Tool component, system, method and computer program for determining the dimensions of a tool component

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (100) for determining the size of a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by using an identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on the tool component, wherein the system (100) comprises: a reader device (10a, 10b, 10c) for reading a machine-readable code, an electronic device (1a, 1b, 1c) configured to be connected to the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), the electronic device (1a, 1b, 1c) having a processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c), the processing circuit being configured to enable the system (100) to: 10c) detecting an identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) at a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), wherein the identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) is a unique machine-readable code; reading the unique machine-readable code of the identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) by the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); and obtaining individual dimension information data (idID) from the unique machine-readable code, the individual dimension information data comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) measured when the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) was manufactured. The present disclosure also relates to a method and a computer program product (500) for determining the size of a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) using an identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), and to a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tool component, a system, a method, and a computer program product for determining the size of a tool component using identification marks on the tool component. Background Art

[0002] Many machine operations today involve the use of cutting tools. It is important that the cutting tools used in machine operations are in the desired position, for example, for precise machining of material during machine operation. Many machine operations today involve manual manipulation of cutting tools.

[0003] One example of a machine operation may be an operation performed by a machine having a cutting tool, which is configured to remove chips from a block of material by the cutting tool during machine operation. In this example, the machine for cutting may need to position multiple tool components in desired positions before starting machine operation with the cutting tool components. In this example, the cutting tool may include multiple tool components, such as a specific tool holder with one or more specific cutting blades attached to the tool holder. In addition, the cutting blade may have multiple cutting edges, and therefore each cutting blade may need to be arranged in a specific position on the tool holder, for example, so that the correct distance from the block of material to the cutting edge is used during machine operation with the cutting tool.

[0004] Often, before machine operation can begin, the machine operator needs to position the tool assembly and verify that it is in the desired position. In the example of a cutting tool, the cutting machine operator therefore needs to verify, for example, that the cutting edge of a cutting insert is in the desired position. This is typically accomplished through a visual inspection, and sometimes through manual measurements by the machine operator, before the operator can begin operating the machine.

[0005] Therefore, today, in machine operations, especially in multiple, complex, consecutive machine operations, a large portion of the time is spent positioning the tool component relative to, for example, the machine and / or the material to be machined by the tool component when the tool is attached to the machine. This includes the time spent changing the tool component between operations.

[0006] A first disadvantage of the current method is that the cutting tool may be positioned incorrectly and therefore in an undesired position so that an incorrect distance from the material block to the cutting edge of the cutting tool is used during machine operations with the cutting tool, which in turn may cause serious damage to the cutting tool and also to the material block.

[0007] A second disadvantage of current methods is that even if the operator verifies that the tool assembly is in the desired position prior to machine operation, the human error factor is a factor that can cause the tool assembly to be incorrectly positioned during machine operation.

[0008] A third disadvantage of current methods is that a significant amount of time is spent on positioning the tool assembly relative to, for example, the machine and / or the material to be machined by the tool assembly when the tool assembly is attached to the machine. This time is expensive and adds time to the overall manufacturing process of the product. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is an aim of some embodiments to address or mitigate, alleviate or eliminate at least some of the above or other disadvantages.

[0010] Today, the dimensions of a specific tool component can be recorded as a dimension value + / - a certain tolerance value. Typically, when a specific tool component is manufactured, the manufacturing process itself cannot be so precise, so each manufactured tool component will have a true dimension within a certain tolerance of the desired dimension value (i.e., within a certain tolerance value).

[0011] This means that all individuals of a specific tool component have dimensions that are a dimension value + / - a certain tolerance value. This means that, due to the tolerance value, the true dimensions of each individual tool component are different between different individual tool components.

[0012] Therefore, such recorded dimensions can be used to a certain extent, but the tolerance values ​​must still be measured for each individual tool component before the individual tool component is used, for example, in a machine operation. This means that time is required, for example, to verify the exact dimensions of the individual tool components.

[0013] The tool component may be, for example, a cutting insert, a cutting edge, a milling tool component, a drilling tool component, a drill chuck, a milling cutter chuck or a tool holder.

[0014] Due to the above-mentioned disadvantages, it is necessary to know the exact dimensions of a specific individual tool component in order to minimize the time spent, for example, positioning the tool component relative to the machine and / or material, and to minimize the risk of human error when, for example, positioning the tool component in a certain position for machining during machine operation.

[0015] Therefore, there is a need for alternative methods for reducing the risk of human error and for positioning a tool component relative to, for example, a machine and / or material.

[0016] The inventors have proposed a solution that reduces the risk of human error and can also reduce the time required to verify that the desired tool component is in the desired position relative to, for example, a machine and / or material. In the following, aspects and embodiments are presented that describe alternative methods for reducing the risk of human error and for positioning a tool component relative to, for example, a machine and / or material.

[0017] According to a first aspect, a system for determining the size of a tool component using an identification mark on a tool component is provided, wherein the system includes: a reader device for reading a machine-readable code, an electronic device configured to be connected to the reader device, the electronic device having a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to enable the system to: detect the identification mark on the tool component by the reader device, wherein the identification mark is a unique machine-readable code; read the unique machine-readable code of the identification mark by the reader device; and obtain separate dimension information data from the unique machine-readable code, the separate dimension information data including at least one separately measured dimension of the tool component measured when the tool component is manufactured.

[0018] The identification mark may be, for example, a proprietary machine-readable code, an open source machine-readable code, a QR code, a 3D code, an image, a Quick Response code, a high-capacity color QR code, a European Article Number code, a DataMatrix code, or a MaxiCode.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the identification mark is etched on the tool component. According to some embodiments, the identification mark is a label attached to the tool component. According to some embodiments, the identification mark is painted on the tool component.

