Organize Your Tools

Tool Location Tracking

Offset Uploading

Tool Search Center

Manage 8 Machines

User Action Recording

Reduce Setup Time

Job Program Sequencing

Machining Time Tracking

Consumable Reordering

Smart Tools for S.A.M.

Hydraulic Manifolds

Hydraulic Flanges

CNC Tool Storage & Job Setup System for Machining Centers

CNC Tool Data Management

This Page is dedicated to post the relevant effects Tool-Wall has in the shop floor environment.

Late Shifts running longer!: Job setup is a problem for late shifts. The person that is doing the job setup and planning is on the day shift. So when the jobs are finished at night we have to shut down the machine. Now with S.A.M. most repeat jobs can be done without the set-up-person present.

What tool should I use?: Our tool list on the job setup sheet used to have a description of the tool. Often only the foreman knew which one it is. Now with Tool-Wall all have a Tool-Wall-Number. No more confusion.

Have to get used to discipline !: Since we are running TW-Data a lot more discipline is required than before. We used to just sharpen a drill and put it back in its place. Now you have to update the tool length before returning it to its place in Tool-Wall. Guess one can always confirm the data before using the tool. Confirming is easy. Just place the tool in the pre setter and you are safe. Either all stick to discipline or only one person is in charge to update data. We have to work that out. Sure saves a lot of time having the data right on.

My Job is more fun since we run S.A.M.!:  I feel much better in my job now. Just loading the machine gets boring. With this system I can set up for a new job with no problem.

I would not want to get back to our old system!: I used to have a clipboard with sheets of paper with my tool data. It was complicated but I knew were every tool was. Now I don’t. S.A.M. knows now. The system shows me the tools I need for the next job, It tells me the tools in the machine for it and the tools I have to add. I place the tools in the pockets requested, transfer the program and start machining. That simple.

Did you ever go to all the machines to find a tool?: Not anymore! Just ask S.A.M.! The system will tell you were every tool is, whether it is used in a machine for a job or just left in there to rotate around.

Implement 1 Module at the time!: “Tool-Wall” will organize your tools right away. “TW-Data” needs the effort to catalog all the data of your tools. That takes some time as you are busy anyway. It has to be done systematically and by one person only. “S.A.M.” will change the way you have done things in the past completely. So take your time to get ready for it. Once you switched, you never look back.

Every shop seems to have their own system?!: When you start with a new employer and you are experienced you have to get used to their in-shop setup system, before you can really do things. All the “Secrets” are normally with one guy. and when he is not there, you are stuck. With S.A.M. we all know what to do with reoccurring jobs. I think S.A.M. will become a standard one day like CAD and CAM.

The tool receptacles being pull stud specific helps preventing mix-up!:  In Tool-Wall the locations you insert the tool holder into is made for that pull stud only. For instance HAAS has a small pull stud and one side of your Tool-Wall is designated for that machine, you can not place another tool holder with a larger pull stud there. It’s a “No-Go”.

Tool Change reduced dramatically !:   S.A.M. pre-scans all programs within a job folder. I don’t take out tools anymore that I need for the next program. So if I set up the next program for a job my tool change is minimal. In addition to this S.A.M. installs the tool into pockets that reduces the tool loading time. It happened allot that the machine was waiting for the next tool when the previous tool had a short operation. Not any more ! Now the tool is right there.