Tool management system and tool management device

Abstract

To cope with repeat process in a short time by facilitating the management of tool sets and making information after a change reliably storable even if the configuration of the tool sets is changed.SOLUTION: A tool management device 1 of a tool management system S includes: a tool information data base 11; a tool sets ID generation section 13; a data retrieval section 14; and a tool sets determination section 16. An information input / output terminal 2 has a reader 23. The tool sets determination section 16 determines that the a tool holder holds a blade tool when reading a tool holder ID by a tool sets state flag ON and determines that the tool holder does not hold the blade tool when reading the tool holder ID by the tool sets state flag OFF. The data retrieval section 14, when the tool holder holds the blade tool, retrieves the tool sets ID including the read tool holder ID and refers to information related to the same tool sets, and when the tool holder does not hold the blade tool, the data retrieval section retrieves the read tool holder ID and refers to information related to the same tool holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for managing tools used in machining on a machine tool. [Background technology]

[0002] In a machine tool that performs cutting processing, a cutting tool, such as an end mill or a drill, is used by assembling a cutting tool t, such as an end mill or a drill, to a holding tool called a tool holder HL, as shown in FIG. 2A. Here, a cutting tool AS in a state in which the cutting tool t is assembled to the tool holder HL is called a "tool assembly AS." Regarding the management of this tool assembly AS, as disclosed in JP 2021-142613 A (Patent Document 1), a method is known in which code information for identifying a tool ID (tool number), which is a unique identifier, is assigned to the tool holder HL, and the tool number is associated with a processing number used in the processing program for management. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-142613 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In one machine, when a tool assembly used to machine one workpiece is used to machine another workpiece, the overhang of the tool t is adjusted as shown in FIG. 2B to avoid interference between the workpiece and the tool. According to the invention of Patent Document 1, after the adjustment, the tool length needs to be measured again and the compensation value information needs to be changed, but since the tool ID and tool number are the same, the information is overwritten. As a result, the overhang and compensation value of the previous tool assembly are lost. For example, when repeat machining of a workpiece that was previously machined is performed, the same tool ID and tool number may cause interference by using an incorrect compensation value. In addition to avoiding interference, the cutting tool t1 in Fig. 3A may be changed to a cutting tool t2 in Fig. 3B, which has the same diameter but a different cutting length, for processing reasons. In this case, the tool ID and tool number are the same. The same applies when a different type of cutting tool t3 is used as in Fig. 4.

