Defining and Editing ToolKit Libraries

SolidCAM enables you to create new or edit existing ToolKit Tool Libraries in various ways. You can easily add components to your Tool Library using the extensive Components available.

Defining Tool Libraries

You can use the available SolidCAM controls in the SOLIDWORKS environment, including:

  1. SolidCAM tabs in SOLIDWORKS CommandManager

SolidCAM Part tab > New/Edit Tool Library options

  1. SolidCAM toolbars in SOLIDWORKS window

SolidCAM New Tool Library toolbar

SolidCAM Edit Tool Library toolbar

 

  1. SOLIDWORKS Menu Bar

SOLIDWORKS Menu Bar > Tools > SolidCAM > ToolKit-Y

  1. SOLIDWORKS Task Pane

SolidCAM tab > Tool Library Manager

Defining/Editing Tool Libraries

If a CAM project is already open, you can also create new or edit existing ToolKit Tool Libraries from the SolidCAM Manager > ToolKit header > New/Edit Tool Library right-click commands.

In addition, SolidCAM ToolKit is provided as a standalone application, enabling you to create new or edit existing Tool Libraries when SOLIDWORKS and SolidCAM are not actively running.   The full path to SolidCAM’s standalone ToolKit application is C:\Program Files\SolidCAM2021\Solidcam\Toolkit-Y.exe     When running ToolKit from Toolkit-Y.exe, the type of Tool Library you want to create is chosen in the New dialog box.  

Whether you are running ToolKit independently or from within SOLIDWORKS/SolidCAM, a Machine Tool Setup Library requires you to choose the CNC-Machine for the basis of your Tool Library creation.
Your New Tool Library selection will display the appropriate TOOLKIT dialog box that enables you to create the Tool Library of your choosing. For documentation purpose, the ToolKit Tool Libraries will be defined in the order as shown.  

Tool Components Library (1st)

Tool Assemblies Library (2nd)

Machine Tool Setup library (3rd)
  When you want to edit an existing Tool Library from within SOLIDWORKS/SolidCAM, choose the type using one of the described methods.   Your Edit Tool Library selection will display the Open ToolKit dialog box that enables you to browse and select for editing the Tool Library of your choosing.  

The Tool Library file type is selected automatically, but it can be easily changed on the fly if you want to choose a different Tool Library for editing.

 

When you want to use SolidCAM’s standalone ToolKit application to edit an existing Tool Library, it can be opened from Windows/File Explorer. By default, all ToolKit Tool Libraries are saved in the folder C:\Users\Public\Documents\SolidCAM\SolidCAM2021\Tables\Metric or ...\Inch depending on your SolidCAM Units selection.

If you want to specify a different default directory, you can do so in the ToolKit Settings.

 

Related Topics

  1. Overview
  2. ToolKit Dialog Box