The tool assembly editor is where you change a tool in CAM Assist: its tool number and stickout, the cutting tool's geometry, the holder, and the tool's cutting parameter presets. It opens as a window over the page you're on.
Open the editor
From My Shop > Tool libraries:
- Double-click the tool's row.
- Click ⋮ on the row and choose Open assembly (View in a CloudNC library).
- Click the row, then Open assembly in the details pane.
- Click Add > New tool assembly to add one. See Add a tool assembly to a tool library.
You can also open it from your part: in the Tools stage, click a tool and then the edit icon in its details; in the Program stage, click an operation and choose Open in tool library on its tool. A tool with no holder opens in a smaller window. See Edit a standalone tool.
Tabs
The header shows the assembly name, its library, its tool number, and whether it's Valid or Needs fixing. Click the tool number to jump to the Tool number field.
| Tab | What you edit | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Name, description, which tool and holder make up the assembly, Tool number, Stickout | Add a tool assembly to a tool library |
| Tool | Tool type, allowed usages and stock materials, and geometry | Edit a tool's geometry in CAM Assist |
| Holder | Holder geometry | Edit a tool holder |
| Presets | Cutting parameter presets | Add or edit cutting parameter presets |
A warning icon on a tab means a field on it needs fixing. A live drawing of the assembly is shown beside the Assembly tab. If CAM Assist finds problems with the assembly, it lists them under Errors:.
Buttons
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Next | Goes to the next tab. Only shown for a new assembly. |
| Save | Saves every tab and closes the editor. You see Assembly updated successfully. If something is missing, it shows the errors instead; hover over it to see Still needed to save:. |
| Cancel | Closes the editor. If you've made changes, CAM Assist asks whether to Keep editing or Discard changes. |
Preset changes are saved with the assembly, so click Save to keep them.
If the program on your part uses the tool you changed, CAM Assist offers to run again so the change takes effect. Click Run CAM Assist, or Ignore to run later.
Built-in tools
Tools in CloudNC libraries open as View tool assembly, marked Built-in, read-only, with a Close button. To change one, copy it to your own library first. See Copy tools to another tool library.
Terms used
- Tool assembly: a cutting tool in a holder, with a tool number and stickout.
- Stickout: the length of tool protruding from the holder. Use your real stickout so feeds and speeds are realistic.
- Preset: saved cutting parameters for the tool on a material. See What is a cutting parameter preset?