CAM ToolShape: Difference between revisions

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ToolShapes are a core part of the [[Path_Tools|Path Tools]] system. ToolShapes are the templates from which ToolBits are created. They represent the specific physical shape of a tool.
ToolShapes are a core part of the [[Path_Tools|Path Tools]] system. ToolShapes are the templates from which ToolBits are created. They represent the specific physical shape of a tool. A ToolShape does not completely describe the bit - for that some additional parameters are needed which will be added when an actual bit is parameterized from the template.
A ToolShape does not completely describe the bit - for that some additional parameters are needed which will be added when an actual bit is parameterized from the template.


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Initially ToolShapes are just FreeCAD documents with a single Body created from the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px|link=PartDesign_Workbench]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|Part Design]] workbench.
Initially ToolShapes are just FreeCAD documents with a single Body created from the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px|link=PartDesign_Workbench]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|Part Design ]] workbench.


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# Create a new FreeCAD document
# Create a new FreeCAD document.
# Open the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px|link=PartDesign_Workbench]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|Part Design]] workbench
# Open the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px|link=PartDesign_Workbench]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|Part Design]] workbench.
# Create a body and give the body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
# Create a body and give the body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
# Create a sketch in the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
# Create a sketch in the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
#* Put the top center of the bit on the origin {{incode|(0,0)}}
#* Put the top center of the bit on the origin {{incode|(0,0)}}.
# For any constraint serving as a parameter for the tool (like overall Length) create a named constraint
# For any constraint serving as a parameter for the tool (like overall Length) create a named constraint.
#* The name is the label of the input field
#* The name is the label of the input field.
#* Names are split at CamelCase boundaries into words in the edit dialog
#* Names are split at CamelCase boundaries into words in the edit dialog.
#* Use a {{incode|;}} in the name to add help text which will show up as the entry fields tool tip
#* Use a {{incode|;}} in the name to add help text which will show up as the entry fields tool tip.
#* If the tool is used by legacy ops it should at least have one constraint called Diameter
#* If the tool is used by legacy ops it should at least have one constraint called Diameter.
#* Use construction lines for constraints that are not directly accessible, like Diameter and Angle
#* Use construction lines for constraints that are not directly accessible, like Diameter and Angle.
#* Any unnamed constraint will not be editable for a specific tool
#* Any unnamed constraint will not be editable for a specific tool.
# Once the sketch is fully constrained, close the sketch
# Once the sketch is fully constrained, close the sketch.
# Revolve the sketch around the z-axis
# Revolve the sketch around the z-axis.
# Save the document as a new file in the Shape directory
# Save the document as a new file in the Shape directory.


== Tool Thumbnail Images == <!--T:10-->
== Tool Thumbnail Images == <!--T:10-->

Revision as of 10:59, 12 September 2021

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This documentation is not finished. Please help and contribute documentation.

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Description

ToolShapes are a core part of the Path Tools system. ToolShapes are the templates from which ToolBits are created. They represent the specific physical shape of a tool. A ToolShape does not completely describe the bit - for that some additional parameters are needed which will be added when an actual bit is parameterized from the template.

Initially ToolShapes are just FreeCAD documents with a single Body created from the Part Design workbench.

Creating new ToolShapes is an advanced topic. The most commonly needed ToolShapes already exist and are provided with the FreeCAD installation at

  • On Linux it is usually /usr/lib64/FreeCAD/Mod/Path/Tools/Shape
  • On Windows it is usually C:\Program Files\FreeCAD\Mod\Path\Tools\Shape
  • On macOS it is usually /Applications/FreeCAD/Mod/Path/Tools/Shape --> has to be revised

They are:

ballend.fcstd
bullnose.fcstd
chamfer.fcstd
drill.fcstd
endmill.fcstd
probe.fcstd
slittingsaw.fcstd
thread-mill.fcstd
v-bit.fcstd

These can be found in the /Mod/Path/Tools/Shape/ subdirectory where FreeCAD was installed.

Usage

  1. Create a new FreeCAD document.
  2. Open the Part Design workbench.
  3. Create a body and give the body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
  4. Create a sketch in the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
    • Put the top center of the bit on the origin (0,0).
  5. For any constraint serving as a parameter for the tool (like overall Length) create a named constraint.
    • The name is the label of the input field.
    • Names are split at CamelCase boundaries into words in the edit dialog.
    • Use a ; in the name to add help text which will show up as the entry fields tool tip.
    • If the tool is used by legacy ops it should at least have one constraint called Diameter.
    • Use construction lines for constraints that are not directly accessible, like Diameter and Angle.
    • Any unnamed constraint will not be editable for a specific tool.
  6. Once the sketch is fully constrained, close the sketch.
  7. Revolve the sketch around the z-axis.
  8. Save the document as a new file in the Shape directory.

Tool Thumbnail Images

Toolbits will have a small icon image of the tool in the tree if the image is saved with thumbnails active.

Important notes:

  • Before saving the document make sure you have Save Thumbnail selected, and Add program logo deselected in FreeCAD's preferences.
  • Also make sure to switch to Front View and Fit content to screen
  • Whatever you see when saving the document will end up being the visual representation of the template

Options