Manufacturing > Tooling > Tool Setup Dialog Box > To Access an External Tool Database
To Access an External Tool Database
If you have a third party tool management application, you can search for a cutting tool and transfer the parameters and machining data associated with the tool from this external tool database into Creo NC.
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To enable the search mechanism, you have to develop a Creo TOOLKIT application that creates an interface between the external tool database and Creo NC.
1. In the Tool Setup dialog box, click . The Cutting Tool Search dialog box opens.
2. Select a tool type from the Tool Type list. If you leave the tool type as Unspecified, all types of tools will be searched.
3. Build a search expression. Select a parameter from the list box on the left, then select an operator from the list in the middle, and select or type a value on the right. Click Add. The search expression, such as NUM_OF_TEETH>=6, appears in the bottom text box of the Cutting Tool Search dialog box. You can add more expressions and connect them with the logical OR or AND operators by selecting the OR or AND button in the middle portion of the Cutting Tool Search dialog box.
4. Click Find. The system performs the database search and opens a new window that displays the results.
5. Examine the search results and select the desired tool or tools.
6. Click Send. The system adds the selected tools and their parameters to the Tool Table in the Tool Setup dialog box.
7. Click Close in the Cutting Tool Search dialog box to return to the Tool Setup dialog box.
8. To transfer machining data associated with a cutting tool, select the tool name in the Tool Table and click the Speeds & Feeds tab in the Tool Setup dialog box.
9. Select a stock material from the Stock Material list.
10. Click Read DB. The system performs the database search and opens a new window that displays the results.
11. Examine the search results and select the desired set of values. The system enters the cutting data values into the appropriate fields of the Speeds & Feeds tab, both for Roughing and Finishing.
12. Save the tool.
13. If you want to use the tool to cut a different material, repeat Steps 9 through 12.
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