Any shop that operates multiple machining centers with independent tool magazines knows that maintaining control of each tool crib’s inventory is an essential aspect of process consistency. Ensuring that tools are replaced with identical tools, keeping tool changes to a minimum and staying on top of problems as they arise are vital methods of controlling consumable costs and process variations that, when left unchecked, can lead to scrapping expensive cutting tools.
Transitioning toward digitized cutting tool management is becoming easier as more and more companies offer industrial vending systems and customized software that can help standardize a shop’s production strategy.
