Tool Studio 2.1 cutting-tool production and regrinding software from Warwick-based Walter Ewag UK Ltd (www.walter-machines. com) includes a range of new grinding and probing routines, along with new wizards and improved features for faster and easier use.

Designed for the Walter Helitronic range of multi-axis ‘tool-grinding and erosion’ machines, the software incorporates a newly developed wizard that creates an easier way to add and configure corner radii on drills,
including approach and ‘lift-off’ options for smooth blends.

Also for drills, a new standard point operation (with conical-face polishing) allows the production of more-extreme geometries: point angles from 60 to 160deg, clearance angles from 0 to 16deg, and gash angles from 30 to 80deg.

The upgraded software has newly devised wizards for counter-sink tools (with fan and axial gash) and the easier configuration of ‘bullet nose’ tooling.

New smart probing for end mills, where parameters are probed and recorded with no manual input required, is complemented by functionality for the probing of unequally indexed coolant holes and the probing of eccentric run-out and compensation of a tool or blank.

In addition, the uprated software has a time-saving feature for defining pocket-seat operations and the simulation of special blanks.