Technology Manager Update

In this Spotlight Heinrich Flaum shows the revamped cutting data view in our Technology Manager

With the new Cutting Data View, capturing and managing cutting data is now significantly easier and more intuitive. Materials are now at the center of data management, allowing multiple machining methods to be assigned within a single material entry.

To create a new cutting speed for a tool, first, open TMGR and select the desired tool. By double-clicking on the tool, the Cutting Data View opens, where editing can be unlocked via the lock icon.

Next, click the “+” symbol to add a new material, such as free-cutting steel. After selecting the material, the cutting speed (120 m/min) and feed per tooth (0.12 mm) can be entered. If required, a machining method such as roughing can also be assigned, ensuring that the values apply specifically to that machining process. Once the input is confirmed, the new values are saved.

If the tool is also to be used for finishing, the same steps can be repeated. In this case, the material is selected again and assigned separate values, such as a cutting speed of 80 m/min and a feed per tooth of 0.06 mm.

Once the values for the individual tool have been defined, they can be transferred to an assembly tool and adjusted if necessary. To do this, the changes to the individual tool are saved, and the editing mode is closed.

Now, the assembly tool containing the 8 mm end mill can be opened. In the Cutting Data tab, the previously defined values are already automatically transferred. If adjustments are necessary, editing can be unlocked again via the lock icon.

For example, if the tool has a longer overhang, it may be advisable to reduce the cutting speed from 120 m/min to 100 m/min. Once these changes are made, they are saved, and the editing process is completed.

When the data is later transferred to NX, the cutting data set from the assembly tool takes priority over the cutting values from the individual tool.

A major new feature of the updated Cutting Data View is the ability to copy existing cutting datato new materials instead of entering them manually.

If cutting data for free-cutting steel has already been defined and should also be used for ST37 steel, the copy function can be used. First, the existing material with the desired values is selected. Then, from the three-dot menu, choose the “Copy Cutting Data” option. After selecting the new material (e.g., ST37 steel) and confirming the selection, the cutting values are automatically transferred without the need for manual input.

This function ensures that once-defined values can be efficiently reused, saving time and preventing input errors.

Once all cutting data has been entered, it can be directly exported to NX CAM. The new Cutting Data View ensures a seamless transfer of data.

After saving the changes and closing the editing mode, select “Send Data to NX”. A green confirmation bar will indicate that the transfer was successful. In NX CAM, the updated values will automatically appear in existing operations.

If no operation was pre-selected in NX, the Technology Manager list can be refreshed to display all available operations. Thanks to direct integration with NX, there is no need for manual data transfer or adjustments—all cutting values are immediately available for the respective material, machining method, and tool.