[0020] One advantage in this regard is that the individual dimensions measured when the individual tool components are manufactured can be obtained and used during the use of the individual tool components (for example at the tool component customer), which eliminates the need to measure the individual dimensions of the tool component at a later point in time (which is required for tool components that are only associated with a dimension value + / - a certain tolerance value) at a later point in time, for example before or during use of the tool component in machine operation at the tool component customer, which in turn saves time, improves measurement accuracy and reduces measurement errors caused by, for example, a human operator.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the processing circuit is further configured to cause the system to obtain machine dimensional information data including at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship of the tool assembly to the machine when the tool assembly is attached to the machine.

[0022] An advantage of this embodiment is that, by means of machine-related dimensional information, the individual dimensions of the tool component can be used in conjunction with the known dimensions associated with the machine when the tool component is assembled on the machine.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the processing circuit is further configured to determine a first assembled dimension of the tool component relative to the machine based on the individual dimension information data and the machine dimension information data.

[0024] An advantage of this embodiment is that the individual dimensions of the tool assembly can be used in conjunction with known dimensions associated with the machine in order to determine a first assembly dimension of the tool assembly relative to the machine, eg the position of the tool assembly relative to the machine.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the system to: detect a first identification mark at the first tool component and a second identification mark at the second tool component by a reader device; read a unique machine-readable code of the first identification mark and a unique machine-readable code of the second identification mark by the reader device; obtain first individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool component measured when manufacturing the first tool component from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification mark and obtain second individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool component measured when manufacturing the second tool component from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification mark; and determine a second assembly dimension of the first tool component and the second tool component based on the first individual dimension information data and the second individual dimension information data.

[0026] An advantage of this embodiment is that the assembled dimensions of the first tool component and the second tool component can be determined, for example when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the processing circuit is further configured to cause the system to: obtain machine dimension information data, the machine dimension information data including at least a first assembly dimension and a second assembly dimension, the first assembly dimension defining a relationship between the first tool component and the machine and the second assembly dimension defining a relationship between the second tool component and the machine when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component and the second tool component is attached to the machine; and determine a third assembly dimension of the first tool component and the second tool component relative to the machine based on the first individual dimension information data, the second individual dimension information data and the machine dimension information data.

[0028] An advantage of this embodiment is that it is possible to determine the assembled dimensions of the first and second tool components relative to the machine when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component and the second tool component is attached to the machine, for example to determine the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to an edge of the first tool component.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the individual dimensional information data is obtained by decoding a unique machine-readable code of the identification marking and obtaining the individual dimensional information data from the decoded information.

[0030] An advantage of this embodiment is that information about the individual dimensions can be encoded and stored in the unique machine-readable code itself available on the tool component.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the individual dimensional information data is obtained by comparing the unique machine-readable code with associated data comprising the individual dimensional information data of the tool component provided with the unique machine-readable code and retrieving the individual dimensional information data from a memory.

[0032] An advantage of this embodiment is that information about the individual dimensions can be stored in a memory, for example a remote memory, and the information data can be stored and managed by the tool component manufacturer for the tool component customer.

[0033] According to a second aspect, a method for determining the dimensions of a tool component using an identification mark on a tool component is provided. The method includes the step of detecting the identification mark on the tool component using a reader device, wherein the identification mark is a unique machine-readable code. The method also includes the step of reading the unique machine-readable code of the identification mark using the reader device, and the step of obtaining individual dimensional information data from the unique machine-readable code, the individual dimensional information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component measured during manufacture of the tool component.

[0034] One advantage in this regard is that the individual dimensions measured when the individual tool components are manufactured can be obtained and used during the use of the individual tool components (for example at the tool component customer), which eliminates the need to measure the individual dimensions of the tool component at a later point in time (which is required for tool components that are only associated with a dimension value + / - a certain tolerance value) at a later point in time, for example before or during use of the tool component in machine operation at the tool component customer, which in turn saves time, improves measurement accuracy and reduces measurement errors caused by, for example, a human operator.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of obtaining machine dimensional information data comprising at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship of the tool assembly to the machine when the tool assembly is attached to the machine.

[0036] An advantage of this embodiment is that, by means of machine-related dimensional information, the individual dimensions of the tool component can be used in conjunction with the known dimensions associated with the machine when the tool component is assembled on the machine.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of determining a first assembled dimension of the tool component relative to the machine based on the individual dimension information data and the machine dimension information data.

[0038] An advantage of this embodiment is that the individual dimensions of the tool assembly can be used in conjunction with known dimensions associated with the machine in order to determine a first assembly dimension of the tool assembly relative to the machine, eg the position of the tool assembly relative to the machine.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the method further includes: detecting a first identification mark at the first tool component and a second identification mark at the second tool component by a reader device; reading a unique machine-readable code of the first identification mark and a unique machine-readable code of the second identification mark by the reader device; obtaining first individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool component measured when manufacturing the first tool component from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification mark and obtaining second individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool component measured when manufacturing the second tool component from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification mark; and determining a second assembly dimension of the first tool component and the second tool component based on the first individual dimension information data and the second individual dimension information data.

[0040] An advantage of this embodiment is that the assembled dimensions of the first tool component and the second tool component can be determined, for example when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the method further includes: obtaining machine dimension information data, the machine dimension information data including at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship between the first tool component and the machine when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component and the second tool component is attached to the machine, and a second assembly dimension defining a relationship between the second tool component and the machine; and determining a third assembly dimension of the first tool component and the second tool component relative to the machine based on the first individual dimension information data, the second individual dimension information data and the machine dimension information data.

