Hole Making Tool¶
A Hole Making tool assembly consists of these components:
Holder — The Holder component grips the Cutter and holds it in the NC machine for cutting and is described using the Tool Component tab (Holder) features in Tool Manager.
The holder component is also used for collision detection. Optimizer enables using multiple holder components. Other non-cutting components found in Hole Making tool assemblies, such as: extensions, adapters, etc. are described using "Holder" components.
Cutter — The Cutter component of the tool assembly (Drills, Reamers, Center Drills and Taps) is used to remove material.
Hole Making Tool control point
The tool control point, or "driven point" is a point relative to the tool assembly that the NC data is commanding to move. Material is removed based on motion commands and the tool shape, relative to the control point. By default, Optimizer assumes the Hole Making tool tip (bottom center of the tool) is being driven. However, this relationship can be changed by including a Driven Point record for the tool in the Tool Manager window, Tool Information tab.
In cases where a gage point is driven, such as with G-Code data for a machine expecting to drive the spindle face or rotary pivot point, a gage length or "gage offset" value is often used. A gage offset value establishes the expected length for the tool to be extended from the holder. Optimizer realistically simulates this programming method by including a Gage Point location for the tool in the Tool Manager window, Tool Information tab.
Tool Component tab (Hole Making Tool)¶
Opened via adding or modifying a Hole -Making tool, this tab is used to describe the shape for the "Cutter" component in a Hole-making tool assembly. Options are available to define the cutter via parametric shapes, profile sketcher, or reference a cutter in another tool assembly.
Tool shape icons — Selecting an icon configures the bottom half of the window to define the selected cutter shape.
(Drill) — Opens the Drill feature definition panel enabling you to specify the cutter’s characteristics.
💡 Tip: Hold the cursor over a number field in the tool diagram to see a tip indicating what value the field represents.
📝 NOTE: The acronyms in this section align to the ISO parameters in the ISO 13399 standard.
Height (OAL) — Use to specify the height of the tool.
Flute Length (LU) — Use to specify the length of the portion of the cutter having flutes, or teeth that can remove material. This value is measured from the bottom-most portion of the cutter. Zero assumes the entire cutter length has flutes, or teeth that can cut material. An error similar to "SHANK removed material..." is reported when the non-cutting portion of the cutter removes material. Material removed is shaded using the red Error color.
Shank Diameter (DCON) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool shank.
Drill Point Angle (SIG) — Use to specify the angle of the drill point.
Stick-out Length (LGTA) — Use to specify the length of the tool that sticks out from the holder. This value is measured from the bottom-most portion of the cutter to the bottom-most portion of the holder.
Cutting Diameter (DC) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool.
Cutter Color — Color that the tool cutter component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Shank Color — Color that the tool shank component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Teeth — The number of teeth for the tool is automatically entered based on the Teeth value in the “active” optimization record associated with the tool/tool assembly.
📝 NOTE: You have the ability to manually edit the number of teeth by typing in a value but be aware that if the number of teeth entered does not match the number of teeth specified in the optimization record, the tool will not be optimized.
Spindle Direction — Use to specify the appropriate spindle rotation direction for the tool. Choose either CW (clockwise) or CCW (counterclockwise). CW/CCW is defined looking down (negative Z) the tool axis.
Alternate — When toggled "on" (checked) this feature designates the cutter that is being created as an "alternate" or "secondary" cutter for a particular tool assembly. This feature enables you to switch between a "primary" and "alternate" cutter shape, in order to support tools such as back-boring tools.
The AlternateTool macro is used to specify whether to use the "primary" (Override Value = 0) cutter shape or to use the "alternate" (Override Value = 1) cutter shape.
OK to Mill — When toggled “on” (checked), the OK to Mill feature overrides the default check for axial cuts only (hole making) enabling you to machine with a drill other than along the tool axis, for example using a drill tool to chamfer.
Standard Tool Library — Displays the Standard Tool window enabling you to select a drill from a Standard Tool Library of drills. Selecting a drill from the Standard Tool Library will automatically enter all of the parameters required to define the drill.
Use the 
button to open a finder window enabling you to select a .csv file of tools to import into the Standard Tool Library window. Once loaded, the tools will display in the Tool List area. You can highlight specific tools by clicking on them in the Tool List area to see them displayed in the Tool Manager.
Use the 
button to remove a loaded .csv file from the Standard Tool Library.
(Reamer) — Opens the Reamer feature definition panel enabling you to specify the cutter’s characteristics.
💡 Tip: Hold the cursor over a number field in the tool diagram to see a tip indicating what value the field represents.
📝 NOTE: The acronyms in this section align to the ISO parameters in the ISO 13399 standard.
Height (OAL) — Use to specify the height of the tool.
Neck Length (LB) — Use to specify the length of the tool neck.