[0005] If the tool ID and tool number are to be changed, the code information attached to the tool holder HL must be changed, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, changing the code information makes the history unclear, making it difficult to handle repeat machining. If the code information is not changed, it is necessary to prepare another set of tool holder HL and cutting tool t in order to provide a set of tools AS with a different tool ID and tool number, which is costly. On the other hand, in terms of the operation of a tool set AS among multiple machines, if the tool holder HL specifications are the same, the tool set AS can be commonly used among multiple machine tools, but the tool numbers are determined for each machine. A common tool number operation system can be used among multiple machines, and it is also possible to use the tool numbers as invariable tool numbers as in Patent Document 1. However, due to the specification restrictions of each machine, the number of digits of the usable tool numbers often differ, which causes problems.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tool management system and a tool management device that facilitates management of tool sets, and that can reliably store information after changes to the tool set configuration, thereby enabling repeat machining to be performed in a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a first configuration of the present disclosure includes a tool management device that manages a tool set including a tool holder and a cutting tool attached to the tool holder; An information input / output terminal capable of inputting and outputting data to the tool management device, The tool management device includes: a tool information database that stores at least a tool holder ID, which is unique identification information attached directly to the tool holder, tool holder information, which is information related to the tool holder, a tool assembly ID, which is unique identification information of the tool assembly, machine information, which is information related to a machine tool that uses the tool assembly, workpiece information, which is information related to a workpiece machined using the tool assembly, cutting tool information, which is information related to the cutting tool, a protrusion amount of the cutting tool from the tool holder in the tool assembly, and a tool assembly status flag that is turned ON when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder and turned OFF when the cutting tool is removed; a tool assembly ID generating unit that generates the tool assembly ID for a record including the tool holder ID in the tool information database when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder; a data search unit for searching for necessary information from the tool information database; a tool set determination unit that determines whether the tool holder holds the cutting tool, the information input / output terminal includes an input means for inputting the tool holder ID, the tool assembly determination unit determines that the tool holder holds the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an ON state, and determines that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an OFF state, The data search unit, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder holds the cutting tool, searches for the tool assembly ID including the input tool holder ID to enable reference to information related to the same tool assembly, while, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool, searches for the tool holder ID that was input to enable reference to information related to the same tool holder. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, when the tool holder ID is input, the tool assembly determination unit refers to a latest record among records including the corresponding tool holder ID. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the tool assembly ID generation unit adds a record in which the tool assembly ID and the cutting tool information are changed to the tool information database when the configuration of the tool assembly is changed. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the tool assembly ID generation unit adds a record in which the tool assembly ID and the protrusion amount are changed when the protrusion amount is changed in the tool assembly. Another aspect of the first configuration is the above-mentioned configuration, further comprising a tool number generating unit that assigns a tool number to the tool set for identifying the tool set by a machine tool, When the data search unit searches for a tool assembly including the same tool holder and the same cutting tool, the tool number generation unit is capable of assigning the same tool number as the searched tool assembly. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the tool number generation unit can set the tool number for each of the machine tools. Another aspect of the first configuration is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the data search section can search for the tool sets used in machining for each workpiece. In order to achieve the above object, a second configuration of the present disclosure is a tool management device that manages a tool set including a tool holder and a cutting tool attached to the tool holder, a tool information database that stores at least a tool holder ID, which is unique identification information attached directly to the tool holder, tool holder information, which is information related to the tool holder, a tool assembly ID, which is unique identification information of the tool assembly, machine information, which is information related to a machine tool that uses the tool assembly, workpiece information, which is information related to a workpiece machined using the tool assembly, cutting tool information, which is information related to the cutting tool, a protrusion amount of the cutting tool from the tool holder in the tool assembly, and a tool assembly status flag that is turned ON when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder and turned OFF when the cutting tool is removed; an information input / output unit including an input means for the tool holder ID and capable of inputting and outputting each piece of data to and from the tool information database; a tool assembly ID generating unit that generates the tool assembly ID for a record including the tool holder ID in the tool information database when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder; a data search unit for searching for necessary information from the tool information database; a tool set determination unit that determines whether the tool holder holds the cutting tool, the tool assembly determination unit determines that the tool holder holds the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an ON state, and determines that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an OFF state, The data search unit, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder holds the cutting tool, searches for the tool assembly ID including the input tool holder ID to enable reference to information related to the same tool assembly, while, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool, searches for the tool holder ID that was input to enable reference to information related to the same tool holder. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, when the tool assembly status flag is ON, the tool assembly ID is referenced, and when the tool assembly status flag is OFF, the tool holder ID is referenced, so that the tool assembly can be easily managed, and even if the tool assembly configuration is changed, the information after the change can be reliably saved. Therefore, the tool assembly used for the workpiece with a machining record can be grasped, and the response time for repeat machining can be shortened. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a tool management system. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are explanatory views for adjusting the protrusion amount of a cutting tool, in which FIG. 2A shows the state before adjustment and FIG. 2B shows the state after adjustment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram of a case where a cutting tool with the same diameter but different cutting length is changed, and FIG. 3B shows the state before the change and the state after the change. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a cutting tool is replaced with a different type of cutting tool. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart of information processing when a cutting tool is attached to a tool holder. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of information processing when a cutting tool is removed from a tool holder. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart of information processing when searching for a history relating to a tool assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a modified example of the tool management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a tool management system according to a first configuration of the present disclosure. The tool management system S includes a tool management device 1, an information input / output terminal 2, and a network 3, and manages tool holders HL and tool assemblies AS to which unique identification information is assigned. The tool management device 1 includes as its components a tool information database 11, a device side communication unit 12, a tool assembly ID generation unit 13, a data search unit 14, a tool number generation unit 15, and a tool assembly determination unit 16. The tool management device 1 includes a CPU and a memory connected to the CPU, which realize the operations of the tool assembly ID generation unit 13, the data search unit 14, the tool number generation unit 15, and the tool assembly determination unit 16. The tool information database 11 stores, as examples of data, a tool holder ID 111, tool holder information 112 which is information relating to the tool holder HL, a tool assembly ID 113, machine information 114 which is information relating to the machine tool that uses the tool assembly AS, workpiece information 115 which is information relating to the workpiece machined using the tool assembly AS, tool information 116 which is information relating to the tool t, temporary protrusion amount 117 which is the protrusion amount of the tool t from the tool holder HL, a tool number 118, and a tool assembly status flag 119.