[0042] An advantage of this embodiment is that it is possible to determine the assembled dimensions of the first and second tool components relative to the machine when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component and the second tool component is attached to the machine, for example to determine the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to an edge of the first tool component.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the individual dimensional information data is obtained by decoding a unique machine-readable code of the identification mark and obtaining the individual dimensional information data from the decoded information, and / or by comparing the unique machine-readable code with associated data and obtaining the individual dimensional information data from a memory, wherein the associated data includes the individual dimensional information data of the tool component provided with the unique machine-readable code.

[0044] An advantage of this embodiment is that information about the individual dimensions can be encoded and stored in the unique machine-readable code itself available on the tool component.

[0045] One advantage of storing information about the individual dimensions in a memory 103a, 103b, 103c, for example a remote memory 103c, is that the individual dimensions can be managed by the tool component manufacturer for the tool component customer.

[0046] According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having thereon a computer program comprising program instructions, the computer program being loadable into a processing circuit and configured to cause the method to be performed when the computer program is run by the processing circuit.

[0047] According to a fourth aspect, a tool component for a cutting tool is provided, comprising an identification mark arranged at the tool component, wherein the identification mark is a unique machine-readable code comprising individual dimensional information data, wherein the individual dimensional information data comprises at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component measured when the tool component is manufactured, and wherein the machine-readable code is configured to be read by a reader device and decoded by an electronic device configured to communicate with the reader device.

[0048] One advantage of this is that each individual tool component is provided with a unique machine-readable code that includes the individual dimensional information data for that specific tool component. This eliminates the need to measure the dimensions of the tool component at a later point in time (e.g., during use of the tool component in machine operation), which in turn saves time and reduces measurement errors caused, for example, by humans. Another advantage is that the individual dimensional information data can be obtained by a device that can use the individual dimensional information data, for example, by a machine, while limiting the need for human interaction, which minimizes the risk of human error.

[0049] The effects and features of the second to fourth aspects are largely similar to those described above in conjunction with the first aspect. The embodiments mentioned with respect to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second to fourth aspects.

[0050] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the present disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art will understand from the guidance of the detailed description that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure disclosed herein is not limited to the specific components of the described devices or the steps of the described methods, as such devices and methods may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to indicate the presence of one or more of the described elements, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, etc. In addition, the words "comprise," "include," "contain," and similar expressions do not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The above objects as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 An example tool assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 2 An example tool component in the form of a cutting insert having at least one cutting edge is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 3a-3c Example individual dimensions of different tool components according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0056] Figure 4 An example assembled tool assembly is shown attached to a machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 5a-5c Each shows an example system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 6a-6b An example schematic data relationship of associated individual size information data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating example method steps according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0060] Figure 8 An example computer program product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in other forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0062] For illustrative purposes, an example tool assembly used in a machine operation will now be described to visualize and illustrate aspects of the prior art and the present disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure can be applied to any tool assembly in any machine operation.

[0063] In the examples and in the following description, a tool assembly for cutting is disclosed. The example machine operations relate to a machine with cutting tools that are used to remove chips from a block of material during machine operation. As described herein, the block of material may typically comprise a metal workpiece to be machined, but the material may be any other material, such as plastic, stone, or wood. As described herein, the machine may typically comprise a milling machine, a turning machine, a hole-making machine, a threading machine, or any other machine configured to machine a block of material using a tool assembly.

[0064] Figure 1 Example tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d of the cutting tool 18 are shown. In this example, Figure 1 As shown, the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c are cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c, and the tool component 20d is a tool holder 22. In this example, the tool holder 22 is arranged to receive the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c at positions on the tool holder 22 shown as positions "A", "B" and "C", respectively.

[0065] In addition, in Figure 1 In the example shown, each cutting insert 21a, 21b, 21c comprises at least one cutting edge. Figure 2 An example tool component 20c is shown in the form of a cutting insert 21c having at least one cutting edge. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this example, each cutting edge of each cutting insert 21a, 21b, 21c is configured for removing chips from a block of material.

[0066] Typically, before machine operation can begin, the operator of the machine needs to position the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and verify that the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are in the desired positions. Figure 1In the example of the cutting tool 18 shown, the operator of the cutting machine therefore needs to verify whether the cutting edges of the cutting blades 21a, 21b, 21c, for example, are in the desired position. This is usually done by visual inspection, sometimes by manual measurement by the machine operator, before the operator starts operating the machine.

[0067] Today, for example, Figure 1 The distance from the tool holder rotation axis AXt to each cutting edge of each cutting blade 21a, 21b, 21c shown can be determined by a machine operator through manual measurement. In another example, the machine operator brings the cutting edge into contact with a material block before commencing machine operation to position the cutting edge relative to the material block and, for example, determine the distance from the tool holder rotation axis AXt to the cutting edge of the cutting blade 21a, 21b, 21c.

[0068] As mentioned above, a first disadvantage of the current method is that the cutting tool 18 may be positioned incorrectly and therefore in an undesirable position, so that an incorrect distance from the material block to the cutting edges of the cutting blades 21a, 21b, 21c is used during machine operations performed with the cutting tool 18, which in turn may lead to serious damage to both the cutting tool 18 and the material block.

[0069] As mentioned above, a second disadvantage of the current method is that even if the operator verifies that the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are in the desired positions before machine operation, human error is a factor that may cause the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d to be incorrectly positioned during machine operation.

[0070] As mentioned above, a third disadvantage of the current method is that a significant amount of time is spent on positioning the tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d relative to, for example, the machine and / or the material to be processed by the tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d when the tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is attached to the machine. This time is expensive and adds time to the overall manufacturing process of the product.

[0071] It is an aim of some embodiments to address or mitigate, alleviate or eliminate at least some of the above or other disadvantages.

[0072] Today, the dimensions of a specific tool component can be recorded as a dimension value + / - a certain tolerance value. Typically, when a specific tool component is manufactured, the manufacturing process itself cannot be so precise, so each manufactured tool component will have a true dimension within a certain tolerance of the desired dimension value (i.e., within a certain tolerance value).

