Tool editor

The tool editor allows you to create the tool geometry and define the basic parameters for milling tools.

The tool editor window has a data entry area on the left side. Depending on the selected mode, two options are available. Either a script editor is available for experienced users and complex tool geometries, or a series of parameters for predefined milling cutter types is displayed. In this case, a graphical scheme is also provided to assist with entering the selected parameter.

On the right side of the window is the render window, which shows a two-dimensional preview of the milling tool. Here you can check the visual representation of your tool in real time and adjust the parameters to ensure that the tool has been defined correctly.

Mode

The mode selected determines how the milling tool geometry is created.

Angles in tool geometry

Unless otherwise specified (e.g. the common specification of an acute angle for engraving tools), all angles relating to tool geometry refer to the tool axis. The values range from 0° (parallel to the tool axis) to 90° (perpendicular to the tool axis).

'Predefined' mode

This mode allows you to quickly and easily create the tool geometry by selecting a predefined milling cutter type and setting a few parameters.

A schematic representation of the tool is located to the right of the input fields and serves as a guide by highlighting the currently selected parameter. The proportions, lengths and angles given in the illustration may differ from the actual tool geometry.

Type

The tool type determines the cutting tip of the predefined tool.

The following tool types are available:

Flat End mill

A common general-purpose tool suitable for 3D roughing operations, milling slots and for the complete machining of vertical surfaces and flat areas.

Ball End mill

Used primarily for semi-finishing and finishing 3D contours.

Torus End Mill <BASIC>

Similar to the ball nose end mill, but with a rounded front corner for roughing and finishing, as well as for machining 3D contours.

Roundover<BASIC>

A form miller for quickly rounding off 2D edges. The flat front face is also used as a cutting edge.

Graver

For engraving fine structures.

Diagram of an engraving cutter with a flattened tip

Graver Flat End <BASIC>

A special form of engraving cutter that can also be used to finish front surfaces. Suitable for roughing and pre-finishing engravings.

Schema of an engraving milling cutter with rounded tip

Graver Ball End<BASIC>

This special form of engraving cutter can be used to mill lines on end faces and to machine 3D contours. It is also suitable for roughing and semi-finishing engravings.

Main diameter

Defines the nominal diameter of the milling cutter.

Tapering

When activated, this option allows the cutting geometry to be tapered, so that the tool narrows along its length from the shaft to the tip.

Total length

Defines the total length of the milling tool from the tip to the end of the shank.

Depth of cut

This indicates the maximum depth of cut up to which the tool has a cutting edge.

Cut diameter

This measurement is automatically calculated from the combination of the depth of cut, major diameter and taper. send2cnc uses this measurement for some job calculations, among other things.

Cut angle

Defines the basic angle for engraving tools, which indicates the angle between the two cutting edges.

Tip diameter

Indicates the diameter of the flattened end face for special engraving tools.

Cut radius

Indicates the radius for the rounded front cutting edge.

Shank <BASIC>

When activated, adds a shank geometry to the tool.

Shank Start Length <BASIC>

Defines the starting height of the shank geometry, that is, the distance between the tool tip and the start of the shank transition.

Shank angle <BASIC>

Indicates the transition angle between the nominal diameter and the shank diameter.

Shank Taper <BASIC>

When enabled, this option allows the shank to be tapered, making it narrower along its length from the shank end to the shank start.

Shank diameter <BASIC>

Defines the nominal diameter of the shank.

Tool script mode <PRO>

Tool script mode is designed for advanced users who want to create complex tool geometries using a Lua script.

The screenshot shows the tool editor interface with script mode activated. On the left side, there is a text field with Lua source code. On the right side, there is a render window showing the calculated geometry of the tool.

This mode allows free definition of the tool geometry, but requires a basic knowledge of geometry and Lua scripting.

Script editor <PRO>

The script editor allows you to create a tool rotation profile using a series of script commands.

The commands for the 'tool script' are described in a separate chapter of the Lua modules.

Text field

You can enter script commands in the text field. As soon as the input focus leaves the text field or the 'F5' key is pressed, the tool geometry is updated in the render view.

Scripting templates

Scripting templates let you combine pre-written script sections into a tool script or to supplement your own script.

Here is a list of all scripting templates:

New Geometry

Generates the start and end of the tool geometry

Corner

Creates a horizontal line, followed by a vertical line.

Rounding Convex

Creates a 90° convex arc (curved outwards), followed by a vertical line.

Rounding Concave

Creates a concave 90° arc (curved inward), followed by a vertical line.

45° Slope

Creates a 45° sloping line.

Torus Geometry

Creates a horizontal line, followed by a vertical line with a rounded transition.

Shank

Creates an oblique line up to an absolute position in the X-direction, followed by a vertical line.

Tool

Inserts a script block that contains a complete tool geometry including a shaft. The parameters and options for the tool can be dynamically adjusted in the upper part of the script block.

Command Reference

Inserts a list of commands as comments into the script.