How to Create Cut Configs
Creating unique Cut Configs for different materials and machines enables you to define the available tools, which machining roles they should be used in, and the cutting parameters for each role when analyzing a part in Toolpath
To create a new Cut Config:
- Go to the Cut Config tab in Toolpath (in the Tools page).
- Select the Create button and click Cut Config:
- This will bring you to the new Cut Config page, where you can select the tool libraries to be used in the Cut Config.
- Select the Tool Libraries that the new Cut Config will use by checking the boxes.
- Use the triple up arrow icon to the right of selected tool libraries to tell Toolpath which Tool Libraries to prioritize, if multiple are selected.
Preferred Tool Libraries will be prioritized and should be the tools you have in your machine - your most commonly used tools.
Standard Tool Libraries are tools you have around the shop, but are not loaded in a machine or in a holder.
Backup tool libraries will only be used by Toolpath if no tool in a Preferred or Standard library can access a specific part feature. - Click and drag the names of Available Presets into the machining Roles (shown in the grey boxes). This assigns cutting presets for the available tools to the different types of operations Toolpath creates as it analyzes the part.
For example, when Toolpath is analyzing a part using the Cut Config shown above and detects the need for a traditional roughing operation, it will first look for tools with the AluWrought_Traditional_Rough preset in a preferred library. If no tools with that preset will work with the part geometry, it will then look for tools with the Alu_light_rough_1 preset. It will then look for the same presets in Standard and Backup libraries.
The Special role should include any chamfering, t-slotting, key seat cutting, or tapping presets. - Select your Default Estimate Preset for the Cut Config in the upper right hand corner:
- Name the Cut Config by clicking on "My Cut Config", typing the name, and clicking the check mark icon to save. We recommend using a material naming convention for Cut Configs.
- Click Save Cut Config in the upper right hand corner of Toolpath to save the cut config.
After creating a Cut Config, you can save as default by clicking the vertical ellipsis next to the Cut Config on the Cut Config page: