Category: CNC Router

The PHYSICAL TOOL LIBRARY is a collection of milling tools, prepared for use with a CNC Spindle that has automatic tool changing capabilities. The milling tools are loaded into a collet assembly and their locations are recorded/programmed for CNC operations.

The Tool Library is available for download by selecting one of the following links. *The libraries provided are for IDeATe Equipment ONLY!

– IDeATe Tool Library : Standard, Inches

– IDeATe Tool Library : Metric, Millimeters

RhinoCAM includes (2) browser windows:

1. Machining Operations Browser (AKA MOps or Machinining Browser) Create, manage and setup machining operations and preferences.

2. Machining Objects Browser (AKA MObs) Create, organize or manage Tool Libraries, Machinine Features/Drive Geometry and template operations.

Unloading an existing Tool Library or Loading a new version, can be achieved through the Machining Objects Browser.

1. OPEN the Machining Objects Browser (MObs) by selecting the TOOLS, MACHINING OBJECTS button from the Machining Operations Browser (MOps).

2. UNLOAD any existing tool libraries, if they exist- by selecting the  UNLOAD TOOL LIBRARY button.

3. LOAD a tool library by selecting the LOAD TOOL LIBRARY button; browse to the location of the tool library and select OPEN.

After loading a tool library, a list of tools should appear in the Machining Objects Browser (MObs)- as shown in the image on the right.

A POST DEFINITION file is a unique translation document, defining multiple variables and lines of code that are specific for Computer Numeric Controlled Equipment. Think of this as a dictionary, of sort.

A POST PROCESSOR creates, arranges, and formats lines of code between CAD Geometry, CAM Operation settings and the Post Definition File.

Commonly referred to as the “POST“, this is the final-formation of code, that guides the CNC Equipment based on the previously prepared CAD & CAM settings defined by the user.

(CAD + CAM + POST DEFINITION) + (POST PROCESSOR) = POST

To create a POST, you will need a POST DEFINITION file. The following POST DEFINITION files are unique to IDeATe CNC Equipment, and should not be used for any other CNC Equipment.

– Post Definition File : Standard, Inches

– Post Definition File : Metric, Millimeters

From the Machining Operations Browser, the Post Definition File can be adjusted by double-clicking one of the following:

1. POST: Located as the second option down, from the PROGRAM tab, directly below the MACHINE option, int the MACHINE SETUP bar.

2. POST – XXXX: Located as the second option down, from the MACHINING JOB Tree, directly below MACHINE – 3-AXIS & above STOCK – NONE.

1. FOLDER: Begin by browsing to the folder, where the recently downloaded Post Definition file is located.

2. CURRENT POST PROCESSOR: IF there is more than one Post Definition file in the previously selected folder location; select the drop-down arrow to select the correct Post Processor.