Mix and Match Holder and Inserts

[zeimet50]

Hey guys,

So I'm trying to set up our tooling in mastercam. We use some Kennametal tooling and the inserts and holders are both in the default library in mastercam. The problem is we use a grooving insert with a threading tool bar. Is there anyway to access the threading holder libraries while have the tool defined as a grooving tool (or visa versa).

Thanks!

Grant

[arwinder]

You can modify any tool and save it under your own file of special tools for future use.

[zeimet50]

Yes but both the insert and holder tabs are under the same tool. I have to either define a tool as threading or grooving, thus only the threading or grooving libraries are available. Does this make sense?

[fordav11]

what you want still doesn't make sense. you can pick any tool and use it for any operation. just copy the tool and/or modify an existing tool. you don't need to find the EXACT tool you have just pick something close and modify it.
what tool do you have? Is it a Kennametal Top Notch grooving bar? If yes the same tool can be used for grooving and threading just by changing the insert. Just copy the tool and use one for threading and one for grooving.

[zeimet50]

I've been trying to modify a threading insert, but mastercam won't allow for the geometry.

The insert and holder I'm trying to put together into a tool are NSR-163D and NG3156RK if that helps.

[fordav11]

As far as MCX is concerned you're using the wrong tool. Regardless of whether you can actually use it on a real job or not Mastercam wants to use a grooving tool.

Select any old OD grooving tool from the tool list. Right click the tool and select 'Edit Tool'.
Go to the 'Holder' tab then select 'Get Holder' and select any suitable OD grooving tool from the library.
The tool list seems a bit sh*t. It doesn't have any normal NSR OD grooving tools? Not familiar with any of those stupid numbers so I just guessed one.
Edit the Holder Geometry if required.
Rename it to NSR-163D and save it to the library.

Now select 'Get Insert' and select your NG3156RK insert from the insert library and save it to the library.

In 'Parameters' tab rename the tool to 'NSR-163D - NG3156RK' and save it to the library for future use.

I have found I have to 'Save To Library' on each TAB or MCX forgets what I changed.

At the end of all this B.S. you'll have a 'NSR-163D - NG3156RK' OD grooving tool you can select from the standard tool list.

The MCX tool library is quite powerful. You can edit any tool, create a new tool by drawing it to any shape and select any insert from the tool manufacturer libraries.

See pics attached....


I suppose now you're going to tell me you want to cut a thread with the grooving tool. In MCX that isn't possible AFAIK
In that case you would just have to cut a standard thread and hand edit the code or something.