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Manage a tool crib

Assign a slot number to a tool loaded in a machine, so it matches the NC program's T-codes.

Updated

Prerequisites: A machine is configured with at least one Component (head, turret, or gang). A tool has been transferred to the machine.

Required permission: Production → Machines — User or above. Anyone who can open the machine can assign pocket numbers; a User sees only the machines they created.

View the machine’s tool crib

Section titled “View the machine’s tool crib”
  1. In the sidebar, click Production → Machines and open the machine.
  2. Click the Tool Crib tab. Every tool currently at the machine appears here — a tool only shows up once it’s actually been picked or transferred there, so there’s nothing to configure ahead of time.

Haas VF-1 Tool Crib table showing tool ID, name, pocket number, remaining life, forecasted quantity, on-hand quantity, and cost. (full size)

Fig. 1: Tool Crib tab — current columns include tool ID, name, pocket number, remaining life, forecasted and on-hand quantities, and cost.

Assign a pocket number

Section titled “Assign a pocket number”
  1. Click the Pocket No. next to any tool in the list (blank if unassigned).
  2. In the Assign Slot Number dialog, select the Machine Component — the head, turret, or gang the slot belongs to — and enter the Pocket No.
  3. Click Update.

Assign Slot Number dialog with Head selected as the machine component and slot number 1. (full size)

Fig. 2: Assigning a pocket number — pick the component, then the slot position within it.

Notes

Section titled “Notes”
  • The pocket number is what the T-code in NC programs refers to (e.g., slot 3 = T03).
  • A component’s number of slots is fixed when it’s configured on the machine — see Machines Reference. Tooling Metrics rejects a pocket number that’s already taken on that component, or beyond its configured slot count.
  • Use Renumber tools for an NC program to reconcile pocket numbers with a job’s T-codes before running it.
  • A tool reaches the machine via a Pick List or a Tool Transfer, and its slot assignment is cleared automatically when a Return List moves it back off the machine — see Prepare tools for a job and Process a return list.

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