Tool presetters are to set-up cutting tools before they are installed in the machine. They are set to precise and repeatable positions in an offline fixture or machine, and include precision measuring systems. Presetters save setup time and reduce machine downtime costs, while increasing tool setting accuracy. Tool presetters are available in two main types, contact or noncontact. Contact tool presetters use a touch probe that touches the tool to make measurements. This type of tool presetter has an accuracy of less than 0.0005”. Older, magnetic-scale, contact presetters have been outmoded, but may still be available; however, newer glass scales and encoders offer more advantages and finer resolutions than older models. Glass scale tool presetters output an analog signal to an electronic readout, which is configured to enable the manufacturer to select the appropriate resolution. Noncontact tool presetters use shadow graphs to provide a tool profile view for inspection and presetting. These presetters may measure tool length and diameter, calculate nose radii and angles, and detect damaged cutting edges. Highly accurate, noncontact tool presetters can typically position within 0.000040”, even when measuring tool diameter. This type of tool presetter is often recommended for computer-integrated manufacturing systems and cells and in toolroom management systems.

Selecting Tool Presetters

When selecting a tool presetter, it is important to consider the maximum tool length (z-axis) and diameter (x-axis) that will be measured. This consideration is important in determining the travel capacity of the tool presetter and whether it will measure the complete range of tools used. Other important considerations include the tolerances allowed to the tool presetter. Often, precision within 0.0001” is available, but it is advised to buy no more than is required by the operation. Lastly, it is important to consider the range of tool shanks used in tool operations.

Tool presetters should be fixtured for the shanks ran, including BT-flange, NMTB, DIN-standard, V-flange, and lathe tool shanks. Adapters are commonly available for tool shanks and toolholding setups. Common features of tool presetters include a machine-axis home position, which eliminates the need to calibrate the machine each time; digital readouts with a range of number and button sizes; data memory from multiple zero points; and the ability switch from inches to millimeters, radius to diameter; incremental to absolute measurement from a gage point; and a built-in label printer. Other, unlisted features of tool presetters may also be commonly available depending on the manufacturer.