Tools that are required to produce products can be created in two ways:

  • Via an automatic import process from the ERP (see ERP connection).
  • By entering manually like explained in this article.


Entering tools is mandatory when the tool has multiple cavities, as this is essential for correctly calculating the produced quantity. If the tool has only a single cavity, entering it is optional. Connect will automatically assume 1 as the number of cavities.


The Tools module is available in the RESOURCES section. This module shows a table with the tools that have been created manually and those that come from the ERP. To see the latest ERP import, refresh the page (F5).



When a tool is assigned to a production order, a lock icon appears next to its name, indicating that it cannot be edited. Only the Matching criteria and Products can be edited. Clicking the lock icon shows which production orders currently use the tool.

Although the same tool can be assigned to multiple orders, only one of those orders should run at a time to avoid tool overuse.

The lock icon automatically disappears when no production orders are using the tool.


Creating a tool

To create an tool manually:


  1. Click New tool.


  2. Before creating your first tool, you can define a pattern for the Name of the tool. See Name generation pattern.
  3. Enter or select values. Fields marked with * are required.
  4. For a description of the fields, see below.
  5. Click Save.

    You can also click Save and close to return to the list or Save and create new to create more.


Fields

The products definition has six tabs. Only the tabs Matching criteria and Products can be changed for tools that are locked.  


General

Name * Any unique name can be entered or if a name generation pattern is defined, click Apply to generate a name.
Tool type* Specify whether the tool is used for injection molding (select Single mold) or for Extrusion.
WeightWeight of the tool.
SpeedThe expected production speed, This value is used to estimate the production time of a production order. When left blank, the Standard speed value of the Machine will be used. If a Speed is specified for the Product, that speed value will be used.
Speed unitThe unit of measure for the Speed value.
  • sec: Use when production is measured by cycle time. This is the time required per part, per shot (single mold) or per fixed length (extrusion).
  • rpm/ppm: Use when production is measured by output rate per minute (rotations or parts per minute).
DescriptionFree text field for any additional details about the tool, such as part geometry, revision number, usage notes, or storage instructions.



Status

This tab is used to track the current availability and readiness of the tool within the manufacturing or inventory system.



StatusPossible statuses that can be selected:
  • Free: The tool is not installed on any machine.
  • Assembling: The tool is currently being assembled. 
  • In maintenance: The tool is undergoing maintenance and cannot be used. 
  • Not available: The tool is blocked and unavailable for production.
The status In use is shown when an order with the tool is being executed.
Stock locationSpecifies the warehouse, storage area, or internal location where the tool is kept. From this dialog, you can add new stock locations with the button New stock location.


Cavities

This tab defines how a tool is structured and used in production.

By default, a tool has one cavity and one piece cycle.



CavitiesTotal number of cavities in the mold, i.e. the maximum number of the parts that can be produced in one cycle.
  • For standard molds, this equals the number of identical parts produced per cycle.
  • In family molds (used to produce different parts in the same cycle), each distinct product type is counted as one cavity.
Piece cyclesNumber of cycles that are needed to produce a complete product. For example for a product that consists of two materials or colors, the first cycle injects the first material or color and the second cycle the second material or color. (multi-shot vs single-shot injection)


Fields that are available if the number of cavities is larger than 1:


Used cavitiesIndicates how many of the total cavities are actively being used. Some cavities may be disabled due to wear or maintenance.
Numbering modeDefines how cavities are numbered or labelled. This field is used for the cavity tracking.
Cavities acrossNumber of cavities arranged horizontally in the tool layout. This field is used for the cavity tracking.
Cavities downNumber of cavities arranged vertically in the tool layout. This field is used for the cavity tracking.


Setup

This tab focuses on time allocations related to machine preparation. These times are crucial for accurate production scheduling.



Waive cyclesSpecifies the number of production cycles to exclude after each stop, for example, when the first few products after a stop are expected to be defective and should not be counted as valid production.
Waived products are counted in the report items Cycles waived, Items rejected and % Rejects, whereas scrap in only counted in Items rejected and % Rejects.
Mount timeThe time required to mount (install) the tool on the machine.
Dismount timeThe time needed to remove the tool after production is completed.


Matching criteria

This tab can used to link a tool to the appropriate production resources (machines) based on technical compatibility and performance targets. Both Machines and Machine types can be added. Machines are assigned to a machine type via the machine details (Plant view module).


The Speed field shows the value from the selected machine if a machine was selected, but these values can be adjusted.


Selecting machines and machine types results in following situations:

What is defined?On which machines can the tool be used?
NothingOn any machine
MachinesOnly on those machines
Machine typesOnly on machines of those machine types


Machines and machine types can be added with the buttons at the top right side.


Products

This tab is used to link a tool with products. When a production order is created and a tool is selected, only the products that are selected for the tool can be selected for the production order.

To select those products, click Add products. From the Add products dialog, you can add new products. See Products.