Rockwell Automation 8520-MUM 9/Series CNC Mill Operation and Programming Manual Documentation Set - Manual (Page 504)

Tool Control Functions
Chapter 20
20-20
This section discusses how to set up the tool groups and the information
that must be entered for each tool group. Note that this section discusses
the manual method of entering this information. Section 20.5.3 discusses a
method of entering all information into the tables by programming.
Assigning Tool Numbers to Groups
Normally tools that are assigned to the same group have similar
characteristics (such as a boring tool or a drilling tool). If one tool in the
group is worn the control should be allowed to select any tool in the same
group and still be able to cut the same part using the same program.
The system installer determines in AMP the usable range of tool group
numbers by determining a boundary (maximum number of groups allowed
is 200). Any tool number that is programmed above this boundary is used
as a tool group number (the value of the boundary is subtracted from the
tool number programmed - see section 20.5.4 for details on calling a tool
group during tool management). Any tool number that is programmed
below this boundary is used as a normal tool number.
Different tool length offset numbers, and radius offset numbers are entered
into the tool management table with the tool numbers in each group.
When a tool is selected from a group by the control the tool length and
radius offset numbers are activated with them. See section 3.1 on entering
tool data for details.
Tool Life Measurement Type
The control is capable of measuring the life of a tool using one of three
possible methods:
0. Time - This is selected by choosing 0 as the type of tool life
measurement. Time measures tool life as the length of time that a
cutting tool is operated at a cutting feedrate. The value for the
expected tool life is entered in units of minutes.
1. Number of times used- This is selected by choosing 1 as the type of
tool life measurement. Number of times used measures tool life as
the number of times that the tool is selected as the active tool. The
value for the expected tool life is entered as the number of times the
tool may be used to cut parts. This number is the number of part
programs. Regardless of the number of times that a tool is selected as
active in a specific program it will only count as one use each time
the program is executed.
20.5.1
Tool Directory Data