[0011] The tool assembly ID 113 is a unique number used within the system S, and when a tool assembly AS is made by attaching a cutting tool t to a tool holder HL, the tool assembly ID 113 is automatically generated by the tool assembly ID generating unit 13. The tool assembly ID 113 is automatically generated even if either the tool holder HL or the cutting tool t is changed, or if the protrusion amount of the cutting tool t is changed. The tool number 118 is a number arbitrarily assigned by the operator to the tool assembly AS for recalling it when attaching it to a waiting station or to a spindle after storing the tool assembly AS in the tool magazine of the ATC in the machine tool, and is assigned to each machine tool. For the tool holder HL, tool holder information 112 including the model number is registered in the tool information database 11, and a tool holder ID 111 is assigned as unique identification information of the tool holder HL. The tool holder ID 111 is attached to the tool holder HL as an automatic recognition tag, for example, in the form of a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, an RFID, or characters.

[0012] The information input / output terminal 2 includes a terminal-side communication unit 21 and an input unit 22. The input unit 22 is provided with a reader 23 that reads an automatic recognition tag attached to the tool holder HL. The reader 23 is an example of an input means of the present disclosure. The information input / output terminal 2 may include a display unit, a storage device, and a central processing unit, for example, like a personal computer or a mobile terminal. The information input / output terminal 2 may perform input and communication like a barcode reader, and the input data may be interpreted by another personal computer connected via a network (not shown). Furthermore, there may be multiple information input / output terminals 2.

[0013] Hereinafter, information processing by the tool management device 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 shows information processing when a cutting tool t is attached to a tool holder HL. When attaching a cutting tool t to a tool holder HL, in response to instructions from an operator via the information input / output terminal 2, in S11, the tool assembly ID generation unit 13 adds a new record to the tool information database 11, and in S12, generates a tool assembly ID 113, which is unique identification information for the tool assembly AS. Next, in S13, machine information 114 including the name and specifications of the machine tool that will machine the workpiece is registered. Next, in S14, work information 115 including the product number, material, and prime contractor information is registered. Next, in S15, cutting tool information 116 including the tool diameter and tool type is registered. Next, in S16, a provisional protrusion amount 117, which is a guideline for the protrusion amount when the cutting tool t is attached to the tool holder HL, is registered. The information from S13 to S16 is inputted by the information input / output terminal 2 and stored in the record added to the tool information database 11. In addition, in order to facilitate management when there are multiple machine tools, the machine information 114 may include a machine information table that stores the information in association with the machine ID. Similarly, the workpiece information 115 may also include a workpiece information table that stores the information in association with the workpiece ID.

[0014] The information of the record added to the tool information database 11 is compared and searched with past records in the data search unit 14. In S17, it is determined whether or not the tool holder information 112 and cutting tool information 116 of the past record match, that is, whether or not a tool assembly AS with the same configuration exists in the history. If it is confirmed that the same tool assembly AS exists in the history, in S18 the operator selects whether or not to assign the same tool number as that tool assembly AS. If the operator selects to assign the same tool number, in S19 the same tool number 118 is automatically assigned in the tool number generation unit 15 and stored in the record. On the other hand, if it is confirmed in the judgment of S17 that there is no assembled tool AS with the same configuration in the history, or if it is selected in the judgment of S18 that the same tool number as the assembled tool AS with the same configuration is not to be used even if it is found in the history, the judgment of S20 selects whether or not to automatically assign a new tool number. If the operator selects to automatically assign a tool number, the tool number generating unit 15 automatically assigns a tool number 118 in S19. If not, the operator assigns an arbitrary tool number 118 (for example, a branch number of the original tool number) in S21 and stores it in the record. The tool number 118 is managed in association with the assembled tool ID 113 and the machine information 114 in, for example, a machine information data table, and can be assigned to each machine.