[0073] This means that all individuals of a specific tool component have dimensions that are a dimension value + / - a certain tolerance value. This means that, due to the tolerance value, the actual dimensions of each individual tool component are different between different individual tool components.

[0074] Therefore, such recorded dimensions can be used to a certain extent, but the tolerance values ​​must still be measured for each individual tool component before the individual tool component is used, for example, in a machine operation. This means that time is required, for example, to verify the exact dimensions of the individual tool components.

[0075] Due to the above-mentioned disadvantages, it is necessary to know the exact dimensions of a specific individual tool component in order to minimize the time spent, for example, positioning the tool component relative to the machine and / or material, and to minimize the risk of human error when, for example, positioning the tool component in a certain position for machining during machine operation.

[0076] Therefore, there is a need for alternative methods for reducing the risk of human error and positioning a tool component relative to, for example, a machine and / or material. The present inventors have proposed a solution that reduces the risk of human error and can also reduce the time required to verify that a desired tool component is in a desired position relative to, for example, a machine and / or material. Below, some aspects and embodiments are presented that describe alternative methods for reducing the risk of human error and positioning a tool component relative to, for example, a machine and / or material.

[0077] Refer again Figure 1 , Figure 1 Example tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are shown according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] A first aspect of the present disclosure illustrates a tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d for a cutting tool 18. According to some embodiments, the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is any one of a cutting insert, a cutting edge, a milling tool component, a drilling tool component, a drill chuck, a milling cutter chuck, or a tool holder. The tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d includes an identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d disposed on the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0079] According to some embodiments, the identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are at least any one or a combination of at least any one of a proprietary machine-readable code, an open source machine-readable code, a QR code, a 3D code, an image, a Quick Response code, a high-capacity color QR code, a European Article Number code, a DataMatrix code, or a MaxiCode.

[0080] According to some embodiments, identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are etched onto tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are labels attached to tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are painted onto tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0081] The identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are unique machine-readable codes associated with individual dimension information data idID, wherein the individual dimension information data idID includes at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured during manufacture of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. In other words, each identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d on each tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is unique, such that no other tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d will have exactly the same identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. This enables the identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d to be associated with the individual dimension information data idID.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data idID includes at least one individually measured dimension of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured at a certain tool component temperature during the manufacture of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, the individually measured dimensions of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are dimensions at a certain temperature. In some examples, the dimensions of the tool components may vary depending on the temperature of the tool components; for example, the tool components may expand at higher temperatures.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the individually measured dimensions are measured automatically by a measuring machine and / or manually by an operator using a measuring tool.

[0084] Thus, with this embodiment, each individual tool component is provided with a unique machine-readable code, which in turn can be associated with the individual dimensional information data idID of the specific individual tool component. This eliminates the need to measure the dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d at a later point in time (e.g., during use of the tool components in machine operation), which in turn saves time and reduces measurement errors caused, for example, by humans.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is a cutting insert 21a, 21b, 21c and the individual dimensional information data idID includes at least one individually measured dimension of the cutting insert 21a, 21b, 21c measured when the cutting insert 21a, 21b, 21c is manufactured.

[0086] Figure 2 An example tool component 20c is shown in the form of a cutting insert 21c having at least one cutting edge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, example tool component 20c includes identification markings 40c disposed at tool component 20c.

[0087] Figure 3a-Figure 3b Example individual dimensions of a cutting insert 21c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 3a In the figure, the height h and width w are shown. Figure 3b In FIG, the dimension "a" from the center of the cutting insert 21c to the first cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c is shown. Figure 3b In FIG, the dimension "b" from the center of the cutting insert 21c to the second cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c is shown. Figure 3b , a dimension "c" from the center of the cutting insert 21c to the third cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c is shown.

[0088] Figure 3c 1 shows example individual dimensions of a tool component 20d according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3c As shown, example tool component 20d includes identification markings 40d disposed at tool component 20d. Figure 3c The tool component 20d in the example is a tool holder 22. Figure 3c In FIG. 2 , the dimension “d” is shown from the center of the tool holder axis AXt of the tool holder 22 to the center of the cutting insert attachment point configured to receive the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c.

[0089] Figure 4 An example assembled tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is shown attached to a machine 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , dimension “a” from the center of the cutting insert 21c to the first cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c, and dimension “d” from the center of the tool holder axis AXt of the tool holder 22 to the center of the cutting insert attachment point are shown to illustrate the two dimensions having a common measuring point.

[0090] Thus, with this embodiment, the individually measured dimensions of a specific cutting insert 21c measured when manufacturing the cutting insert 21c can be used, for example during a manufacturing process, for faster and more reliable positioning of the cutting insert 21c, for example relative to a block of material to be machined, during machine operation.

[0091] According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data idID is encoded in a machine-readable code, and the machine-readable code is configured to be read by a reader device 10a, 10b, 10c and decoded by an electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c configured to communicate with the reader device 10a, 10b, 10c.

[0092] Thus, with this embodiment, individual dimensional information data can be obtained by a device which enables, for example, a machine to use the individual dimensional information data and which at the same time limits the need for human interaction, which minimizes the risk of human error.

[0093] Figure 5a-5c Each shows an example system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 100 includes a reader device 10a, 10b, 10c for reading a machine-readable code. According to some embodiments, the reader device 10a, 10b, 10c is any one of a camera-based reader, a video camera reader, a pen-type reader with a photodiode, a laser scanner, a charge-coupled device reader, or a cell phone camera. According to some embodiments, the reader device 10a, 10b, 10c is a component integrated into an electronic device or a stand-alone component. The reader device 10a, 10b, 10c is configured to read a machine-readable code disposed at a tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d during use of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d by the machine 50 in machine operation.

