Toolhive brings cloud-based tool data into everyday machine shop operations
Save up to 20% time, cut downtime by 15%, boost productivity, and take charge of your tool data—all with Toolhive.
In machine shops, tool data often exists in many different places: Excel spreadsheets, folders, and individual employees’ computers—or even desk drawers. When the same information is maintained in parallel, delays, inconsistencies and unnecessary work easily arise. The challenge becomes especially apparent when programming, tool assembly, setup operations and production all require the same information quickly, accurately and consistently.
Toolhive is a cloud-based solution for tool management designed to bring all stages design and machining together, combining them into one central source of truth. The platform centralizes all tool-related information in one place, making it easily accessible to everyone directly through a web browser. As a result, CAM programmers, supervisors, machine setup personnel and machine operators work from the same data source, without separate files or manual verification.
A continuously expanding tool library
Toolhive’s tool catalogue contains data from a wide range of well-known cutting tool manufacturers. These include Sandvik Group brands such as Sandvik Coromant, Walter Tools and Seco, as well as other widely recognized manufacturers including Ingersoll, InovaTools, DIAEDGE, OSG, ARNO, Gühring, Kennametal and Hoffmann Group. The selection is continuously expanded, with new manufacturers and tool data added to the system on a regular basis.
The tool library currently comprises more than 400,000 tools, providing users with a ready-to-use and validated data foundation for CAM programming. Thanks to the breadth and up-to-date nature of the data, the need for manual tool data creation is reduced, and the introduction of new tools is accelerated—particularly when reliable geometries, 2D and 3D models, and technical parameters are required.
Tool assemblies and CAM integration as part of the production process
A key strength of Toolhive is that tool data does not remain an isolated library but is directly connected to programming and production. Tool assemblies can be built digitally in Toolhive, where the system guides users in selecting compatible tool items and simultaneously updates the 2D and 3D views of the assembly. Finished assemblies can be reused and modified, supporting repeatability and established working practices.
Toolhive currently supports several widely used CAM systems—including Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Cimatron, and Esprit/ESPRIT EDGE—with a continuously expanding range of integrations planned for the future. Through these integrations, tool assemblies can be transferred directly into the CAM system’s tool management environment, allowing technical data and 3D models to be carried over without manual work. This ensures that the tool used in programming accurately corresponds to the physical assembly used in production.
Digitally connecting production planning with automated tool inventory systems
Toolhive has been designed to support the entire tool process rather than individual, isolated functions. The platform not only centralises tool data management, digital tool assembly creation and their use in CAM programming, but also production management.
Toolhive’s Work Order Management feature will provide a simple, structured way to manage each step of the manufacturing process by capturing all required information and linking tools to work orders and production planning, ensuring transparency from digital definition to physical use. Whilst Toolhive’s seamless integration with CRIBWISE, an inventory management system, digitally reflects real‑time tool availability, usage, and inventory data. Users can instantly see the quantity and location of each tool and program with the tools they actually have on hand. This reduces production interruptions, improves data accuracy, and provides a far more comprehensive view of tool usage and lifecycle.
Cloud-based deployment without a heavy IT environment
Toolhive is available exclusively as a SaaS solution and does not require local installations on company servers or workstations. Deployment follows a self-service model, allowing users to start using the system quickly through a web browser. Tool data can be imported directly from the Toolhive tool catalogue, or via a guided manual entry or from your existing Excel files.
Data security is a core element of the solution, utilising multi-tenant data isolation with dedicated databases per customer, ensuring your sensitive data remains private, secure, and separate from other users. Updates and backups are handled automatically in the background, reducing the company’s internal IT workload and lowering the barrier to adopting the system.
Camcut & Toolhive bring the digital production chain to the next level
Known as an expert partner in the development of machine shop production, cutting tools and CAM software, Camcut Group has entered into a collaboration with Toolhive and is expanding its product and service portfolio with Toolhive’s cloud-based tool data management solution. Toolhive fits naturally into Camcut’s existing offering and supports customers in developing their production through modern digital solutions.
With Toolhive, Camcut can offer a seamless digital production chain, extending from cutting tools and tool automation all the way to CAM programming. The process can begin, for example, with Walter Tools cutting tools and the Walter Toolstation, a tool automation system, whose tool data is transferred through Toolhive integrations into your cloud-based Toolhive tool library and further into Mastercam for programming. Toolhive and Camcut are excited to be working on this future service concept that brings together product sales, software solutions and expert services, with the aim of improving customers’ end-to-end production efficiency and ensuring that digital solutions effectively support day-to-day operations over the long term.
