Tool ID

Within the scope of extended tool programming, the CNC provides tool management tasks (WZM) with new tool-specific communication objects. This refers to the enhanced tool (WZ) descriptions and tool service life variables.

In the present standard programming, single-element numbers are used to identify tools in the NC program. According to DIN 66025, this numerical ID is programmed together with the D word that is used to include new data (computational tool change). In conjunction with the T language command, the ID defines the next tool that is to be physically changed.

To include new data, this data must be requested from the present external tool management. The tool management function has special manufacturer-specific algorithms that are used to determine the tool that must be changed based on tool identification. It must be taken into account that the transferred tool ID only defines the tool type and that the tool magazine may contain several tools of the same type (alternate tools) that are ready to be used. Therefore, a specific tool cannot be clearly identified in the NC program.

In the first instance, the T number is used as technological information. This means that it reaches the PLC over the NC channel. According to DIN 66025, M06 is used to trigger the physical insertion of the new tool into the working spindle. By specifying the two commands "T with tool number" and M06 separately, preparatory measures can be taken (in the tool magazine, for example) after the T command and before M06 actually inserts the tool into the working spindle.

In the extended tool management function, tool data is identified by a three-digit tool number. Tool ID number:

The base tool number describes the tool type and the alternate tool number describes a tool unit of this type. The modification number has a purely data-related significance. It permits the use of various data records or a tool.