Tool parts, systems, methods, and computer programs for determining dimensions of tool parts

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (100) for utilizing identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) used to determine dimensions of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), the system (100) comprising a reader device (10a, 10b, 10c) for reading machine-readable codes and an electronic device (1a, 1b, 1c) configured to interface with the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), the electronic device (1a, 1b, 1c) configured to communicate to the system (100) by the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c) the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). the processing circuitry (102a, 102b, 102c) configured to: detect the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d), where the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) are unique machine-readable codes; read the unique machine-readable codes of the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) by a reader device (10a, 10b, 10c); and obtain, from the unique machine-readable code, individual dimensional information data (idID) including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) measured when manufacturing the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). The present disclosure further relates to a method and computer program product (500) for utilizing identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) to be used to determine dimensions of and for the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tool part, a system, a method, and a computer program product for utilizing an identification marker on a tool part to determine the dimensions of the tool part.

Background Art

[0002] Today, multiple machine operations involve the use of tools. For example, for the accurate processing of materials during a machine operation, it is important that the tools used in the machine operation are in the desired location. Today, there are many manual operations of tools in machine operations.

[0003] An example of a machine operation is an operation by a machine configured to remove chips from a piece of material during a machine operation with a cutting tool. In this example, the cutting machine may need to place a plurality of tool parts in the desired location before starting the machine operation using the cutting tool part. In this example, the cutting tool may comprise a plurality of tool parts, such as a fixed tool holder, and one or more fixed cutting inserts attached to the tool holder. Further, the cutting insert may have a plurality of cutting edges, and thus it may be necessary to place each cutting insert in a fixed location on the tool holder so that, for example, the correct distance from the piece of material to the cutting edge is used during the machine operation with the cutting tool.

[0004] Often, the operator of the machine needs to place the tool part and verify that the tool part is in the desired location before the machine operation can be started. In the example of a cutting tool, thus the operator of the cutting machine needs to verify, for example, that the cutting edge of the cutting insert is in the desired location. This is often done by visual inspection, and sometimes by manual measurement by the operator of the machine, before the machine operation can be started by the operator.

[0005] Therefore, today, most of the time in machine operations, specifically in multiple complex consecutive machine operations, is spent positioning tool parts relative to the material to be processed by the machine and / or tool parts when the tool is attached to the machine. This includes the time spent on changing tool parts between each operation.

[0006] A first drawback of current methods is that the cutting tool can be mispositioned and thus placed in an undesirable location, resulting in an incorrect distance from the piece of material to the cutting edge of the cutting tool during a machine operation using the cutting tool, thereby causing serious damage to both the cutting tool and the piece of material.

[0007] A second drawback of current methods is that, even when the operator verifies that the tool part is placed in the desired location before a machine operation, the human error factor is one element that can lead to a misplacement of the tool part during the machine operation.

[0008] A third drawback of current methods is that when the tool part is attached to the machine, for example, a lot of time is spent positioning the tool part relative to the material to be processed by the machine and / or tool parts. This time is costly and adds time to the overall manufacturing process of the product. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of some embodiments is to solve, mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate at least some of the above or other drawbacks.

[0010] Today, the dimensions of a particular tool part can be documented as a dimension value ± a certain tolerance value. In many cases, when manufacturing a particular tool part, the manufacturing process itself may not be very precise, and thus each manufactured tool part 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 particular tool part have dimensions with a dimensional value of ± a certain tolerance value. This means that the true dimensions for each individual tool part differ between different individual tool parts due to the tolerance value.

[0012] Therefore, this documented dimension can be used within a range, but still, the tolerance value must be measured for each individual tool part before the individual tool parts are used, for example, in a machining operation. This means that it is necessary to spend time, for example, verifying the exact dimensions of the individual tool parts.

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

[0014] Therefore, due to the aforementioned drawbacks, it is required to know the exact dimensions of specific individual tool parts in order to minimize the time spent, for example, positioning the tool part relative to a machine and / or material, and to minimize the risk of human error when placing the tool part in a fixed location for processing in a machining operation.

