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Toolpath

Workholding & New Recommendation Tool Libraries

Paul Clauss

Hey Toolpathers! A couple of quick updates to share — we've added new workholding options and tool recommendation libraries to Toolpath.

At Toolpath, we build human-aided manufacturing software for high-mix, low-volume CNC shops. With each update, you should see us mature and improve the mundane aspects of getting the right parts on and off your machines quickly. In this release, we are focused on streamlining how you define workholding and helping you select the correct cutting tools so you can move from quote to cut with more confidence and less friction.

Workholding​

For most 3-axis milling, modeling the vise isn't mandatory. But it is a good idea. If it's easy enough, there's really no downside:

  • Smashing vises is expensive.
  • Clear visualization lets you run tighter.
  • Setup changes happen.

See the video below for more information on automatic first setup workholding in Toolpath. What vise models should we add next?

Please note:

  • Toolpath does not visualize workholding models for parts sent from existing Fusion documents — yet. If you are starting in Fusion and bringing CAM from Toolpath back into an existing document, you'll continue to use the workflow described in Working with Existing Fusion Documents.
  • You may have enabled the previous workholding preview feature and would like to keep using it. While this workflow will not be actively developed moving forward, you can continue using it (and any vises you may have rigged for it) by following the instructions here.

New Tool Libraries from ISCAR, Carbide Cutting Tools, and Maritool Holders​

Thanks to our friends at ISCAR, Carbide Cutting Tools, and Maritool, we've added new vendor recommendation libraries to Toolpath. Tool Recommendations are one of my favorite features — I love having the right tool for the job, but I hate finding it. Here's a quick overview on how to enable and use Tool Recommendations in Toolpath:

From ISCAR:​

  • ISCAR Aluminum End Mills (IN and METRIC). 3-flute ball and bullnose end mills from the Flashsolid line.
  • ISCAR Ferrous General Purpose End Mills (IN and METRIC). 4–6 flute flat, ball, and bullnose end mills from the Solidmill, Chatterfree, and Flashsolid lines.
  • ISCAR General Purpose Drills (IN and METRIC). Solid carbide drills for all materials from the Soliddrill line.
  • ISCAR General Purpose TSC Drills (IN and METRIC). Through-spindle coolant drills for all materials from the Soliddrill line.
  • ISCAR Ferrous TSC Drills (IN and METRIC). Through-spindle coolant drills for ferrous materials from the Soliddrill line.
  • ISCAR High Performance Ferrous End Mills (IN and METRIC). Chatterfree 4+ flute end mills.
  • ISCAR HSM Roughing Ferrous (IN and METRIC). 7-flute Chatterfree end mills for high-speed/adaptive/trochoidal roughing.

From Carbide Cutting Tools:​

  • Eagle Claw line. 3-flute, carbide-grade end mills with diamond-like coating for both roughing and finishing.

Maritool Holders​

We've also added the Maritool holder library. Toolpath accounts for holders in its tool selection and CAM programming, and we always recommend adding holders to new tools in your library. See the video below for an overview of how to manage holders in Toolpath: