In CNC machining, precision and planning are everything — and it all starts with the right tool. CAPSturn offers a well-structured tool selection interface that ensures machine programmers can configure tools accurately, matching both the machining strategy and the machine’s real setup.

This article will walk you through the tool selection process in CAPSturn, including an explanation of various options available on the selection screen.

Understanding the Tool Selection Screen

When you open the Select Tool window in CAPSturn, you’re presented with an intuitive interface that covers every important aspect of a tool’s configuration. Let’s break it down:

1️. Tool Library Selection

At the top of the window, you can select a tool library — in this case:

General-MM

This specifies that the tool dimensions and specifications will be in metric units. Libraries can be customized to suit particular materials, operations, or machines.

2️. Tool Type Selection

On the left, you will find the tool type tree, where tools are organized into categories:

1. External Turn Tools
2. Internal Turn Tools
3. Back Boring Tools
4. Form Tools

This helps you filter and select only the relevant tool type for the machining operation you're programming.

In the external turn section, further classifications based on shank width are available (16x16, 20x20, 25x25, etc.), allowing you to select tools compatible with your machine’s turret and holder.

3️. Tool Selection and Material

Once a tool type is selected, a list of available tool holders appears in the middle panel. For example:

Each code represents specific information about the tool — such as its type, geometry, shank size, and nose radius.

Just below this, you can select the Tool Material. In the example:

Coated Carbide

This is important, as the selected tool material will influence cutting speeds, feeds, and overall performance.

4️. Turret Position and Tool Mounting

At the bottom left, you configure the Turret Position and Tool Mounting:

1. Turret: Front or Rear

2. Mounting: Face Up or Face Down

This ensures that the tool’s orientation and position match the actual machine setup, avoiding misalignment or simulation errors.

5️. Tool Number and Offset

You can assign:

1. Tool Number (used by the CNC controller for automatic tool changes)
2. Tool Offset Number (defines geometry compensation values)

This links your programming directly to the physical tool setup on the machine.

Most tool types and configuration are readily available in CAPSturn. Still if you want to modify the tool geometry to match the application you can tweak the geometry using Edit tool geometry option.

Tool Geometry Specification

The Tool Geometry setup allows for precise customization of the physical tool attributes. This includes:

1. Holder Style and Insert Shape:
   Choose from a variety of industrially standard holder and insert configurations, including square, rhombic, and triangular inserts.
2. Approach Angle and Nose Radius:
   Critical for ensuring correct tool engagement with the part. In the example:

1. Nose Radius = 0.8 mm
2. Nose Angle = 80 degrees
3. Approach Angle = 95 degrees

3. Hand of Tool:
   Defines whether the tool approaches from the Left, Right, or in Neutral.
4. Rotation Angle:
   Adjust the tool orientation to match the required cutting direction and machine setup.
5. Physical Dimensions:
   Details such as:

1. Holder Width
2. Holder Length
3. Cutting Edge Length

are specified to ensure the simulation matches the real-world tool accurately.