[0015] Therefore, an alternative method is required to reduce the risk of human error and to position the tool part relative to a machine and / or material, for example.

[0016] The inventors have come up with a solution to reduce the risk of human error and also reduce the time required to verify that the desired tool part is placed in the desired location relative to a machine and / or material, for example. Below, aspects and embodiments are presented and an alternative method for reducing the risk of human error and positioning the tool part relative to a machine and / or material, for example, is described.

[0017] According to a first aspect, there is provided a system for utilizing an identification marker on a tool part used to determine the dimensions of the tool part. The system includes a reader device for reading a machine-readable code and an electronic device configured to be connected to the reader device. The electronic device causes the system to detect, by the reader device, an identification marker on the tool part, where the identification marker is a unique machine-readable code; read, by the reader device, the unique machine-readable code of the identification marker; and obtain, from the unique machine-readable code, individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool part measured when manufacturing the tool part. The system has a processing circuit configured to perform the above operations.

[0018] The identification marker can be, for example, an intellectual property-owned machine-readable code, an open-source machine-readable code, a two-dimensional code, a three-dimensional code, an image, a Quick Response code, a High Capacity Colored Two Dimensional Code, a European Article Number code, a DataMatrix code, or a MaxiCode.

[0019] In some embodiments, the identification marker is etched on the tool part. In some embodiments, the identification marker is a sticker attached to the tool part. In some embodiments, the identification marker is painted on the tool part.

[0020] One advantage associated with this aspect is that the individual dimensions measured when manufacturing an individual tool part can be obtained and used, for example, during the use of the individual tool part at the location of the tool part customer. Thereby, for example, before or during the use of the tool part in a machine operation at the location of the tool part customer, depending on the need associated with the tool part where the dimension value is associated only with a certain tolerance value of plus or minus, for example, it is not necessary to measure the individual dimensions of the tool part at a later time, thereby saving time, improving measurement accuracy, and reducing measurement errors caused, for example, by a human operator.

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

[0022] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that when the tool part is assembled on the machine, the individual dimensions of the tool part can be used in combination with the known dimensions of the machine using the dimension information about the machine.

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

[0024] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that the individual dimensions of the tool part can be used in combination with the known dimensions of the machine to determine the first assembly dimension of the tool part relative to the machine, for example, the position of the tool part relative to the machine.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the processing circuit causes the system to detect, by a reader device, a first identification marker of a first tool part and a second identification marker of a second tool part, cause the reader device to read a unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker and a unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker, obtain, from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker, first individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool part measured when the first tool part was manufactured, obtain, from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker, second individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool part measured when the second tool part was manufactured, and is further configured to cause determination of a second assembly dimension of the first tool part and the second tool part based on the first individual dimension information data and the second individual dimension information data.

[0026] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that, for example, when a first tool part is attached to a second tool part, the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part can be determined.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the processing circuit causes the system to obtain machine dimension information data including a first assembly dimension defining the relationship of the first tool part to the machine and a second assembly dimension defining the relationship of the second tool part to the machine when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part and the second tool part is attached to the machine, and is further configured to cause the system to determine a third assembly dimension of the first tool part and the second tool part with respect to the machine based on the first individual dimension information data, the second individual dimension information data, and the machine dimension information data.

[0028] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part and the second tool part is attached to the machine, the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part with respect to the machine can be determined. For example, the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to the edge of the first tool part can be determined.

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

[0030] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that information about the individual dimensions can be encoded and stored within the unique machine-readable code itself that is available on the tool part.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data is obtained by comparing the unique machine-readable code with associated data including the individual dimension information data of the tool part having the unique machine-readable code and obtaining the individual dimension information data from memory.

[0032] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that information about the individual dimensions can be stored in a memory, such as a remote memory, and the information data can be stored and managed by the tool part manufacturer for the tool part customer.