[0015] After the tool number 118 is assigned in this manner, the cutting tool t is attached to the tool holder HL in S22, and the tool assembly status flag 119 is turned ON in S23. The tool assembly status flag 119 is automatically turned ON by the tool assembly ID generation unit 13 that has determined using a camera or a sensor that the tool holder HL and the cutting tool t are physically connected (not shown). However, the tool assembly status flag 119 may also be turned ON manually by an operator. 6 shows information processing when the cutting tool t is removed from the tool holder HL. When the cutting tool t is removed from the tool holder HL in S31, the tool assembly status flag 119 is turned OFF in S32. The tool assembly status flag 119 may be turned OFF either automatically or manually.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of information processing when searching for a history relating to a tool assembly AS. In S41, first, the unique identification information of the tool holder HL is read by the reader 23 of the input unit 22. The read unique identification information is input to the tool set determination unit 16 of the tool management device 1. Next, in S42, the tool assembly determination unit 16 refers to the latest record among the records including the corresponding tool holder ID 111. Next, in S43, it is determined whether or not the tool assembly status flag 119 is ON. If it is determined that the tool assembly status flag 119 is ON, that is, that the cutting tool t is attached to the tool holder HL, in S44, the unique identification information becomes the tool assembly ID 113, and the tool holder information 112, machine information 114, workpiece information 115, cutting tool information 116, temporary projection amount 117, and tool number 118 of the same record are referenced. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the tool assembly status flag 119 is OFF, that is, that the cutting tool t is not attached to the tool holder HL, then in step S45, the unique identification information becomes the tool holder ID 111, and the tool holder information 112 is referenced.

[0017] If the result of the reference is that there is a tool holder HL to which a cutting tool t is not attached, a new tool assembly AS can be made by combining it with the desired cutting tool t. In this case, the information processing of FIG. 5 is performed, including the case where the protrusion amount of the cutting tool t is changed or the cutting tool t is replaced. That is, a new record is added (S11), a new tool assembly ID 113 is generated (S12), and machine information and work information are registered (S13, S14). Then, the tool holder information 112 and cutting tool information 116 of the record including the original tool assembly ID 113 are inherited (S15), a new temporary protrusion amount 117 is registered (S16), a new tool number 118 is assigned, and the tool assembly status flag 119 is turned ON (S17 to S23). In this way, the information of the current tool assembly AS whose configuration has been changed is newly saved. Therefore, when repeating machining of a workpiece that has previously been machined, the data search unit 14 can search for the tool holder information 112, cutting tool information 116, temporary protrusion amount 117, and tool number 118 associated with the workpiece information 115, thereby enabling preparation for machining in a short time.

[0018] In this manner, in the tool management system S and tool management device 1 of the above-described form, when the tool assembly status flag 119 is in the ON state and the tool holder ID 111 is read by the reader 23, the tool assembly determination unit 16 determines that the tool holder HL is holding the cutting tool t, whereas when the tool assembly status flag 119 is in the OFF state and the tool holder ID 111 is read by the reader 23, the tool assembly determination unit 16 determines that the tool holder HL is not holding the cutting tool t. When the tool assembly determination unit 16 determines that the tool holder HL holds the cutting tool t, the data search unit 14 searches for the tool assembly ID 113 including the read tool holder ID 111, making it possible to refer to information related to the same tool assembly AS. On the other hand, when the tool assembly determination unit 16 determines that the tool holder HL does not hold the cutting tool t, the data search unit 14 searches for the tool assembly ID 111 that was read, making it possible to refer to information related to the same tool holder HL. This configuration makes it easy to manage tool assemblies AS, and even if the configuration of the tool assemblies AS is changed, the information after the change can be reliably saved. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the tool assemblies AS used for workpieces with a proven track record, as well as their configuration, tool numbers, and overhang amounts, and it is possible to shorten the response time for repeat machining.

