NX Not all tool parameters/attributes are available in Machining Knowledge Editor

When creating machining rules in MKE, not all tool parameters are available. For example the "Flute Length" attribute is available, but "Length" is not. Is there a way to add more attributes?

Solution

The MKE is showing the tool attributes from the Search Result dialog (RSET entry in def file). So it is possible to add more attributes by customizing this, even though they are not included by default. The following is an example how to add "Length" to Twist Drills:

1. Open ...\MACH\resource\library\tool\ascii\dbc_tool_ascii.def.
2. Because no db alias for the length exists, it must first be added ("HEI" is what the tool length parameter is called in tool_database.dat):

DB_ALIAS Length
{
DB_ID HEI
DB_ID_TYPE d
DIALOG_NAME "(L) Length"
RSET_NAME "(L) Length"
}

3. Scroll down to CLASS TWIST_DRILL and add the db alias "Length" to the RSET entry:

CLASS TWIST_DRILL
{
TYPE QRY
QUERY "[DB(SubType)] == [01]"
FILE "qry=drillingtool_diagram;rset=drillingtool_diagram;"
DIALOG libref Diameter FluteLength PointAngle PointLength CorRadDrill TaperedSDia Material Holder Descr
RSET libref Descr Diameter FluteLength PointAngle PointLength CorRadDrill TaperedSDia MaterialDes HolderDes HolderRef Length
UI_NAME "Twist Drill"
}

4. Save and close the file.
5. Start MKE.
6. File --> Open and Update.
7. Open machining_knowledge.xml.
8. Now the Twist Drill includes the Length attribute.

Hardware/Software Configuration

Platform: INTL64
OS: windows
OS Version: 1064
Product: NX
Application: CAM
Version: V1926
Function: FEATURE_BASED

Ref: 002-8515635