[0033] According to a second aspect, a method is provided for utilizing an identification marker on a tool part that is used to determine the dimensions of the tool part. The method includes detecting, by a reader device, an identification marker on the tool part, where the identification marker is a unique machine-readable code. The method further includes reading, by the reader device, the unique machine-readable code of the identification marker and obtaining, from the unique machine-readable code, individual dimension information data including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool part that was measured when the tool part was manufactured.

[0034] One advantage associated with this aspect is that the individual dimensions measured when manufacturing individual tool parts can be obtained and used, for example, during the use of the individual tool parts at the location of the tool part customer. Thereby, for example, before or during the use of the tool part in a machine operation at the location of the tool part customer, depending on the need associated with the tool part that is only associated with a dimension value plus or minus a certain tolerance value, for example, it becomes unnecessary to measure the individual dimensions of the tool part at a later time, thereby saving time, improving measurement accuracy, and reducing measurement errors caused, for example, by a human operator.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the method further includes obtaining machine dimension information data including at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the tool part to the machine when the tool part is attached to the machine.

[0036] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that when the tool part is assembled in the machine, the individual dimensions of the tool part can be used in combination with the known dimensions related to the machine using the dimension information related to the machine.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the method further includes determining a first assembly dimension of a tool part relative to a machine based on the individual dimension data and the machine dimension data.

[0038] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that the individual dimensions of the tool part can be used in combination with known dimensions of the machine to determine the first assembly dimension of the tool part relative to the machine, for example, the position of the tool part relative to the machine.

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

[0040] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part can be determined, for example, when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the method further includes obtaining machine dimension information data including at least a first assembly dimension defining a relationship of the first tool part to the machine and a second assembly dimension defining a relationship of the second tool part to the machine when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part and the second tool part is attached to the machine, and determining a third assembly dimension of the first tool part and the second tool part 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] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part and the second tool part is attached to the machine, the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part relative to the machine can be determined. For example, the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to the edge of the first tool part can be determined.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data is obtained by decoding a unique machine-readable code of an identification marker and obtaining the individual dimension information data from the decoded information, and / or by comparing the unique machine-readable code with associated data including the individual dimension information data of the tool part having the unique machine-readable code and obtaining the individual dimension information data from a memory.

[0044] One advantage associated with this embodiment is that information about the individual dimensions can be encoded and stored within the unique machine-readable code itself that is available on the tool part.

[0045] One advantage associated with the information about the individual dimensions being stored in memories 103a, 103b, 103c, such as remote memory 103c, is that the individual dimensions can be managed by the tool part manufacturer for the tool part customer.

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

[0047] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a tool component for a cutting tool, comprising an identification marker disposed on the tool component, wherein the identification marker is a unique machine-readable code including individual dimensional information data, the individual dimensional information data includes at least one individually measured dimension of the tool component measured when manufacturing the tool component, and 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 associated with this aspect is that each individual tool component comprises a unique machine-readable code including individual dimensional information data for that particular tool component. Thereby, for example, at a later point in time, such as during the use of the tool component in a machine operation, there is no need to measure the dimensions of the tool component, thereby saving time and reducing, for example, measurement errors caused by humans. Another advantage is that the individual dimensional information data can be acquired by a device, thereby enabling, for example, the use of the individual dimensional information data by a machine and at the same time limiting the need for human interaction, thereby minimizing the risk of human error.

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

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

[0051] Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure disclosed herein is not limited to the specific components of the described device or the steps of the described method. This is because there can be various such devices and methods. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and not for the purpose of limitation. In this specification and the appended claims, it should be noted that the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said" are for the purpose of meaning that there is one or more of the elements unless the context explicitly provides otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a unit" or "the unit" can include several devices and the like. Further, "comprising", "including", and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0052] When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above objectives, as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by referring to the following exemplary and non-limiting detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figures 3a - 3c

Figure 4

Figure 5a

Figure 5b

Figure 5c

Figures 6a - 6b

Figure 7

Figure 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in other forms and should not be construed as 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.

