Custom Tool Holder

[Payne530]

Hi all, first post here on CNCzone. I am currently modeling the tool library at our shop to use with Gibbs but I can't get Gibbs to make the custom tool holders. Ive read all the help files I could find and they aren't any help. It says I should select a profile and create the holder or select a solid and create the holder. I haven't had any luck with either approaches. Has anyone ever done this before?

I am exporting the solid models from Solidworks 2011 as parasolid.x_t files.

[cadman]

I use custom toolholders for all of the toolholders we use in the shop, and I also made a macro to create them.

The centerline of the toolholder geometry needs to be at X0 Y0, the height of the toolholder needs to be in the Y+ direction, and geometry at Z0. I use geometry rather than solids, my personal preference, and geometry can be modified easier than a solid toolholder.

[camtd]

Where did the Mdx plugin come from? Is that a Solidworks or a Gibbscam addin?

Thanks

[cadman]

Third party plug-in from JSSMDX JSSMDX Home Page

I posted links to this a couple times in the past on the GibbsCAM message board, but now is too late. He is no longer selling any of his GibbsCAM plug-ins which is too bad, because this is a really handy plug-in that I use in every GibbsCAM session. I can access up to twenty plug-ins/macros from the workspace instead of going into the menus.

[Payne530]

Thanks cadman that worked perfectly. Now I just need to write the code!

[Payne530]

Hey, just wanted to point out when using solids for tool holders the center line must be on the Z axis.

[cadman]

Yes, that is the major difference between using geometry & solids for toolholders. Forgot to mention that.