[0094] System 100 also includes electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c configured to connect to reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c. According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1a is a portable electronic device. According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1b is a local electronic device. According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1c is a remote electronic device. According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c is configured to connect to a communication network 60.

[0095] Figure 5a An electronic device 1a in the form of a smartphone, tablet computer, cellular phone, feature phone or any portable electronic device is shown. In one example, Figure 5aAs shown, the reader device 10a is a camera of a smartphone 1a. In this example, the electronic device 1a is a smartphone held by a machine operator when preparing tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d for machine operation. The electronic device can also be a local electronic device 1b, for example installed as part of the machine 50, such as Figure 5b As shown. Figure 5b In one example shown, the reader device 10b is a standalone reader device connected to an electronic device 1b and installed as part of a machine 50. According to some embodiments, the electronic device is a remote server 1c connected to the reader device 10c via a communication network 60, such as Figure 5c In the example, the machine 50 is operated from a remote location (eg, within a factory).

[0096] According to some embodiments, the communication network 60 is a wireless communication network. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication network is a standardized wireless local area network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband (UWB), radio frequency identification (RFID), or a similar network. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication network is a standardized wireless wide area network, such as a global system for mobile communications (GSM), extended GSM, general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), narrowband Internet of Things, 5G, world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), or ultra mobile broadband (UMB), or a similar network. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication network may also be a combination of a wireless local area network and a wireless wide area network. According to some embodiments, the communication network 60 may be a combination of a wired communication network and a wireless communication network. According to some embodiments, the communication network 60 is defined by a universal Internet protocol.

[0097] The electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c have processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c, which are configured to enable the system 100 to detect identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d at the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d via the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c, wherein the identification marks 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are unique machine-readable codes.

[0098] The processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to read the unique machine-readable code of the identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d by means of the reader device 10a, 10b, 10c and to obtain individual dimension information data idID from the unique machine-readable code, the individual dimension information data idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is manufactured.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c further comprises a memory 103a, 103b, 103c. According to some embodiments, the individual size information data idID is stored in the memory 103a, 103b, 103c.

[0100] Thus, with this embodiment, individual dimensions measured during the manufacture of individual tool components can be obtained using a reader device and used during the use of the individual tool components (e.g., at a tool component customer), eliminating the need to measure individual dimensions of the tool components at a later point in time (e.g., as would be required for tool components associated only with dimension values ​​+ / - a certain tolerance value). This saves time before and / or during use of the tool components in machine operation at the tool component customer, and also improves measurement accuracy and reduces measurement errors caused by, for example, human operators.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to obtain machine dimension information data madID, which includes at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship between the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and the machine 50 when the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attached to the machine 50.

[0102] Thus, using the machine-related dimensional information of this embodiment, the individual dimensions of the tool component can be used in conjunction with the known machine-related dimensions when the tool component is assembled on the machine.

[0103] Figure 4 An example assembled tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is shown attached to a machine 50. According to some embodiments, a first tool assembly is attached to the machine 50 via a second tool assembly. According to some embodiments, the tool assembly is attached to the machine 50 via a tool holder 22. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 5 , the tool components 20 a , 20 b , 20 c are attached to a tool holder 22 , and the tool holder 22 is attached to the machine 50 .

[0104] According to some embodiments, the machine size information data madID is obtained from a memory 103a, 103b, 103c connectable to the processing circuit 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the machine size information data madID is obtained by at least any one of manually inputting the machine size information data madID with the help of the user interface 400a, 400b, 400c of the electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c or automatically inputting the machine size information data madID with the help of a machine 50 that can be connected to the electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the machine dimension information data madID includes a predetermined dimensional relationship and / or a predetermined angular relationship of the tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d to the machine 50 when the tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is attached to the machine 50.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the machine dimension information data madID comprises an angular relationship of a predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine relative to a predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. Figure 4 In the example shown, the tool part 20d has a predetermined tool reference axis AXt which in this example is common to the machine reference axis AXm, so that the angular relationship of the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine relative to the predetermined tool reference axis AXt is zero degrees.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the machine dimension information data madID comprises a distance relationship of a predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine relative to a predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the tool assembly 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. Figure 4 In the example shown, there is no distance between the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine and the predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the tool part 20d.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to determine a first assembled dimension d of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d relative to the machine 50 based on the first individual dimension information data ilidID and the machine dimension information data madID.

[0110] In the example, refer to Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine and the predetermined tool reference axis of the tool assembly 20c is the distance d to the assembly point of the tool assembly 20d, to which the tool assembly 20c is attached.

[0111] Thus, with this embodiment, individual dimensions of the tool assembly may be used in conjunction with known dimensions associated with the machine in order to determine a first assembly dimension of the tool assembly relative to the machine, such as the position of the tool assembly relative to the machine.

[0112] According to some embodiments, processing circuits 102a, 102b, and 102c are further configured to cause system 100 to detect first identification mark 40c on first tool component 20c and second identification mark 40d on second tool component 20d via reader devices 10a, 10b, and 10c, and to read a unique machine-readable code of first identification mark 40c and a unique machine-readable code of second identification mark 40d via reader devices 10a, 10b, and 10c. Processing circuits 102a, 102b, and 102c are further configured to obtain first individual dimension information data 1idID (including at least one individually measured dimension of first tool component 20c measured during manufacturing of first tool component 20c) from the unique machine-readable code of first identification mark 40c and to obtain second individual dimension information data 2idID (including at least one individually measured dimension of second tool component 20d measured during manufacturing of second tool component 20d) from the unique machine-readable code of second identification mark 40d. The processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to determine a second assembly dimension L of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID and the second individual dimension information data 2ido.

