topic Re: Tools Assembly in PowerMill Forum

Tools Assembly

celso.amaral — Sat, 30 May 2020 16:32:37 GMT

Hello All,

Hello All
Any idea make assembly tools from database?

I not understand how is possible, on a powerful software CAM, be so complicated, make simple and basic assembly milling tools.

Works good with just one Shank and one Holder. The problem start with modular tools, if have a modular tool in library, how add a Shank?

Re: Tools Assembly

Craig.Burney_DSI — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 12:44:34 GMT

@celso.amaral I have created tools like this many times. You need to create a curve that represents that complex shank, and use that curve to define the shank. Just the same as you did to create the holder. Have a look at my screen grab below.

Do you have the tool data so you can get a curve from it?

Re: Tools Assembly

celso.amaral — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 20:04:28 GMT

@Anonymous.burney The problem is not create the tools with shanks. The problem is, create that tools, add to library, and make combinations to make diferentes assembly tools with shanks and holders from library.

Re: Tools Assembly

ChristopherMarion — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:52:55 GMT

@celso.amaral

This is possible through the tool database. You would need to save the holder components to a known location as a *.pmlth file instead of a *.dgk file.

You would then need to import or create the tool into PowerMill and then build the holder by using the import method in the tool setting's page.

Here is a useful article that shows how in case you are not aware.... https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/powermill/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/how-to-create-multiple-holder-in-powermill.html

Also, I am pretty sure that there have been multiple requests to have this ability directly in the database. Maybe a good idea to add to that request by creating a case through your Autodesk Account.

Re: Tools Assembly

celso.amaral — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 22:21:57 GMT

@ChristopherMarionThank you your time. Your topic helps, but there are still limitations, and in my opinion, it is not the correct process for those who need to make a assembly with many holders. When adding the second holder, you need to edit the length to adjust the correct height. The right is to make adjustments in the overhang.

For sure, i will folow your sugest to open a case.
Nowadays with the huge variety of tool and holder options, it is necessary that the assembly is easier and more practical.

Re: Tools Assembly

ChristopherMarion — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 19:15:16 GMT

@celso.amaral

I totally agree. I think this functionality would be a great option within the tool database. Unfortunately, it is not possible at this time.

You should request this directly to Autodesk, through your account. Perhaps it will be added in a future version.

Betreff: Tools Assembly

gosmann.andreas — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:10:33 GMT

Still not in PM. Does anybody have a good solution for modular tool?

Betreff: Tools Assembly

rafael.sansao — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 20:13:45 GMT

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/powermill-forum/feature-request-tool-extensions-tab/m-p/12315588#M3185