Tool libraries are where all the tools live that you can use in CAM that represent the tools used in machines in real life.
Adding the Standard Libraries
The Tormach 1100M’s in the MIE Capstone Lab already have some basic tools set up in a library we can pull from. There is one for aluminum and one for steel. They are located here in PDM:
C:\NER\Weldment Profiles and Sheet Formats\HSM Tool Libraries
Start by opening the tool library from the HSM tab in SolidWorks.
Navigate to “My Libraries,” right click, and select “New Library.” Alternatively, you can select “New Library” from the bottom of the window while you have “My Libraries” selected.
Do not select “Import Library.” You must create a library and then import the tools.
Rename the library to whatever you like. Typically, you should include the name of the type of machine, what material the tools are for, and/or what type of tools they are.
Right click your new library and select “Import Tools from Library…”
Navigate to your desired library, select it, and click “Open.” The library should be a .hsmlib file.
Congratulations, now you have your tools!