[0113] Thus, with this embodiment, for example, when a first tool component is attached to a second tool component, the assembled dimensions of the first tool component and the second tool component can be determined.

[0114] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the second assembled dimension L of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d includes the sum of the dimension d of the second individual dimension information data 2idID and the dimension a of the first individual dimension information data 1idID.

[0115] According to some embodiments, the first tool component 20c is configured to be attached to the second tool component 20d, and the second tool component 20d is configured to be attached to the machine 50, and the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are also configured to enable the system 100 to determine a third assembled dimension of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d relative to the machine 50 based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID, the second individual dimension information data 2idID and the machine dimension information data madID.

[0116] exist Figure 4In the example shown, the third assembled dimension of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d includes the sum of the dimension d of the second individual dimension information data 2idID plus the dimension a of the first individual dimension information data 1idID, and in this example, when the second tool component 20d is attached to the machine 50, the machine dimension information data madID defines the machine reference axis AXm as being shared with the predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the second tool component 20d.

[0117] According to some embodiments not shown, the first assembled dimensions of the first tool assembly 20c and the second tool assembly 20d relative to the machine 50 are further based on an offset distance q between a predetermined tool reference axis AXt and a predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine. According to some embodiments, the offset distance q between the predetermined tool reference axis AXt and the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine is obtained from a memory 103a, 103b, 103c comprising tool dimension data and machine dimension data.

[0118] In another example not shown, when the second tool component 20d is attached to the machine 50, the machine dimension information data madID defines the machine reference axis AXm as an offset distance q from the predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the second tool component 20d, and therefore the third assembly dimension relative to the machine reference axis AXm is q+d+a.

[0119] Thus, using this embodiment, when a first tool component is attached to a second tool component and the second tool component is attached to a machine, the assembled dimensions of the first tool component and the second tool component relative to the machine can be determined, for example, to determine the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to an edge of the first tool component.

[0120] In the example, refer to Figure 4 The machine operation performed by the tool component in the form of the cutting insert 21c is used to remove chips from a block of material 70 that is in a fixed position relative to the machine 50. A specific position of the cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c relative to the block of material 70 is required. This position can be determined relative to how the cutting insert 21c is positioned relative to the machine 50 and / or relative to the block of material 70. Figure 4In this example, the position of the cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c relative to the material block 70 is determined to be at a distance P between the material block 70 and a fixed machine reference point Mref. When the cutting insert 21c is replaced, it is desirable for the new cutting edge of the new cutting insert to be located at the same spatial position at the same distance P relative to the material block 70. When the new cutting insert is mounted on the tool holder 22, the distance P can be achieved by using a new cutting insert having exactly the same dimensions as the previous cutting insert, or by, for example, adjusting the position of the machine reference axis AXm by the machine 50 so that the new cutting edge of the new cutting insert is located at the distance P between the material block 70 and the machine reference point Mref. In this example, the distance P can be determined by first knowing a second assembly dimension L of the cutting insert 21c and tool holder 22 relative to the machine 50. The relationship to the machine 50 is based on the machine dimension information data madID, in this case, relative to the fixed machine reference point Mref. Then, the first individual dimensional information data 1idID of the new cutting blade and the second individual dimensional information data 2idID of the tool holder 22 are used by the machine 50 to adjust the position of the machine reference axis AXm so that the new cutting edge of the new cutting blade is determined to be at a position in space at a distance P between the material block 70 and the machine reference point Mref.

[0121] Figure 6a-6b An example schematic data relationship of associated individual size information data is shown. Figure 6a An example identification tag having a unique machine-readable code "AA0002" is shown. According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data idID includes a plurality of individually measured dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are manufactured. The example identification tag having the unique machine-readable code "AA0002" is associated with the individual dimension information data idID, a=9.0525 mm (at 20 degrees Celsius), b=9.0520 mm (at 20 degrees Celsius), and c=9.0531 mm (at 20 degrees Celsius). Dimensions a, b, and c are examples of individually measured dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are manufactured.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the individually measured dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are dimensions at a certain temperature. In examples, the dimensions of the tool components may vary depending on the temperature of the tool components, for example, the tool components may expand at higher temperatures. According to some embodiments, the individually measured dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are dimensions at a certain temperature and / or have a relationship to a function for determining the dimensions at a certain temperature. According to some embodiments, the expansion of the dimensions of the tool components at a certain temperature is predetermined and is part of the individual dimension information data idID. Figure 6a , the dimension a=9.0550 mm at 800 degrees Celsius, and the dimension a=9.0545 mm at 700 degrees Celsius. This information can be used to determine the dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d when they have a certain temperature.

[0123] Figure 6b An example identification mark having a unique machine-readable code "BB2342" is shown. The example identification mark having a unique machine-readable code "BB2342" is associated with individual dimensional information data idID (d = 52.052 mm at 20 degrees Celsius, d = 52.0560 mm at 800 degrees Celsius, and d = 52.0545 at 700 degrees Celsius).

[0124] According to some embodiments, system 100 includes a temperature sensor device configured to determine the current temperature of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are configured to cause system 100 to obtain individual dimension information data idID from a unique machine-readable code, the individual dimension information data idID including at least one individually measured dimension of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured during manufacture of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, wherein the at least one individually measured dimension of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d further depends on the current temperature of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, the temperature sensor device is any one of an infrared camera and a thermometer. According to some embodiments, reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c are configured to obtain the current temperature of tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the second tool assembly 20d has a predetermined tool reference axis AXt that has a known relationship with a predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine when the second tool assembly 20d is attached to the machine 50, the known relationship being included in the machine dimension information data madID. According to some embodiments, the predetermined tool reference axis AXt is common to, perpendicular to, or parallel to the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine is defined by the rotation of the second tool part 20d when the second tool part 20d is inserted into the machine 50. According to some embodiments, the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine is defined by the rotation of the workpiece inserted into the machine 50.

