Import Lathe GTC Tool Data

Mastercam now lets you import lathe tool data from Generic Tool Catalog (GTC) packages. Previously, this ability was limited to milling tools. This greatly reduces the time that it takes to create 3D lathe tools. Similar to milling tools, Mastercam lets you select which assembly or individual components to import. It then validates the data and imports the tool or assembly directly to a Mastercam tool library (*.tooldb) or to the active machine group.

To import a GTC package, right-click in the Tool Manager and select Import/export tools, continuing until you select Generic Tool Catalog (GTC).

Click Open to select the GTC package to import. For each tool assembly, Mastercam lists the individual components below it. You can also select and import the individual components. These are listed again following the assembly (below the red dashed line) with a checkbox so they can be selected. For example, if you wish you can select only the insert and add it directly to an insert library. Click Validate to have Mastercam inspect the data and models; it displays a green check mark next to the approved components.

Click on the Filter button in any column to sort or filter the components.

Hover your mouse over a component’s icon to see a detailed view.

Once you are satisfied with the tool data, you can choose to save the components to the active machine group (Save to part) or you can select a *.tooldb file (Save to library).