Defining Tools in AlphaCAM

Defining Tools in AlphaCAM

Before tool paths can be set in AlphaCAM, the program needs information about the cutting tools which will be used. This is done in the DEFINE TOOL routine in AlphaCAM. There will be a similar procedure in all other NC code producing software.

In the MACHINE menu, click on DEFINE TOOL.

This "Select Tool Type" picture appears. Click on Flat End.

This "Define Tool - FLAT END" dialogue box appears. Enter the relevant details.

Make the Tool Number and the Offset Number the same as the Tool Diameter, eg for a 6mm cutter make all three numbers equal to 6.

In the "Length" field, enter the length of the tool flutes.

Select "Fixed Feeds and Speeds" and enter values suitable for a particular material. The values shown are suggested for free-cutting aluminium.

If you wish, you can use calculated feeds and speeds but you must look up and enter the relevant data. Along with this you must go into AlphaEDIT and, in FILE - OPEN MATERIAL - MILL, check that the default feed rates for various materials are appropriate for the F1 mill. The default values tend to be high and are appropriate for heavy industrial milling machines using copious coolant when cutting.

Leave everything else in this dialogue box as it is.

Click OK

Tools definitions are saved in the folder Licomdat. We suggest you create or open a sub-folder called WELmill and keep your own tool definitions there. When setting toolpaths, use tools from this folder.

Open the sub-folder, WELmill, and enter the name of the tool in the format shown. Click Save.

Click OK. The "Select Tool Type" screen reappears. Define another tool or close this screen if the job is done.

Back in WELmill
Tools defined in AlphaCAM and required for a particular job must also be listed in the WELmill Tool Data Table and their offsets much be measured before machining can commence.

Accuracy of Machining
Measuring Offsets
Speeds and Feeds for High Speed Steel (HSS) Tools
Speeds and Feeds for Tipped Tools (not HSS)
Tool Organisation