Tool Library - Customer Guide

Overview

The ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) Toolsets Tab is where you configure toolsets that match the actual tools installed in your CNC machine. Each toolset represents a specific tool configuration for different production requirements. The Optimizer uses these toolsets when generating G-Code.

What ATC Toolsets Do

ATC Toolsets define:

• Which tools are available in your machine
• What position each tool occupies
• What type of operation each tool performs
• Which toolset to use for different jobs

Critical: Tool positions in Mozaik must match tool positions in your CNC machine's automatic tool changer.

Key Concepts

1. Toolsets Dropdown

Create and manage multiple toolsets for different production needs.

Why multiple toolsets?

• Different jobs require different tools
• Door production needs different tools than cabinet boxes
• Quick changeover between production runs

Example toolsets:

• "Basic" - Standard cabinet parts
• "MDF Doors - Royce Raised"
• "MDF Doors - Shaker Vortex"
• "Cabinet Set - Plywood"
• "Cabinet Set - Melamine"

Tip: Use descriptive names that explain the toolset's purpose (e.g., "Door Tools" instead of "Toolset 1").

Where toolsets are used:

• Optimizer → Optimize Tab (select before optimizing)
• Optimizer → G-Code dialog (when processing individual sheets)

Tool Application Types

2. Tool Application

Each tool in your toolset must have a designated type. This tells Mozaik what operations to assign to each tool.

CRITICAL RULE: Only ONE Cutout tool per toolset.

Building a Toolset

3. Tool Order

Use ↑ ↓ arrow buttons to arrange tool positions.

VERY IMPORTANT: Tool positions in Mozaik MUST match tool positions in your CNC machine's ATC.

Why this matters:

• CNC calls tools by position number (T1, T2, T3, etc.)
• Wrong position = wrong tool selected
• Can damage tools, parts, or machine

Example:

CNC Machine ATC:        Mozaik Toolset:
Position 1: 3/8 Compression  →  T#1: 3/8 Compression
Position 2: 1/4 Downshear    →  T#2: 1/4 Downshear
Position 3: 3/8 Downshear    →  T#3: 3/8 Downshear
Position 4: 1/2 Downshear    →  T#4: 1/2 Downshear
Position 5: 5mm Drill        →  T#5: 5mm Drill
Position 6: 8mm Drill        →  T#6: 8mm Drill

If positions don't match: G-Code will call the wrong tool, potentially causing crashes or damage.

4. Insert Tool

Add tools to your toolset:

1. Select a tool from the Tool List (left side)
2. Click "Insert Tool" button
3. Tool appears in the toolset table
4. Assign Tool Application (Roughing, Cutout, Drill, etc.)
5. Use ↑ ↓ arrows to move tool to correct position

Repeat for each tool in your machine.

5. Remove Tool

Remove a tool from the toolset:

1. Click on the tool in the toolset table
2. Click "Remove Tool" button

NOTE: This moves all tools UP in the list. You may need to reorder afterward.

6. Add Blank Tool

If your CNC has empty positions in the ATC:

1. Click "Add Blank Tool#" button
2. A blank placeholder appears
3. Use ↑ ↓ arrows to position the blank in the correct slot

Why use blanks?

• Maintains correct tool numbering
• Reserves positions for future tools
• Keeps Mozaik positions aligned with CNC

Example:

Position 1: 3/8 Compression
Position 2: (Blank) ← Empty slot in machine
Position 3: 3/8 Downshear
Position 4: 1/2 Downshear

Cutout by Material

7. Designate another cutout tool, per material

The option will not be present until there are multiple cutout tools within your toolset:

• Insert two cutout tools at a minimum

Managing Toolsets

8. Sidebar Buttons

Creating a New Toolset

Step-by-Step:

1. Click "Add Toolset"
2. Name your toolset
   (Example: "MDF Doors - Raised Panel")
3. Add tools in order:
   • Select first tool from Tool List
   • Click "Insert Tool"
   • Assign Tool Application
   • Repeat for each tool
4. Arrange tool order:
   • Use ↑ ↓ arrows to match CNC positions
   • Add blanks for empty ATC positions
   • Verify positions match your machine
5. Verify tool applications:
   • One Cutout tool only
   • Appropriate types for each tool
   • Drill sizes match hole sizes
6. Set as default (if applicable)
7. Save (click OK)

