# Operations

Operation fields — tool assembly, tool number, and cycle time.

Source: https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/engineering/reference/operations/
Updated: 2026-10-07

An **Operation** is a single machining step within a job. Each operation assigns one tool assembly to one position in the cutting sequence, with an expected cycle time. Operations drive the tool list, setup sheet rows, and pick list generation.

## Fields

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| **Name** | Short description of the operation (e.g., *Face mill*, *Drill Ø12*, *Finish bore*). |
| **Order** | Display sequence of this operation within the job. Determines the row order on the setup sheet. Drag operations in the job view to reorder. |
| **Tool No.** | T-code for the machine controller (e.g., T01, T02). Used by the NC program to call the correct tool. Set when using **Parse Operations from NC Programs** or **Renumber**, or entered directly. |
| **Tool Assembly** | The tool assembly used for this operation. Selected from the Tool Assembly library. Required. |
| **Est. Cycle Time** | Expected machining time per part in seconds. Required. Used for total job time estimation on the setup sheet. |
| **Comment** | Free-text note on the operation — carried over from the NC program's comment block when parsed, and helpful for identifying which Tool Assembly to assign. |

**Order** controls display sequence; **Tool No.** controls the T-code sent to the machine. These are set independently and can differ if the machining sequence and tool magazine loading order differ.

Cutting data (Vc, fz, ap, ae, spindle speed, feed rate, material removal rate) is not stored on the operation. It is configured on the Tool Assembly/Library side — see [Cutting Data Reference](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/reference/cutting-data/).