Flute Length (LU) — Use to specify the length of the portion of the cutter having flutes, or teeth that can remove material. This value is measured from the bottom-most portion of the cutter. Zero assumes the entire cutter length has flutes, or teeth that can cut material. An error similar to "SHANK removed material..." is reported when the non-cutting portion of the cutter removes material. Material removed is shaded using the red Error color.
Chamfer Height (PLGL) — Use to specify the height of the chamfer at the end of the tool.
Shank Diameter (DCON) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool shank.
Neck Diameter (ND) — Use to specficy the diameter of the tool neck.
Stick-out Length (LGTA) — Use to specify the length of the tool that sticks out from the holder. This value is measured from the bottom-most portion of the cutter to the bottom-most portion of the holder.
Cutting Diameter (DC) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool.
Cutter Color — Color that the tool cutter component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Shank Color — Color that the tool shank component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Spindle Direction — Use to specify the appropriate spindle rotation direction for the tool. Choose either CW (clockwise) or CCW (counterclockwise). CW/CCW is defined looking down (negative Z) the tool axis.
Alternate — When toggled "on" (checked) this feature designates the cutter that is being created as an "alternate" or "secondary" cutter for a particular tool assembly. This feature enables you to switch between a "primary" and "alternate" cutter shape, in order to support tools such as back-boring tools.
The AlternateTool macro is used to specify whether to use the "primary" (Override Value = 0) cutter shape or to use the "alternate" (Override Value = 1) cutter shape.
OK to Mill — When toggled “on” (checked), the OK to Mill feature overrides the default check for axial cuts enabling you to machine with a Hole Making Tool other than along the tool axis.
Standard Tool Library — Displays the Standard Tool window enabling you to select a reamer from a Standard Tool Library of reamers. Selecting a reamer from the Standard Tool Library will automatically enter all of the parameters required to define the reamer.
Use the button to open a finder window enabling you to select a .csv file of tools to import into the Standard Tool Library window. Once loaded, the tools will display in the Tool List area. You can highlight specific tools by clicking on them in the Tool List area to see them displayed in the Tool Manager.
Use the button to remove a loaded .csv file from the Standard Tool Library.
Maximum Material Removal Per Side — Use to specify the maximum amount of material that can be removed by the reamer. If this field is set to 0, no material will be removed.
(Center Drill) — Opens the Center Drill feature definition panel enabling you to specify feature definition panel enabling you to specify the cutter’s characteristics.
💡 Tip: Hold the cursor over a number field in the tool diagram to see a tip indicating what value the field represents.
📝 NOTE: The acronyms in this section align to the ISO parameters in the ISO 13399 standard.
Height (OAL) — Use to specify the height of the tool.
Chamfer Angle (STA) — Use to specify the angle of the countersink portion of the tool.
Pilot Length (SDL) — Use to specify the length of the pilot drill.
Shank Diameter (DCON) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool shank.
Stick-out Length (LGTA) — Use to specify the length of the tool that sticks out from the holder. This value is measured from the bottom-most portion of the cutter to the bottom-most portion of the holder.
Cutting Diameter (DC) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool.
Pilot Angle (SIG) — Use to specify the angle at the end of the pilot drill.
Cutter Color — Color that the tool cutter component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Shank Color — Color that the tool shank component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Teeth — The number of teeth for the tool is automatically entered based on the Teeth value in the “active” optimization record associated with the tool/tool assembly.
📝 NOTE: You have the ability to manually edit the number of teeth by typing in a value but be aware that if the number of teeth entered does not match the number of teeth specified in the optimization record, the tool will not be optimized.
Spindle Direction — Use to specify the appropriate spindle rotation direction for the tool. Choose either CW (clockwise) or CCW (counterclockwise). CW/CCW is defined looking down (negative Z) the tool axis.
Alternate — When toggled "on" (checked) this feature designates the cutter that is being created as an "alternate" or "secondary" cutter for a particular tool assembly. This feature enables you to switch between a "primary" and "alternate" cutter shape, in order to support tools such as back-boring tools.
The AlternateTool macro is used to specify whether to use the "primary" (Override Value = 0) cutter shape or to use the "alternate" (Override Value = 1) cutter shape.
Standard Tool Library — Displays the Standard Tool window enabling you to select a center drill from a Standard Tool Library of center drills. Selecting a center drill from the Standard Tool Library will automatically enter all of the parameters required to define the center drill.
Use the button to open a finder window enabling you to select a .csv file of tools to import into the Standard Tool Library window. Once loaded, the tools will display in the Tool List area. You can highlight specific tools by clicking on them in the Tool List area to see them displayed in the Tool Manager.
Use the button to remove a loaded .csv file from the Standard Tool Library.
(Tap) — Opens the Tap Tool feature definition panel enabling you to specify the cutter’s characteristics.
