Toolhive
What is Toolhive?
Toolhive is a cloud-based tool data management system developed to support machine shops and manufacturing plants with CNC machining throughout the entire production process. The system’s core purpose is to centralize the technical information, geometry, and assembly structure of cutting tools in one managed environment, usable in CAD design, CAM programming, and actual machining. Toolhive acts as a shared knowledge base for CAM programmers, machinists, and production planners.
Toolhive as a Tool Data Centralizer in the Machine Shop
In many machine shops, tool data has traditionally been scattered across different systems and practices. Tool dimensions and geometries are found in CAM system libraries, Excel spreadsheets, PDF catalogs, and personal notes of individual machinists. This makes data maintenance labor-intensive and prone to errors, especially when CNC machining tools are frequently changed or production is based on repeated batches. Toolhive provides a structural solution by consolidating all tool-related information in a single system, ensuring data is consistent and up to date.
Toolhive and Industry 4.0 in the Machine Shop Industry
The core of Industry 4.0 thinking is digitalizing production and ensuring seamless data flow between systems. Toolhive supports this development by serving as a link between CAD design, CAM programming, and CNC machining. When tool data is not tied to an individual workstation or person, production can be planned and managed more flexibly. This is especially important in today’s machine shop industry, where transparency, repeatability, and process reliability are key competitive factors.
Toolhive as a Tool Library and Manufacturer Data Source
The Toolhive web-based tool library includes a wide range of data from well-known tool brands. It features many manufacturers commonly used in the machine shop industry, such as Sandvik Coromant, Walter Tools, Seco Tools, Kennametal, Gühring, Hoffmann Group, Ingersoll, OSG, and DIAEDGE. The library contains technical specifications, 2D geometries, and 3D models that can be directly used in CAD and CAM environments. Thanks to ready-made manufacturer data, introducing new tools is faster, and the need for manual data entry is significantly reduced.
Toolhive and CAM Programming in Practice
In CAM programming, the accuracy of tool data is crucial for successful CNC machining. Toolhive is integrated with several widely used CAM systems, such as Mastercam, GibbsCAM, Cimatron, and Esprit EDGE. These integrations allow tools and tool assemblies to be transferred directly into the CAM software’s tool libraries, eliminating the need for separate files or manual data input. This supports the work of CAM programmers and reduces the risk that the tool used in programming deviates from the actual physical tool in production.
Tool Assemblies and 3D Models as Part of Machining
A key feature of Toolhive is the creation of digital tool assemblies. Individual components such as inserts, holders, and extensions are combined in the system into assemblies that mirror the real tools used in machining. At the same time, Toolhive automatically generates 2D and 3D models of these assemblies, which are utilized in CAM simulation and collision checks. This enhances CNC machining process reliability, especially in complex and tight machining scenarios.
Toolhive, Tool Vending Machines, and CRIBWISE
Combining physical tool management with digital tool data is one of Toolhive’s strengths. The system supports integration with the CRIBWISE inventory management solution, widely used in tool vending machines. Thanks to this integration, tool inventory, usage, and availability can be linked directly to digital tool data. This reduces production downtimes and helps machine shops manage the tool lifecycle in a more structured way.
Toolhive as a Cloud-Based SaaS Solution
Toolhive operates as a browser-based SaaS service, with no need for heavy local IT installations. Setup is light, and the system can be used at multiple sites from the same database. Tool data can be imported into the system from a web catalog, CAM software, CAD systems, as well as from existing Excel and CSV files. This makes Toolhive a flexible solution for machine shops of all sizes.
Toolhive as Part of a Comprehensive Production Process
Toolhive is more than just a tool library—it’s a part of the broader digital production chain. With CAD design, CAM programming, and CNC machining all based on the same tool data, production can be managed on a unified information base. This supports collaboration between machinists and CAM programmers and improves the overall control of the machining process.
Summary
Toolhive is a cloud-based tool data management system that supports CNC machining, CAM programming, and Industry 4.0 development in the machine shop industry. It brings together tool libraries, tool assemblies, 2D and 3D models, and integrations with CAM systems and tool vending machines into one structural entity, enhancing quality, repeatability, and transparency in production.