Common Toolset Configurations

Basic Cabinet Toolset

Purpose: Standard cabinet box parts

Tools:

• T#1: 3/8 Compression (Roughing)
• T#2: 1/4 Downshear (Cutout)
• T#3: 3/8 Downshear (Dado)
• T#4: 1/2 Downshear (Dado)
• T#5: 5mm Drill (Drill)
• T#6: 8mm Drill (Drill)

Door Production Toolset

Purpose: CNC-machined raised panel doors

Tools:

• T#1: 3/8 Roughing (Roughing)
• T#2: 1/2 Downshear (Cutout)
• T#3: Panel Raising Bit (Door)
• T#4: Edge Profile Bit (Door)
• T#5: Detail Bit (Door)
• T#6: 5mm Drill (Drill)

Dovetail Drawer Toolset

Purpose: CNC dovetail drawer boxes

Tools:

• T#1: 3/8 Compression (Roughing)
• T#2: 1/4 Downshear (Cutout)
• T#3: Dovetail Bit 14° (Dovetail)
• T#4: 3/8 Downshear (Dado)
• T#5: 5mm Drill (Drill)

Tool Application Details

Roughing Tools

Purpose: Fast material removal
Characteristics: Designed for speed, not finish quality
If multiple: First in list is used

Cutout Tools

Purpose: Cut parts from sheet material
CRITICAL: Only ONE per toolset
Common: 1/4" or 3/8" compression or downshear bits

Drill Tools

Purpose: Boring holes
Requirement: Hole diameter must match tool diameter exactly
Multiple allowed: Use different drill sizes for different holes

Dado Tools

Purpose: Machine grooves for shelves, backs, bottoms
Common: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" straight bits
Multiple allowed: Different sizes for different dado widths

Door Tools

Purpose: Profiling and panel work
Use with: Panel Tool Groups and Edge Tool Groups
Multiple allowed: Complex profiles need multiple tools

Tips for Success

💡 Match positions exactly - Most important rule for ATC toolsets

💡 One Cutout tool only - Having multiple Cutout tools causes errors

💡 Use descriptive names - "Cabinet - Plywood" is better than "Toolset 2"

💡 Copy and modify - Start with existing toolset, then adjust for new configuration

💡 Document your toolsets - Keep notes on which toolset is for which production run

💡 Use blanks for empty positions - Keeps numbering aligned with CNC

💡 Set realistic default - Choose your most common production toolset

💡 Verify before running - Always double-check tool positions match your CNC

💡 Export as backup - Save toolsets to files in case of software reinstall

💡 Label your CNC - Physical labels on CNC help match Mozaik positions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why must tool positions match my CNC machine?
A: G-Code calls tools by position number (T1, T2, etc.). If positions don't match, the CNC may grab the wrong tool, potentially damaging tools, parts, or the machine.

Q: Why can I only have one Cutout tool per toolset?
A: Mozaik assigns one tool to cut parts from the sheet. Multiple Cutout tools would create conflicts in tool selection.

Q: What if I have multiple roughing bits?
A: You can have multiple, but Mozaik will only use the first one in the list. Order them by preference.

Q: Do I need a separate toolset for every job?
A: No. Create toolsets for different types of production (cabinets, doors, drawers). You can use one toolset for many similar jobs.

Q: What happens if I don't use blanks for empty ATC positions?
A: Tool numbering won't match your CNC. Tool 5 in Mozaik might be Tool 6 in your CNC, causing errors.

Q: Can I use the same tool in multiple positions?
A: Physically, no - a tool can only be in one ATC position at a time. In Mozaik, you shouldn't duplicate tools in one toolset.

Q: How do I know which Tool Application to assign?
A: Consider what operation the tool performs: cutting parts (Cutout), removing bulk material (Roughing), drilling holes (Drill), cutting grooves (Dado), or profiling (Door).

Q: What if my CNC doesn't have an automatic tool changer?
A: You can still create toolsets, but you'll manually change tools between operations. List tools in the order you'll change them.

Q: Can I share toolsets between computers?
A: Yes, use Export to save a toolset to a file, then Import on another computer. Great for multiple workstations.

Q: Do different materials need different toolsets?
A: Not necessarily. If you use the same tools for plywood and MDF, one toolset works. Only create separate toolsets if tool requirements differ significantly.