💡 Tip: Hold the cursor over a number field in the tool diagram to see a tip indicating what value the field represents.
Overall Length (OAL) — Use to specify the overall length of the tool.
Usable Length (LU) — Use to specify the distance between the shank and the threaded portion of the tap.
Thread Length (THL) — Use to specify the length of the threaded portion of the tool.
Shank Diameter (DCON) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool shank.
Neck Diameter (DN) — Use to specify the diameter of the tool’s neck area.
Minor Diameter — Use to specify the minor diameter of the thread
Major Diameter (TD) — Use to specify the major diameter of the thread.
Screw Thread Size — Use to specify the major diameter using the “Numeric Size” of the thread, for example #6.
Stick-out Length (LGTA) — Use to specify the length of the tool that sticks out from the holder. This value is measured from the bottom-most portion of the cutter to the bottom-most portion of the holder.
Tip Diameter (TCPD) — Use to specify the diameter if the tool at the tip of the threaded portion of the tool.
Cutter Color — Color that the tool cutter component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Shank Color — Color that the tool shank component is to be displayed in Optimizer.
Teeth — The number of teeth for the tool is automatically entered based on the Teeth value in the “active” optimization record associated with the tool/tool assembly.
📝 NOTE: You have the ability to manually edit the number of teeth by typing in a value but be aware that if the number of teeth entered does not match the number of teeth specified in the optimization record, the tool will not be optimized.
Alternate — When toggled "on" (checked) this feature designates the cutter that is being created as an "alternate" or "secondary" cutter for a particular tool assembly. This feature enables you to switch between a "primary" and "alternate" cutter shape, in order to support tools such as back-boring tools.
The AlternateTool macro is used to specify whether to use the "primary" (Override Value = 0) cutter shape or to use the "alternate" (Override Value = 1) cutter shape.
Standard Tool Library — Displays the Standard Tool window enabling you to select a center drill from a Standard Tool Library of center drills. Selecting a center drill from the Standard Tool Library will automatically enter all of the parameters required to define the center drill.
Use the button to open a finder window enabling you to select a .csv file of tools to import into the Standard Tool Library window. Once loaded, the tools will display in the Tool List area. You can highlight specific tools by clicking on them in the Tool List area to see them displayed in the Tool Manager.
Use the button to remove a loaded .csv file from the Standard Tool Library.
Thread — Use to specify the distance between adjacent threads. Enter either the number of threads per threads/inch or by the thread’s Pitch (distance between adjacent threads in mm).
Pitch — Use to specify the pitch.
Style — Use to specify the style of tap. Choose Taper, Plug or Bottom from the pull-down list.
Direction — Use to specify the direction (hand) of the thread. Choose Right or Left.
Lead Tolerance — Use to specify the lead tolerance as a percent.
Forms — Use to specify the thread form. Select the thread form from the pull-down list. Choose one of the following: Unified (Inch), ISO (Metric), Whitworth (British standard), Acme or Buttress.
(Revolve Profile) — Opens the Profile Sketcher window in “solid of revolution” mode enabling you to create Revolved Cutter components by rotating a defined profile around the Z- axis.
(General Insert) — Displays the General Insert features panel enabling you to define ISO standard insert shapes.
The parameters and diagram will vary depending on the Insert Type selected from the list. Only the parameters required to describe a particular insert type will be displayed. Select the desired insert type from the pull-down list.
| Insert Type | Parameter Description | |
|---|---|---|
| A - 85 degree parallelogram | L - Length W - Width Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
 |
| B - 82 degree parallelogram | L - Length W - Width Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
 |
| C - 80 degree diamond | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate OK to Mill |
Inch Millimeter  |
| C - 100 degree diamond | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| D - 55 degree diamond | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| E - 75 degree diamond | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| H - Hexagon | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| K - 55 degree parallelogram | L - Length W - Width Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
 |
| L - Rectangle | L - Length W - Width Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
 |
| M - 86 degree diamond | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| O - Octagon | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| P - Pentagon | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| R - Round | D - Inscribed Diameter Thickness Color Alternate |
 |
| S - Square | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Driven Point Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| T - Triangle | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| V - 35 degree diamond | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| W - 80 degree trigon | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| Custom diamond | D – Inscribed Diameter (in) L – Length (mm) Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle T - Tip Angle Color Alternate |
Inch Millimeter  |
| Custom parallelogram | L - Length W - Width Thickness R - Corner Radius A - Lead Angle T – Tip angle Color Alternate |
 |
Color — Color that the tool component is to be displayed in Optimizer. Toggle on (check) the Default check box to have the Color setting automatically switch to current Default Color specified in your program.
Teeth — Use to specify number of teeth.