[0019] FIG. 8 shows a modified example of the tool management system S. Here, the tool management device 1 is provided with an identifier generating unit 17, and the unique identification information can be automatically generated by the identifier generating unit 17. The functions of the components overlapping with those in FIG. The tool information database 11 is capable of storing tool correction values ​​120 obtained by measuring the tool, pot information 121 including the pot number of the tool magazine of the machine tool, tool life information 122, cutting conditions 123, and tool specifications 124. An automatic identification tag creation device 4 is connected to the network 3, and the automatic identification tag creation device 4 automatically generates, for example, a one-dimensional barcode, a two-dimensional barcode, an RFID, or characters as a tool holder ID 111, which can be attached to the tool holder HL.

[0020] Also connected to the network 3 are a tool presetter 5 and a machine tool 6 equipped with a numerically controlled device. The machine tool 6 is provided with a reader for reading the automatic recognition tag of the tool holder HL when the tool assembly AS is attached to the tool magazine. Therefore, when the tool assembly AS is attached to the tool magazine, pot information 121 including a pot number indicating the attachment position is obtained, and the pot information is managed in association with the tool assembly ID 113, and the tool compensation value 120 measured by the tool presetter 5 can be accurately input to the machine tool 6. In addition, by obtaining life information 122 from the machine tool 6 and managing the information in association with the tool assembly ID 113, appropriate life management can be performed. Furthermore, by managing the cutting conditions 123 and tool specifications 124 in association with the tool set ID 113, appropriate cutting conditions can be set when creating a program, and it is also possible to link with an automated system using a robot. By connecting the network 3 to the Internet 7, it is also possible to always obtain the latest and most accurate information.

[0021] In the above-described forms and modified examples, an information input / output terminal serving as an information input / output unit is provided separately from the tool management device, and the information input / output terminal and the tool management device are connected via a network to form a tool management system. However, the tool management device according to the second configuration of the present disclosure may also be one in which an information input / output unit is provided in the tool management device itself, enabling direct input and output of data. In the above embodiment and modified example, when the unique identification information of the tool holder is read and the tool assembly status flag is OFF, a tool holder to which no cutting tool is attached is combined with a desired cutting tool to create a tool assembly. However, creating a new tool assembly in this way requires a check to see if there are any problems with machining. Therefore, in the case of repeat machining, the tool assembly ID used for machining can be searched from the work information, and the desired cutting tool can be attached to the same tool holder used in that tool assembly. By using the same configuration as a proven tool assembly in this way, the confirmation work can be omitted. In the above embodiment and modified example, a reader provided in the input unit is used as the input means, but the input means is not limited to a reader and may be a keyboard or the like provided in the input unit. In other words, if the unique identification information is given as numbers or letters, the numbers or the like can be input using a keyboard or the like. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, when it is confirmed that no cutting tool is attached to the tool holder, the unique identification information becomes a tool holder ID and references the tool holder information. However, if the increased data size is not a problem, it is also possible to generate a tool assembly ID in advance at this time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0022] S·Tool management system, 1·Tool management device, 2·Information input / output terminal, 3·Network, 4·Automatic recognition tag creation device, 5·Tool presetter, 6·Machine tool, 7·Internet, 11·Tool information database, 12·Device side communication unit, 13·Tool assembly ID generation unit, 14·Data search unit, 15·Tool number generation unit, 16·Tool assembly determination unit, 17·Identifier generation unit, 21·Terminal side communication unit, 22·Input unit, 23·Reader, 111·Tool holder ID, 112·Tool holder information, 113·Tool assembly ID, 114·Machine information, 115·Workpiece information, 116·Tool information, 117·Temporary projection amount, 118·Tool number, 119·Tool assembly status flag, AS·Tool assembly, HL·Tool holder, t·Tool.