[0127] According to some embodiments, the individual size information data idID is obtained by decoding a unique machine-readable code of the identification marking 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and obtaining the individual size information data idID from the decoded information.

[0128] Thus, with this embodiment, information regarding the individual dimensions may be encoded and stored in the unique machine-readable code itself available on the tool component.

[0129] According to some embodiments, the individual size information data idID is obtained by comparing the unique machine-readable code with the associated data (the system includes the individual size information data idID of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d provided with the unique machine-readable code) and obtaining the individual size information data idID from the memory 103a, 103b, 103c.

[0130] Thus, with this embodiment, information regarding individual dimensions may be stored in a memory such as the remote memory 400c, and the information data idID may be stored and managed by the tool component manufacturer for the tool component customer.

[0131] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to output, via a user interface 400a, 400b, 400c of the electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c, the at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0132] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to output the at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d as input data for a machine connectable to the electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c, which machine is configured to perform an operation of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to output the determined distance to a portion of the tool assembly 20c based on the machine dimension information data madID via the user interface 400a, 400b, 400c of the electronic device 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0134] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating exemplary method steps according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The method comprises: step S1a of detecting an identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d on a tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d by a reader device 10a, 10b, 10c, wherein the identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d is a unique machine-readable code; step S2a of reading the unique machine-readable code of the identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d by the reader device 10a, 10b, 10c; and step S3a of obtaining individual dimension information data idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is manufactured from the unique machine-readable code.

[0135] Thus, with this embodiment, each individual tool component is provided with a unique machine-readable code, which in turn can be associated with the individual dimensional information data idID of the specific individual tool component. This eliminates the need to measure the dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d at a later point in time, such as during use of the tool components in a machine.

[0136] According to some embodiments, the method further includes step S4, namely: obtaining machine dimension information data madID, which machine dimension information data madID includes at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship between the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and the machine 50 when the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attached to the machine 50.

[0137] Thus, using the machine-dependent dimensional information of this embodiment, the individual dimensions of the tool component can be used in conjunction with the known dimensions associated with the machine when the tool component is assembled on the machine.

[0138] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises step S5a of determining a first assembly dimension d of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d relative to the machine 50 based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID and the machine dimension information data madID.

[0139] Thus, with this embodiment, individual dimensions of the tool assembly may be used in conjunction with known dimensions associated with the machine in order to determine a first assembly dimension of the tool assembly relative to the machine, such as the position of the tool assembly relative to the machine.

[0140] According to some embodiments, the method further includes: step S1b, i.e., detecting first identification mark 40c on first tool component 20c and second identification mark 40d on second tool component 20d by reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c; step S2b, reading a unique machine-readable code of first identification mark 40c and a unique machine-readable code of second identification mark 40d by reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c. The method further includes: step S3b, obtaining first individual dimension information data 1idID (including at least one individually measured dimension of first tool component 20c measured when first tool component 20c was manufactured) from the unique machine-readable code of first identification mark 40c, and obtaining second individual dimension information data 2idID (including at least one individually measured dimension of second tool component 20d measured when second tool component 20d was manufactured) from the unique machine-readable code of second identification mark 40d. The method further includes step S5b of determining a second assembly dimension L of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID and the second individual dimension information data 2idID.

[0141] Thus, with this embodiment it is possible to determine, for example, the assembled dimensions of the first tool component and the second tool component when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component.

[0142] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of determining a third assembly dimension of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d relative to the machine 50 based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID, the second individual dimension information data 2idID and the machine dimension information data madID.

[0143] Thus, using this embodiment, it is possible to determine the assembled dimensions of the first and second tool components relative to a machine when the first tool component is attached to the second tool component and the second tool component is attached to the machine, for example to determine the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to an edge of the first tool component.

[0144] According to some embodiments, the individual size information data idID is obtained by decoding the unique machine-readable code of the identification mark 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and obtaining the individual size information data idID from the decoded information, and / or by comparing the unique machine-readable code with the associated data (the method includes the individual size information data idID of the tool component 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d provided with the unique machine-readable code) and obtaining the individual size information data idID from the memory 103a, 103b, 103c.

[0145] Thus, with this embodiment, information regarding the individual dimensions may be encoded and stored in the unique machine-readable code itself available on the tool component.

[0146] Furthermore, in case information about the individual dimensions is stored in the memory 103a, 103b, 103c (ie for example the remote memory 103c), the individual dimensions may be managed by the tool component manufacturer for the tool component customer.

[0147] Figure 8 A computer program product 500 according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The computer program product 500 comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program comprising program instructions thereon, the computer program being loadable into a processing circuit 102a, 102b, 102c and being configured to cause the method to be performed when the computer program is executed by the processing circuit 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0148] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed disclosure by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for determining the size of a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) using identification marks (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on the tool component, wherein the system (100) comprises: a reader device (10a, 10b, 10c) for reading a machine-readable code; an electronic device (1a, 1b, 1c) configured to be connected to the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), The electronic device (1a, 1b, 1c) has a processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) configured to cause the system (100) to: - detecting an identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) at a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by means of the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), wherein the identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) is a unique machine-readable code; - reading said unique machine-readable code of said identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) by said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); and - obtaining individual dimensional information data (idID) from the unique machine-readable code, the individual dimensional information data (idID) comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) measured when manufacturing the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), The processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) is further configured to enable the system (100): - detecting a first identification mark (40c) at the first tool component (20c) and a second identification mark (40d) at the second tool component (20d) by means of said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), - reading said unique machine-readable code of said first identification mark (40c) and said unique machine-readable code of said second identification mark (40d) by said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); - obtaining first individual dimension information data (1idID) comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool component (20c) measured when the first tool component (20c) is manufactured from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification mark (40c), and obtaining second individual dimension information data (2idID) comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool component (20d) measured when the second tool component (20d) is manufactured from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification mark (40d); and - determining a second assembly dimension (L) of the first tool component (20c) and the second tool component (20d) based on the first individual dimension information data (1idID) and the second individual dimension information data (2idID).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein The processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) is further configured to cause the system (100): - obtaining machine dimension information data (madID), said machine dimension information data (madID) comprising at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship of said tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) to said machine (50) when said tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) is attached to said machine (50).

