Tool assemblies

Learn how to create complete tool assemblies in ToolsUnited by combining cutting tools, holders, adapters, and inserts across manufacturers. This tutorial guides you step by step through the assembly process and shows how to build digitally consistent tool setups for CAM, TMS, and manufacturing workflows.

Create a tool assembly

You can create a tool assembly from the details page of a tool component.

Mount components

To mount the next component you can search for matching components in machine or workpiece direction.
This search can be done in ToolsUnited or in your own components or you can just do a free search.

After selecting a component you can mount it with the “Add” button.

Outer contour/Detail view

Depending on the CAD/CAM system an outer contour, a detailed model or both can be used.

ToolsUnited will create both configurations.

You can switch between the configurations with the buttons on the top.

Change 3D model

The 3D model can be changed for each component.

To change the model, click on the “3D” button for the component you would like to edit.

A new window will open. On the top you can choose the 3D model:
– Manufacturer outer contour model
– Manufacturer detail model
– Generated outer contour model
– Generated detail model

Change model position

The position of a model can be changed by clicking the “3D” button.

While the model is selected you can drag and drop the arrows or change the position with the offset parameters in the 3D window.

Export tool

After saving a tool you can open the tool details.

On the top of the tool details you will find your preconfigured export buttons.

You can also find the configurable export with all export options.

Here are more information on how to use the different interfaces.

If you just want a STP or DXF file you can use the “Graphic generator” tab that you can find on the left side of the tool details window.

Find & edit

Click “Tool assemblies” in the top menu to find your tool.

Open the tool details.

You can change the configuration with “Change bill of material”.

Remove master insert

Some manufacturer STP files have pre mounted inserts. If you want to change the insert you can first remove the pre mounted insert from the STP file.

To remove the insert, click on “3D” and in the window click on “Remove CUT”.

Insert positions

For components with different connection codes on the workpiece side you can search for matching components for a specific position and only mount to this position.

Later on you can allways change the position by clicking the “CSW” button.