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:

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.

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!

Creating New Mill Tools

Open the Tool Libraries window and select “New Mill Tool” in the lower left corner. The following window will pop up:

In the General tab, you can leave most things untouched. The number is important, since this is the number the machine will use to pull offsets from. You just need to make sure that each tool you use in your job has a different number. Keep coolant on flood, this will ensure coolant is flowing the entire time the tool is spinning in the machine (unless you manually change the coolant flow while running). For material, select the one for your given tool. It is always nice to add a description, vendor, and product ID (part number) for your tool.

The Cutter tab is where most of your inputs will go. You will see the tool on the right change as you input parameters.

Select the type of endmill you are using, as well as the unit system. Diameter is just the listed diameter for the part. Flute length will sometimes be referred to as “length of cut” in your tool specs. Shoulder length will be given if you have a necked tool or one with a shoulder. If you do not have a tool with these, which is usually the case, make shoulder length equal to flute length. Shaft diameter is usually equal to the cutting diameter, but if not it will be listed in the tool specs. Overall length will be listed in the tool specs. Body length doesn’t matter so much, as the tool offset is manually entered into the machine during setup. Just make sure it is something that physically works.

The Shaft, Holder, and Holder Geometry tabs don’t need to be edited. The holder stuff is only useful if you have a deep pocket or hole you are trying to cut and want to make sure your specific holder won’t hit the part.

The Feed & Speed tab is very important. This is where, is set up incorrectly, a tool can be run into a part too fast or not be spinning nearly fast enough, resulting in a broken tool and probably sad part. Some of these parameters will be listed in a chart with the tool on the manufacturer’s website. Use them.

Under the Cutter section, select the number of flutes. Spindle Rotation will be clockwise unless you have a very non-standard tool. The Vertical Feedrates section will calculate itself from Feedrates.

You must select spindle speed, and either cutting feed rate or feed per tooth (AKA chip load). In the Speed section, input your spindle speed from the manufacturer. Everything else in the section will calculate. In the Feedrates section, either input the cutting feedrate or the feed per tooth from the manufacturer. Everything else in the section will calculate.