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, wherein The processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) is further configured to cause the system (100): - determining a first assembled dimension (d) of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) relative to the machine (50) based on the individual dimension information data (idID) and the machine dimension information data (madID).

4. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) is further configured to cause the system to: - obtaining machine dimension information data (madID), the machine dimension information data (madID) comprising at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship of the first tool component (20c) to the machine (50) and a second assembly dimension defining a relationship of the second tool component (20d) to the machine (50) when the first tool component (20c) is attached to the second tool component (20d) and the second tool component (20d) is attached to the machine (50); and - determining a third assembled dimension of the first tool component (20c) and the second tool component (20d) relative to the machine (50) based on the first individual dimension information data (1idID), the second individual dimension information data (2idID) and the machine dimension information data (madID).

5. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The individual size information data (idID) is obtained by decoding the unique machine-readable code of the identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) and obtaining the individual size information data (idID) from the decoded information.

6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The individual dimension information data (idID) is obtained by comparing the unique machine-readable code with associated data and obtaining the individual dimension information data (idID) from a memory (103a, 103b, 103c), the associated data including the individual dimension information data (idID) of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) provided with the unique machine-readable code.

7. A method for determining the size of a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) using identification marks (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), the method comprising: - (S1a) detecting an identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) at a tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by a reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), wherein the identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) is a unique machine-readable code; - (S2a) reading said unique machine-readable code of said identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) by said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); and - (S3a) obtaining individual dimensional information data (idID) from the unique machine-readable code, the individual dimensional information data comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) measured when the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) was manufactured, And the method further includes: - (S1b) detecting, by means of said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), a first identification mark (40c) at the first tool component (20c) and a second identification mark (40d) at the second tool component (20d), - (S2b) reading, by said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), said unique machine-readable code of said first identification mark (40c) and said unique machine-readable code of said second identification mark (40d); - (S3b) obtaining first individual dimension information data (1idID) comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool component (20c) measured when the first tool component (20c) is manufactured from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification mark (40c), and obtaining second individual dimension information data (2idID) comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool component (20d) measured when the second tool component (20d) is manufactured from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification mark (40d); and -(S5b) determining a second assembly dimension (L) of the first tool component (20c) and the second tool component (20d) based on the first individual dimension information data (1idID) and the second individual dimension information data (2idID).

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: -(S4) obtaining machine dimension information data (madID), said machine dimension information data (madID) comprising at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship of said tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) to said machine (50) when said tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) is attached to said machine (50).

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: -(S5a) determining a first assembled dimension (d) of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) relative to the machine (50) based on the individual dimension information data (idID) and the machine dimension information data (madID).

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The method further comprises: -(S6) obtaining machine dimension information data (madID), the machine dimension information data (madID) comprising at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship between the first tool component (20c) and the machine (50) and a second assembly dimension defining a relationship between the second tool component (20d) and the machine (50) when the first tool component (20c) is attached to the second tool component (20d) and the second tool component (20d) is attached to the machine (50); and -(S7) determining a third assembly dimension of the first tool component (20c) and the second tool component (20d) relative to the machine (50) based on the first individual dimension information data (1idID), the second individual dimension information data (2idID) and the machine dimension information data (madID).

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The individual size information data (idID) is obtained in the following manner: - decoding said unique machine-readable code of said identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) and obtaining said individual size information data (idID) from the decoded information; and / or - obtaining the individual dimension information data (idID) from a memory (103a, 103b, 103c) by comparing the unique machine-readable code with associated data, the associated data comprising the individual dimension information data (idID) of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) provided with the unique machine-readable code.

12. A computer program product (500) comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program comprising program instructions thereon, the computer program being loadable into a processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) and configured to cause the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11 to be performed when the computer program is run by the processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c).

13. A tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) for a cutting tool (18), comprising an identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) arranged at the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), wherein the identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) is a unique machine-readable code including individual dimension information data (idID), wherein the individual dimension information data (idID) is included in the manufacturing of the tool component (20a, at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) measured when the tool component (20b, 20c, 20d) is read by a reader device (10a, 10b, 10c) and decoded by an electronic device (1a, 1b, 1c) configured to communicate with the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), the electronic device having a processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) configured to: - detecting an identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) at the tool component (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by means of the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); - reading said unique machine-readable code of said identification mark (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) by said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); and - obtaining said individual size information data (idID) from said unique machine readable code, And the processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c) is further configured to: - detecting a first identification mark (40c) at the first tool component (20c) and a second identification mark (40d) at the second tool component (20d) by means of said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), - reading said unique machine-readable code of said first identification mark (40c) and said unique machine-readable code of said second identification mark (40d) by said reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); - obtaining first individual dimension information data (1idID) comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool component (20c) measured when the first tool component (20c) is manufactured from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification mark (40c), and obtaining second individual dimension information data (2idID) comprising at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool component (20d) measured when the second tool component (20d) is manufactured from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification mark (40d); and - determining a second assembly dimension (L) of the first tool component (20c) and the second tool component (20d) based on the first individual dimension information data (1idID) and the second individual dimension information data (2idID).

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