[0055] Exemplary tool parts for use in machine operations are described for purposes of illustration to visualize and exemplify the prior art and aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to any tool part in any machine operation.

[0056] In the examples and the following description, tool parts for cutting are disclosed. The exemplary machine operation relates to a machine equipped with a cutting tool used to remove chips from a piece of material during the machine operation. The piece of material described herein may typically include a metal workpiece to be processed, but the material may be any other material such as a plastic material, stone, wood, etc. The machines described herein may typically include a milling machine, a lathe, a drilling machine, a threading machine, or any other machine configured to process a piece of material with a tool part.

[0057] FIG. 1 shows exemplary tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d of a cutting tool 18. In this example, as shown in FIG. 1, 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 locations of the tool holder 22 indicated as positions "A", "B", "C", respectively.

[0058] Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c includes at least one cutting edge. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary tool component 20c in the form of a cutting insert 21c having at least one cutting edge. In this example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each cutting edge of each of the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c is configured to be used to remove chips from a piece of material.

[0059] Often, the machine operator needs to arrange the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and verify that the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are in the desired locations before being able to start the machine operation. Thus, in the example of the cutting tool 18, as shown in FIG. 1, the operator of the cutting machine needs to verify, for example, that the cutting edges of the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c are in the desired locations. This is often done by visual inspection and sometimes by manual measurement by the operator of the machine before the machine operation can be started by the operator.

[0060] Today, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the distance from the tool holder rotation axis AXt to each cutting edge of each of the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c can be determined by manual measurement by the operator of the machine. In another example, the operator of the machine positions the cutting edge at a fixed position relative to a piece of material and brings the cutting edge into contact with the piece of material before starting the machine operation to determine, for example, the distance from the tool holder rotation axis AXt to the cutting edges of the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c.

[0061] As described above, a first drawback of current techniques is that the cutting tool 18 can be mispositioned and thus placed in an undesirable location, such that an incorrect distance from a piece of material to the cutting edges of the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c is used during a machining operation using the cutting tool 18, thereby causing significant damage to both the cutting tool 18 and the piece of material.

[0062] As described above, a second drawback of current techniques is that, even when an operator verifies that the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are placed in a desired location prior to a machining operation, a human error factor is one element that can lead to a misplacement of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d during the machining operation.

[0063] As described above, a third drawback of current techniques is that, when the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attached to a machine, a significant amount of time is spent positioning the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d relative to, for example, the machine and / or the material to be processed by the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. This time is costly and adds time to the overall manufacturing process of the product.

[0064] An object of some embodiments is to solve, mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate at least some of the above or other drawbacks.

[0065] Today, the dimensions of certain tool components can be documented as dimension values ± a certain tolerance value. Often, when manufacturing a particular tool component, the manufacturing process itself may not be very precise, and thus 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.

[0066] This means that all individuals of a particular tool part have dimensions with a dimensional value ± a certain tolerance value. This means that the true dimensions for each individual tool part will vary between different individual tool parts due to the tolerance value.

[0067] Therefore, the documented dimensions can be used within a range, but still, the tolerance values for individual tool parts must be measured before the individual tool parts are used, for example, in a machining operation. This means that it is necessary to spend time, for example, verifying the exact dimensions of individual tool parts.

[0068] Therefore, due to the aforementioned drawbacks, in order to minimize the time spent, for example, positioning tool parts with respect to a machine and / or material, and to minimize the risk of human error when placing tool parts in a fixed location for processing in a machining operation, it is required to know the exact dimensions of specific individual tool parts.

