89 lines
4.8 KiB
Markdown
89 lines
4.8 KiB
Markdown
# Tools
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Each tool is stored as a JSON file which has the shape's path and values for all attributes of the shape.
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It also includes all additional parameters and their values.
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Storing a tool as a JSON file sounds great but eliminates the option of an accurate thumbnail. On the other hand,
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storing each tool as a `*.fcstd` file requires more space and does not allow for generating tools. If one has an
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extensive tool aresenal they might want to script the generation of tools which is easily done for a `*.json` file but
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practically impossible for `*.fcstd` files.
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When a tool is instantiated in a job the PDN body is created from the shape and the attributes and constraints are set
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according to the values from the JSON file. All additional parameters are created as properties on the object. This
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provides the correct shape and dimensions which can be used to generate a point cloud or mesh for advanced
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algorithms (and potentially simulation).
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# Tool Libraries
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Due to each tool being stored in its own file and the storage/organization of those files being quite flexible the
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importance of a tool library for organisational purposes is quite diminished. The user is free to organise their tools
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in whichever directory hierarchy they see fit and can also name them as best fits their use and organisation. A
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_tool library_ is nevertheless a great representation for a physical grouping of tools, such as in an automatic tool
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changer.
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A tool library is a (JSON) file with a mapping of tool id to the path of the tool file. As a consequence each tool
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can be in multiple libraries and doesn't have an `id` of it's own. The `id` is a property of the library.
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If a tool from a tool library (or an entire tool library) is added to a job it retains its `id` from the library as a
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property. Adding a tool bit directly rsults in the tool getting the next free id assigned.
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# Tool Controllers
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They largely stay the same as they are today. As an additional feature it should be possible to _copy_ a TC, which
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allows for easy feed/speed changes for the same tool.
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Above requirement highlights one change though, that the `id` should be a property of the Bit, and not of the TC.
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There are two requirements that are currently mapped to a single `id`. There needs to be an identification of which
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TC is being used by a certain op, and which tool number to use for a `M6` command.
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# Paths and Extensibility
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The following directory structure is used for supplied (shipped with FreeCAD) tools:
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```
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Tools
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+ Bit
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+ Library
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+ Shape
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```
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Strictly speaking a user is free to store their tools wherever they want and however they want. By default the file
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dialog will open the corresponding directory (depending on context), or whichever directory the user opened last.
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Above directory structure with the most common default tools shipped with FreeCAD should be installed analogous to
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TechDraw's templates.
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## How to create a new tool
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1. Set the tool's Label, this will show up in the object tree
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1. Select a tool shape from the existing shape files. If your tool doesn't exist, you'll have to create a new shape,
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see below for details.
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1. Each tool bit shape has its own set of parameters, fill them with the tool's values.
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1. Select additional parameters
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1. Save the tool under path/file that makes sense to you
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## How to create a new tool bit Shape
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The shape file for a tool bit is expected to contain a PD body which represents the tool as a 3d solid. The PD body
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should be parametric based on a PropertyBag object so that, when the properties of the PropertyBag are changed the
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solid is updated to the correct representation.
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1. Create a new FreeCAD document
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1. Open the `PartDesign` workbench, create a body and give the body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
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1. Open the Path workbench and (with the PD body selected) create a PropertyBag,
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menu 'Path' -> 'Utils' -> 'Property Bag'
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* this creates a PropertyBag object inside the Body (assuming it was selected)
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* add properties to which define the tool bit's shape and put those into the group 'Shape'
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* add any other properties to the bag which might be useful for the tool bit
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1. Construct the body of the tool bit and assign expressions referencing properties from the PropertyBag (in the
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`Shape` Group) for all constraints.
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* Position the tip of the tool bit on the origin (0,0)
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1. Save the document as a new file in the Shape directory
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* Before saving the document make sure you have _Save Thumbnail_ selected, and _Add program logo_ deselected in
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FreeCAD's preferences.
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* Also make sure to switch to _Front View_ and _Fit content to screen_
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* Whatever you see when saving the document will end up being the visual representation of tool bits with this shape
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Not that 'Shape' is the only property group which has special meaning for tool bits. All other property groups are
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copied verbatim to the ToolBit object when one is created.
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