# Build a tool assembly

Select and connect products from the Tooling Metrics Library to form a complete tool assembly with geometry and connection codes.

Source: https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/guides/build-tool-assembly/
Updated: 2026-10-29

**Prerequisites:** The products (holder, adaptor, cutting edge) you need exist in the Library.

**Required permission:** Library → Tool Assemblies — User or above. Admins can edit any tool assembly; Managers and Users only the tool assemblies they created.

## Create the assembly

1. In the sidebar, click **Library → Tool Assemblies**.
1. Click **+ Create**.
1. The **Designation** is generated automatically; optionally enter a **Name** for this assembly (e.g., *CAT40 12mm End Mill*).
1. Click **Create**. The Assembly Builder opens.

The assembly's classification isn't picked up front — it's derived automatically from the components you add in the next step.

## Add components

1. In the **Structure** panel, click **⊕ Add**. The Product List shows every compatible product unfiltered — search or filter by Manufacturer and Operation to find the first component (typically the cutting tool). Click **⊕** on its row to add it.
1. On that component's card in the Structure panel, click **Add to Machine Side**. The Product List now shows only products whose connection code matches the open connection — add the next component.
1. Repeat **Add to Machine Side** on each new component until the stack reaches the spindle interface (cutting tool → adaptor → holder).

Connection-code matching is automatic: only compatible products appear in the filtered list, so an incompatible combination can't be added by mistake.

## Build the assets

1. With all components in place, click **Build Assets** in the bottom toolbar.
1. This runs inline for up to 28 seconds; if it takes longer, a flash message reports "Assets build is taking too long. Job enqueued." and the build falls back to a background job — the button disables until it finishes. While it runs, the **Bill of Materials** and **Parameters** tabs stay usable.
1. When the build completes, open **Drawing Viewer** for the generated 2D drawing, or the 3D model icon in the CAD toolbar for the assembled model.

Assets must be built before the assembly can be exported — see [Export the tool library to CAM](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/guides/export-tool-library/).

## Add cutting data

Click the **Cutting Data** tab → **⊕** and use the machining calculator to define Vc, fz, ap, and ae for an operation and workpiece material. See [Use the machining calculator](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/guides/calculate-cutting-parameters/) for the full field reference and formulas.

## Release the assembly

When the assembly is ready for production use, click **Release** in the action bar. Releasing syncs every component product to an inventory Item first, then flips the assembly's status from **Draft** to **Released** — a flash reports how many items were created or updated. **Released** assemblies can be picked for a project operation or used to build a physical Tool at the WAP kiosk.

The assembly reaches **Active** on its own the first time a physical Tool built from it is itself released — this isn't a manual step. See [Tool Assemblies Reference](https://support.toolingmetrics.com/en/library/reference/tool-assemblies/#status) for the full status flow.