About Using Solid Models as Multitasking Tools
You can create a solid model with multiple inserts and use it as a multitasking tool in the Tool Setup dialog box. The solid model can consist of single parts or assemblies. You can use different inserts in different NC sequences using the TIP_CONTROL_POINT parameter. This solid tool model can be used for toolpath computation and degouging only if it is retrieved using the Use Outline option in the Tools Setup dialog box.
Note the following points while creating a solid multitasking tool:
• You can define multitasking tools for 5-Axis Mill/Turn workcells. These tools support area, groove, and profile turning operations.
• A maximum of 6 tips are allowed. You must indicate insert with a coordinate system with the corresponding tip number of the cutting insert, such as TIP1, TIP2, TIP3. The initial tip is always TIP or TIP1.
• Tips for the cutting inserts are at angles to the initial or the first TIP1 in the YZ-plane.
• The values for various tool parameters specified in the solid tool assembly are populated in the Tools Setup dialog box.
• Preview the part or assembly of multitasking tools in the Tools Setup dialog box. The default orientation is of TIP1 and displays a vertical positive X-axis and a horizontal positive Z-axis. The step-level preview shows the orientation of the active tip defined by the TIP_CONTROL_POINT parameter.