.0.14.

Figure: 11.0.14

 Select the OK button to exit the command.

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IMPORT A TOOL FROM A DXF FILE CREATE A NEW TOOL LIBRARY

 Move the cursor as shown to zoom in.

 Hold down the Shift key and select the entities as shown.

 Press Delete key to delete the chain.

 Press Alt + F1 to fit the geometry to the screen.
 Move the cursor to zoom in as shown.

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 Select Entity A and Entity B as shown.

 Press Delete key to delete the chain.

Use Line Endpoints to close the chain
WIREFRAME
 From the Lines group, select the Line Endpoints icon as shown.

 In the Line Endpoints panel make sure that Freeform and Two endpoints are enabled as shown.

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 [Specify the first endpoint]: Select Endpoint A as shown.

 [Specify the second endpoint]: Select Endpoint B as shown.

 [Specify the first endpoint]: Select Endpoint C as shown.

 [Specify the second endpoint]: Select Endpoint D as shown.

 Select the OK button to exit the command.

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Trimming the geometry

 Move the cursor as shown to zoom in.

WIREFRAME
 From the Modify group, select the Trim Break Extend icon as shown.

 Make sure that Trim 2 entities is enabled in the Trim Break Extend panel.
 [Select the entity to trim/extend]: Select Entity E as shown in Figure: 11.0.15.
 [Select the entity to trim/extend too]: Select Entity F as shown in Figure: 11.0.15.

Figure: 11.0.15

 Select the OK button to exit the command.

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Delete the extra geometry

 Select the entity as shown.

 Select Delete key.

 Press Alt +F1 to see the entire geometry as shown.

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Delete overlapping entities

NOTE: To complete this step you need to have a Mastercam license. The C-hooks are not available with the
Home Learning Edition.

Overlapping entities are shorter entities that start at the same endpoint with another entity. You need a clean , closed
geometry to define the holder.

HOME
 Select Run Add-Ins icon as shown.

 Find and select the FindOverlap.dll file and click on the Open button as shown.

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 [Select entities to check for overlap]: Make a window around the entire geometry as shown.

 Select the End Selection button.

 If no overlapping entities were found select the OK button to continue.
 Otherwise, in the FindOverlap C-Hook dialog box, click on the Cleanup button to automatically remove the
overlaps.

 A message that the overlapping entities were deleted will appear on the screen.
 Select the OK button to finish.

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Create a horizontal line

WIREFRAME
 From the Lines group, select the Line Endpoints icon as shown.

 In the Line Endpoints panel, enable Horizontal as shown.

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 [Specify the first endpoint]: Select the Origin as shown.

 [Specify the second endpoint]: Select a point as shown.

 Select the OK button to exit the command.

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Trim the entities to make a closed chain

WIREFRAME
 From the Modify group, select the Trim Break Extend icon as shown.

 Make sure that Trim 3 entities is enabled in the Trim Break Extend panel.
 [Select the first entity to trim/extend]: Select Entity A as shown in Figure: 11.0.16.
 [Select the second entity to trim/extend]: Select Entity B as shown in Figure: 11.0.16.
 [Select the entity to trim/extend to]: Select Entity C as shown in Figure: 11.0.16.

Figure: 11.0.16

 Select the OK button to exit the command.

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 The geometry should look as shown.

Move the upper left corner in the Origin

TRANSFORM
 From the Position group, select the Move to Origin icon.
 [Select the point to translate from]: Select the Endpoint A as shown.

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Analyze Chain

Use Analyze Chain command to make sure that the geometry is completely cleaned up.

HOME
 From the Analyze group, select the Chain icon.

 Select the geometry as shown.

NOTE: The chain should start as shown and only one arrow (green) should appear on the chain. If the starting
point is in a different location zoom in and fix the geometry.

 Press Esc to exit Analyze chain command.

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Combine Views

To make sure that all entities are in the same view you will run Combine Views.

WIREFRAME
 From the Modify group, select the Combine Views icon as shown.

 This message will appear on the screen.

 Select the OK button to finish the command.

Mirror the geometry about X-Axis
 Make a window around the geometry to select all entities as shown.

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TRANSFORM
 From the Position group, select the Mirror icon.

 Make sure that Move is enabled, and the radio button in front of X offset is enabled as shown in Figure:
11.0.17.

Figure: 11.0.17

 Select the OK button.

 Right mouse click in the graphics window, and click on the Clear Colors icon.

 Right mouse click in the graphics window, and select Fit to fit geometry into the screen.

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 The geometry should look as shown.

Convert the splines into lines and arcs

 Select the Levels tab as shown.

 In the Levels panel make level 22 visible as shown.

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 Make a window around the entire geometry as shown.

WIREFRAME
 From the Modify group, click on the drop down arrow below Trim Break Extend and select Break Many as
shown.

 In the Break Many Pieces panel, enable Create Lines and Tolerance and set the value as shown.
 Enable Delete for the Original Curves/Lines as shown.

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 The geometry should look as shown.

NOTE: The points are just for display showing you where the splines were broken to generate the lines. Once
you exit the command the points will disappear.

 Select the OK button to exit.

 If necessary, press OK if a warning pops up.
Save the file as a dxf file
FILE
 Save As.
 Click on the arrow in the Save as type field and change the file type to DXF as shown and save the file as
Sandvik tool.dxf.

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Create the tool in Tool Manager

 Open Tool Manager as shown before.
 From the Recent Documents, open New tool library.tooldb as shown.

 From the Home ribbon, in the New Milling click on the drop down arrow and select the Custom Tool as shown.

 The Define Tool dialog box will be launched.

 Select the Import and link to custom geometry from a file icon as shown in Figure: 11.0.18.

Figure: 11.0.18

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 Find the dxf location, select the Sandvik tool.DXF file and open it.

NOTE: It might take couple of minutes to open the geometry.

 The geometry should look as shown in Figure: 11.0.19.

Figure: 11.0.19

 Select the Next button to continue.

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 Change the parameters as shown Figure: 11.0.20.

Figure: 11.0.20

 Select the Finish button to complete the tool creation.

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 The tool should look as shown.

 Select the X in the upper corner to close the Tool Manager.

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