Alternate — When toggled "on" (checked) this feature designates the cutter that is being created as an "alternate" or "secondary" cutter for a particular tool assembly. This feature enables you to switch between a "primary" and "alternate" cutter shape, in order to support tools such as back-boring tools.
The AlternateTool macro is used to specify whether to use the "primary" (Override Value = 0) cutter shape or to use the "alternate" (Override Value = 1) cutter shape.
Location Aids
These features are only available for mill Inserts. They enable you to easily position the insert with respect to the tool diameter.
(Diameter) — Use this text field to specify the diameter of the tool. This feature is not available on the Mill Tool with Cutter Body
(Locate by nominal diameter) — Positions the center of the insert corner radius on the tool diameter.
(Locate by outside diameter) — Positions the outside edge of the insert on the tool diameter.
(Reference) — Displays the Reference Features enabling you to "reference" a tool component in another tool library file for use in the current tool library file.
Pick — Pressing the Pick button displays the Search Tool window enabling you to search existing tool libraries for tools with specific attributes that you want to "reference".
Reference File — Enter the /path/filename of the tool library file containing the tool component to be referenced in the text field or use the Pick button to display the Search Tool window and use it to select the tool library file.
Reference Tool ID — Enter tool ID of the tool component to be referenced in the text field or use the Pick button to display the Tool Search window and use it to select the tool component to be referenced. In the sample tool record in the picture below, the Reference Tool ID is 6
Reference Tool Component ID — Enter tool component ID of the tool component to be referenced in the text field or use the Pick button to display the Tool Search window and use it to select the tool component to be referenced. In the sample tool record in the picture below, the Reference Tool Component ID is Cutter1
Flute Length — Use to specify the length of the portion of the mill insert.
Teeth — Displays the number of teeth.
Spindle Direction — Toggle between the clockwise options (CW) and the counterclockwise option (CCW).
Alternate — When toggled "on" (checked) this feature designates the cutter that is being created as an "alternate" or "secondary" cutter for a particular tool assembly. This feature enables you to switch between a "primary" and "alternate" cutter shape, in order to support tools such as back-boring tools.
The AlternateTool macro is used to specify whether to use the "primary" (Override Value = 0) cutter shape or to use the "alternate" (Override Value = 1) cutter shape.
(Model File) — The Model File Features enable you to use an existing model or create a new Sweep Solid or Solid of Revolution using the Profile Sketcher to define a tool component.
Model File — Enter the /path/filename of the model file or click on the ;
(Browse) icon to display the Open file selection window and use it to specify the /path/filename of the model file.
Sketcher — Displays the Profile Sketcher window enabling you to edit or create a "swept solid (.swp)" or "solid of revolution (.sor)" model file. This feature is only available the selected file is a SOR or SWEEP file type. To create a new SOR or SWEEP model file, clear the Model File text field and press Sketcher.
Use Cutter As — Use to toggle between Drill, Reamer, Center Drill, and Tap options.
Flute Length — Use to specify the length of the portion of the mill insert.
Cutter Color — The Cutter Color icon, enables you to specify a color for that particular tool. The color of the Color icon shows the current color of the tool. To change the color, click on the 
(Color Palette) icon to display the color palette window shown below.
Click on a color in the color palette window, to specify the color for the tool. The color palette window will close and the right side of the 
(Color Palette) icon in the Color window will update to reflect the selected color.
To close the color palette window without changing the color, click on the 
in the upper right corner of the color palette window.
Shank Color — The Shank Color works identically to the Cutter Color icon but applies the color to shanks.
Teeth — Displays the number of teeth.
Spindle Direction — Toggle between the clockwise options (CW) and the counterclockwise option (CCW).
Alternate — When toggled "on" (checked) this feature designates the cutter that is being created as an "alternate" or "secondary" cutter for a particular tool assembly. This feature enables you to switch between a "primary" and "alternate" cutter shape, in order to support tools such as back-boring tools.
The AlternateTool macro is used to specify whether to use the "primary" (Override Value = 0) cutter shape or to use the "alternate" (Override Value = 1) cutter shape.
OK to Mill — When toggled “on” (checked), the OK to Mill feature overrides the default check for axial cuts only (hole making) enabling you to machine with a drill other than along the tool axis, for example using a drill tool to chamfer.
Cutter Attributes
Cutter Attributes are displayed at the bottom of every Hole Making panel. These features enable you to set various additional settings of hole making tools.
Treat Cutting Portion as Insert — Toggle this option on (checked) to ensure proper accuracy in gauging Force for cutters with inserts. When this feature is in use, Helix Angle becomes Orientation Angle.
Cutter Type — Displays the type of tool being used. Solid Round Tool (SRT), or indexable tool (90d, 45d, Button, High Feed, or Ball.
Cutter Material — Use to specify the material that the cutter is made of. Select the material type from the pull-down list.