Tool Grinding Simulation Software

The key advantage to tool grinding simulation software is that toolmaking shops can design and perfect a complete tool grinding process off-line and prior to actual production.

Such software typically uses any tool grinding programs that are written in standard software, then fully simulates tool grinding. The tool grinding simulation includes the complete machine and its axes movements, workholding and accurate wheel data. With all of these, users can predict whether they can achieve specified tool geometry.

The tool grinding software simulates either tapered or stepped cylindrical tool blanks, and includes features that provide quick displays of finish-ground tools that do not entail the whole tool grinding process. Through the use of color-coding, shops can distinguish and highlight different operations, and measure and inspect tool features in minute detail, correct operational problems or easily edit troublesome NC sentences.

Color-coding can be set up for a variety of modes: by operation, machine movement, wheel and wheel section. When color-coding is initiated for operations, the various tool grinding procedures for a particular tool are identified as different colors. For example, a fluting operation may be represented in green, while a gashing one is in blue. In addition to color-coding by operation, some tool grinding software lets users assign different colors to each machine movement.

In the tool grinding wheel mode, the parts of the tool are colored according to the wheel that grinds them. On the other hand, when color-coding is done by wheel section, the different features of the tool appear the same color as the specific part of the wheel that did the grinding.

Because testing cutter geometries with simulation is so quick, more time can be spent on tool design and ensuring that dimensions and angles are accurate. In addition, shops can e-mail new tool designs to customers for instant approval.

Since most tool grinding simulation is done off-line, the actual grinding machine's production remains uninterrupted, cutting down on the scrap involved with tool grinding prototypes. With tool grinding simulation software, shops also can train new employees, again, without tying up valuable machine production time. Because the complicated work is done at the off-line PC through the tool grinding simulation software, running the actual tool grinding machine does not require as highly a skilled operator as it once did.

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