Setting up tools Tap into digital for help
Using a ruler with 1/16 increments, trusting every spec or using inconsistent in-machine probes are not effective ways to measure when a couple thousandths of inch can make a difference. Tool presetters serve primarily as measuring systems for verifying tool geometries match the programmer’s specs—offsets, body diameters, etc.—offline before putting them into a machine’s spindle. This essentially eliminates any of this work at the machine tool, so that valuable multi-axis spindles can work while verification is done at the presetter. Depending on how and where you prefer to perform setups, there are a variety of presetter options. Vision-based presetters allow for much more than just verification. They are the perfect place to assemble tools and compare directly to the catalog, DXF or STP model that was given to the programmer. Last but not least, consider the tools themselves when thinking about setups. Digital heads are a great option for efficient 5-axis tooling setups. Their on-tool digital readout makes it easy for operators to see and make extremely precise diameter adjustments in just about any situation—even if it must be done in the spindle. A corresponding mobile app allows you to look up tool speeds and feeds on the spot. The next generation of digital boring heads is already on the way. These allow for more interactivity and control via an app for even faster setups and data mining.
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