Claims

1. a tool management device that manages a tool set including a tool holder and a cutting tool attached to the tool holder; An information input / output terminal capable of inputting and outputting data to the tool management device, The tool management device includes: a tool information database that stores at least a tool holder ID which is unique identification information attached directly to the tool holder, tool holder information which is information related to the tool holder, a tool assembly ID which is unique identification information of the tool assembly, machine information which is information related to a machine tool that uses the tool assembly, workpiece information which is information related to a workpiece machined using the tool assembly, cutting tool information which is information related to the cutting tool, a protrusion amount of the cutting tool from the tool holder in the tool assembly, and a tool assembly status flag which is turned ON when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder and turned OFF when the cutting tool is removed; a tool assembly ID generating unit that generates the tool assembly ID for a record including the tool holder ID in the tool information database when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder; a data search unit for searching for necessary information from the tool information database; a tool set determination unit that determines whether the tool holder holds the cutting tool, the information input / output terminal includes an input means for inputting the tool holder ID, the tool assembly determination unit determines that the tool holder holds the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an ON state, and determines that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an OFF state, the data search unit, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder holds the cutting tool, searches for the tool assembly ID including the input tool holder ID, thereby making it possible to refer to information related to the same tool assembly, and, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool, searches for the tool holder ID input, thereby making it possible to refer to information related to the same tool holder.

2. 2. The tool management system according to claim 1, wherein when the tool holder ID is input, the tool set determination unit refers to a latest record among records including the corresponding tool holder ID.

3. 3. The tool management system according to claim 1, wherein the tool assembly ID generation unit adds a record in which the tool assembly ID and the cutting tool information have been changed to the tool information database when the configuration of the tool assembly is changed.

4. 4. The tool management system according to claim 3, wherein the tool set ID generation unit adds a record in which the tool set ID and the protrusion amount are changed when the protrusion amount is changed in the tool set.

5. A tool number generating unit is further provided for assigning a tool number to the tool set for identifying the tool set by a machine tool, 3. The tool management system according to claim 1, wherein when the data search unit searches for a tool assembly constituted by the same tool holder and the same cutting tool, the tool number generation unit is capable of assigning the same tool number as the searched tool assembly.

6. The tool management system according to claim 5 , wherein the tool number generating unit is capable of setting the tool number for each of the machine tools.

7. 6. The tool management system according to claim 5, wherein the data search section is capable of searching for the tool sets used in machining for each workpiece.

8. A tool management device for managing a tool set including a tool holder and a cutting tool attached to the tool holder, a tool information database that stores at least a tool holder ID which is unique identification information attached directly to the tool holder, tool holder information which is information related to the tool holder, a tool assembly ID which is unique identification information of the tool assembly, machine information which is information related to a machine tool that uses the tool assembly, workpiece information which is information related to a workpiece machined using the tool assembly, cutting tool information which is information related to the cutting tool, a protrusion amount of the cutting tool from the tool holder in the tool assembly, and a tool assembly status flag which is turned ON when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder and turned OFF when the cutting tool is removed; an information input / output unit including an input means for the tool holder ID and capable of inputting and outputting each piece of data to and from the tool information database; a tool assembly ID generating unit that generates the tool assembly ID for a record including the tool holder ID in the tool information database when the cutting tool is attached to the tool holder; a data search unit for searching for necessary information from the tool information database; a tool set determination unit that determines whether the tool holder holds the cutting tool, the tool assembly determination unit determines that the tool holder holds the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an ON state, and determines that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool when the tool holder ID is input by the input means while the tool assembly state flag is in an OFF state, the data search unit, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder holds the cutting tool, searches for the tool assembly ID including the input tool holder ID, thereby making it possible to refer to information related to the same tool assembly, and, when it is determined by the tool assembly determination unit that the tool holder does not hold the cutting tool, searches for the tool holder ID input, thereby making it possible to refer to information related to the same tool holder.

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