The choice of the right tool significantly influences cycle times, component quality, and tool life. For a long time, this process relied on experience, catalogs, and often pure trial and error – an approach that costs time and encourages mistakes. And today? Machining professionals expect quick, precise answers without trial-and-error. Digital platforms like ToolSelect from CERATIZIT provide relief: they standardize decision-making, reduce complexity, and significantly shorten the path to the optimal solution.
And how fast is ToolSelect actually? "Our goal was to deliver the suitable overall solution in just 90 seconds. Users either start with a manual entry of the relevant workpiece and process parameters or choose the 3D model upload. This accelerates data collection and simultaneously reduces transmission errors," says Bianca Rief, part of the Product Owner Team of ToolSelect at CERATIZIT.
Based on this, the system generates up to four alternatives for the respective machining and leads to the saved offer or directly to the order in the CERATIZIT online shop in just a few more clicks.
The complete package from spindle to cutting edge
Instead of individual components, ToolSelect always recommends the complete tool – from the adapter to the holder to the cutting edge – and supplements these with the appropriate cutting data such as cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut. This avoids incorrect combinations, shortens tool searches, and increases process reliability. At the same time, the digital selection ensures full reproducibility, even across teams and locations, which reduces scrap in production and noticeably shrinks setup times.
3D analysis and seamless process planning
The CAD data analysis processes common 3D formats and can optionally automatically adopt information from associated PDF drawings such as tolerances, threads, or materials. Additionally, stored raw parts and machines can be integrated. Manuel Bergmann, Team Lead IT VC Applications at CERATIZIT explains: "Tools that the customer is already successfully using or that are available in the tool dispensing system Tool-O-Mat are highlighted. This provides transparency about existing resources and accelerates selection in ongoing operations."
Beyond tool recommendations, ToolSelect opens the door to continuous process planning: In collaboration with the separate software Spanflug MAKE, the 3D model is analyzed, a complete work plan is created, and the optimal tool is chosen for each step. The integration of CERATIZIT tool data into this workflow provides a consistent operations plan along with a tool list and real-time availability. If a component is still missing, it can be ordered directly from the planning. This saves time, increases offer accuracy, and enhances process reliability from the first click to the finished component.
Wide application – from job shop to OEM
Whether single part production or series production: ToolSelect covers all standard operations and is thus suitable for a wide range of industries and lot sizes. The platform helps to close knowledge gaps, especially for less experienced users, and supports global rollouts of best-practice setups.
ToolSelect bundles tool expertise, data intelligence, and process integration into a seamless user experience: from quick, error-free selection to complete cutting data and shop integration to integrated manufacturing planning with Spanflug MAKE. "Those who want to machine more easily and efficiently will find with ToolSelect the shortcut to a comprehensive solution – already now for milling, drilling, turning, and broaching, and always scalable with future requirements in mind," summarize the two Product Owners.
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