Importing ToolKit Tool Libraries to the CAM-Part

SolidCAM enables you to import Components/Tool Items from any ToolKit Tool Library into the Part Tool Library of your CAM-Part. For the purpose of this document, a new Part Tool Library is defined by importing the Tool Items from the previously created Machine Tool Setup Library.

The steps to define a new Part Tool Library are as follows:

1. With your CAM-Part opened, double-click the ToolKit header in the SolidCAM Manager.

Displayed is the TOOLKIT dialog box at the Part Tool Library level with Advanced View enabled. The Part Tool Library and Machine Tool Setup Library interfaces are identical in appearance, features and options.

In the following example, the CAM-Part CNC-Machine exactly matches the CNC-Machine used for the basis of the previously created Machine Tool Setup Library.

2. On the Library Toolbar, click the Import from Machine Tool Setup Library option as shown to display the available Machine Tool Setup Libraries (*.tlm files) in the Selection Pane.

3. Double-click the Machine Tool Setup Library you want to use for importing.

4. Import your Tool Items from the appearing external TOOLKIT dialog box. The External TOOLKIT dialog box appears if you have selected the check box for External window for Import in the TOOLKIT Settings. If External window for Import is unchecked the Tool Items of the chosen CAM Tool Table appear in the Selection Pane from which the Tool Items can be imported to the Part Tool Table in the order of your choosing.  

All Tool Items are selected in this case since the Machine Tool Setup Library was predefined for use with the current CAM-Part.

Because the Part Tool Library was empty, the Tool Items are imported with their order and mounting positions preserved.

5. To change the mounting position of the Tool, right-click on the Tool type and select the mounting position of the Tool. In the Part Tool Table, the Tool is placed under the mounting position selected. The right-click menu of the ToolKit Tool Libraries appear as shown.  

6. Once ready, save your Part Tool Library using the Save / Save and Exit  options. The imported Tool Items can be selected for use in your operations.