Toolhive
Toolhive is a cloud-based tool data management solution for CNC machine shops and other manufacturing companies. It brings cutting tools, holders, adapters, tool assemblies, technical specifications, and 2D and 3D models together in a single browser-based system.
Shared tool data can be used in CAM programming, tool preparation, work orders, and production. The goal is to reduce duplicate data maintenance and ensure that the same tool definitions are used in programming, setup, and machining. Toolhive can also be integrated with inventory management systems and tool automation solutions, allowing digital tool data to be linked to the availability of physical tools. Toolhive is part of the Sandvik Group, and Camcut is its official reseller.
Toolhive centralizes machine shop tool data in one system.
A machine shop’s tool data may be scattered across CAM software, Excel spreadsheets, network drives, manufacturers’ resources, and employees’ personal files. When the same information is maintained in multiple places, finding the right tool, dimensions, or assembly takes time, and the data in different sources may not match.
Toolhive provides a company-wide tool database for storing cutting tools, indexable inserts, holders, adapters, and other components used in tool assemblies. The same system can be used to maintain product IDs, dimensions, technical specifications, manufacturer information, and 2D and 3D files, for example.
The same data foundation can be used by CAM programmers, process planners, supervisors, tool-preparation staff, and machine operators. When a proven tool or tool assembly is saved in a shared library, it can be reused later without having to build the same information separately for each job.
A company’s existing tool data can be imported from Excel and CSV files, as well as compatible CAM systems. This means Toolhive implementation does not have to start from scratch; existing data can be incorporated into a shared tool library.
More than 500,000 tools and components with ready-to-use product data
Toolhive’s tool catalog contains more than 500,000 tools and tool components from well-known manufacturers. The catalog can be used to search for cutting tools, indexable inserts, holders, collets, adapters, and other components needed for tool assemblies.
Ready-made product data eliminates the need to enter tool dimensions, technical specifications, and 3D geometries manually. Products can be searched by manufacturer, product ID, tool type, description, and technical specifications, for example.
Toolhive’s manufacturer selection includes Sandvik Coromant, Walter, Seco, Gühring, Kennametal, and OSG, as well as other manufacturers of tools and tool holders used in machining. The selection is continuously expanded with new products and manufacturer data.
If a tool or component used by the company is not available in the catalog, it can be added to the company’s own tool library. This makes it possible to manage both standard manufacturer products and the company’s own tools and components in the same system.
Digital tool assemblies with 2D and 3D models
In Toolhive, complete digital tool assemblies can be built from individual components. An assembly may consist of a spindle interface, toolholder, adapter, collet, cutting tool, and indexable insert, for example.
Toolhive creates a digital tool from the assembly, allowing its structure, dimensions, and 3D geometry to be reviewed before it is used in CAM programming or production. Manufacturer and product information, as well as company-specific tool data, can also be added to the assembly.
The goal of a digital tool assembly is to match the physical tool built for the machine as accurately as possible. This allows the tool’s overall length, holders, adapters, and other components to be taken into account already during the programming stage.
Completed tool assemblies are saved in the company’s shared library, where they can be reused for different jobs. This supports the standardization of proven tooling solutions and reduces the need to rebuild the same assembly in different CAM systems.
Tool data directly into CAM programming
Toolhive’s tool library can be connected to supported CAM software, allowing tool assemblies created in Toolhive to be transferred directly to the CAM environment. This eliminates the need to rebuild the tool’s components, dimensions, and 3D geometry for programming.
Toolhive supports integrations with software such as Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Cimatron, and ESPRIT EDGE. With a software-specific integration, tool assembly data can be incorporated into CAM programming, and in supported workflows, tool data can also be transferred between the CAM system and Toolhive.
An accurate digital tool assembly supports toolpath planning, simulation, and collision checking. When the digital tool used in the CAM software matches the physical assembly used in production, consistency between programming and the actual machining setup is improved.
A shared tool library also reduces the need for separate, programmer-specific tool libraries. Proven assemblies can be saved in Toolhive and reused in new programs and recurring jobs.
Work orders connect CAM programming, tool preparation, and production
With Toolhive’s Work Order Management feature, the tool assemblies, machine tool, and other production-related information required for a job can be linked to the work being manufactured. Tool requirements can therefore be defined as early as the programming and planning stages.
Using the work order, the CAM programmer, production supervisor, tool-preparation personnel, and machine operator can all view in the same system which tools are required for the job. This reduces the need for separate tool lists, spreadsheets, and other parallel records.
Missing tools, holders, or other components can be identified before the job reaches the machine. This makes it possible to arrange, assemble, or transfer the required tools during the preparation stage, rather than discovering a shortage only when setting up the machine.
Previously used work orders and their associated tool assemblies can also be reused for recurring jobs. When the same product returns to production later, the tool solutions and assemblies used previously remain available in the shared system.
Integration with tool automation and inventory management
Toolhive can be connected to CRIBWISE inventory management and the tool automation systems that use it, such as Walter Toolstation solutions. This integration links Toolhive’s digital tool data with the availability of tools and components in the machine shop’s physical inventory.
Toolhive defines the tool or tool assembly required for production. CRIBWISE, in turn, manages the inventory levels, locations, usage, and replenishment of physical products. Together, the systems connect the digital tool definition with the actual inventory situation.
Inventory information can be used during programming and production planning. Users can check whether the tool or component required for a job is available and where it is located. This makes it easier to use existing tools and helps identify missing products before the job begins.
Through Toolhive, a tool’s digital data can be connected to CAM programming and the work order. The CRIBWISE connection adds physical inventory and tool availability to the same workflow. This enables tool information to flow more consistently from programming to tool preparation and on to machining, instead of maintaining the same data in separate systems.
Contact us if you want to consolidate all your tool information in one system and integrate it into production.