[0069] Therefore, an alternative method for reducing the risk of human error and positioning tool parts with respect to, for example, a machine and / or material is required. The inventors have come up with a solution that reduces the risk of human error and also reduces the time required to verify that the desired tool part is placed in the desired location with respect to, for example, a machine and / or material. Embodiments and implementations are presented below that describe an alternative method for reducing the risk of human error and positioning tool parts with respect to, for example, a machine and / or material.

[0070] Referring again to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows exemplary tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] A first aspect of the present disclosure shows tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d for a cutting tool 18. According to some embodiments, the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are 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 components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d include identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d disposed on the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are at least any one of a proprietary machine-readable code, an open-source machine-readable code, a two-dimensional code, a three-dimensional code, an image, a Quick Response code, a High Capacity Colored Two Dimensional Code, a European Article Number code, a DataMatrix code, or a MaxiCode, or at least any combination thereof.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are etched on the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are stickers attached to the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are painted on the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0074] The identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are unique machine-readable codes associated with the individual dimensional information data idID, and the individual dimensional information data idID includes at least one individually measured dimension of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. In other words, each identification marker 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d for each tool part 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is unique, and thus the other tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d will not have exactly the same identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. This makes it possible to associate the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d with the individual dimensional information data idID.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the individual dimensional information data idID includes at least one individually measured dimension of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured at a certain tool part temperature when manufacturing the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, the individually measured dimensions of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are dimensions at a certain temperature. In one example, the dimensions of the tool part can vary according to the temperature of the tool part. For example, the tool part can expand at high temperatures.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, each individual tool part has a unique machine-readable code, and the unique machine-readable code can be associated with the individual dimensional information data idID for that specific individual tool part. This eliminates the need to measure the dimensions of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d at a later time, for example, during the use of the tool parts in a machine operation, thereby saving time and reducing measurement errors caused, for example, by humans.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c, and the individual dimensional information data idID includes at least one individually measured dimension of the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c measured when manufacturing the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c.

[0079] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary tool component 20c in the form of a cutting insert 21c having at least one cutting edge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary tool component 20c includes an identification marker 40c disposed on the tool component 20c.

[0080] FIGS. 3a - 3b show exemplary individual dimensions of the cutting insert 21c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3a, the height h and width w are shown. In FIG. 3b, the dimension "a" from the center of the cutting insert 21c to the first cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c is shown. In FIG. 3b, the dimension "b" from the center of the cutting insert 21c to the second cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c is shown. In FIG. 3b, the dimension "c" from the center of the cutting insert 21c to the third cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c is shown.

[0081] FIG. 3c shows exemplary individual dimensions of the tool component 20d according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3c, the exemplary tool component 20d includes an identification marker 40d disposed on the tool component 20d. The tool component 20d in the example of FIG. 3c is a tool holder 22. In FIG. 3c, the dimension "d" from the center of the tool holder axis AXt of the tool holder 22 to the center of the cutting insert mounting point configured to receive the cutting inserts 21a, 21b, 21c is shown.

[0082] FIG. 4 shows exemplary post - assembly tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d attached to machine 50 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, for showing two dimensions having a common measurement point, the dimension “a” from the center of cutting insert 21c to the first cutting edge of cutting insert 21c is shown together with the dimension “d” from the center of toolholder axis AXt of toolholder 22 to the center of the cutting insert mounting point.

[0083] Thus, in this embodiment, for example, for more rapid and reliable positioning of cutting insert 21c relative to a workpiece of the material to be processed by machine operation, the individually measured dimensions of that particular cutting insert 21c, measured when manufacturing the cutting insert 21c, can be used, for example, during the manufacturing process.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the individual dimensional information data idID is encoded within a machine - readable code, and the machine - readable code is configured to be decoded by electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c configured to communicate with and be read by reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c.

[0085] Thus, in this embodiment, the individual dimensional information data can be acquired by the device, thereby enabling, for example, the use of the individual dimensional information data by the machine, while at the same time limiting the need for human interaction, thereby minimizing the risk of human error.

[0086] Figures 5a - 5c each show an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 100 includes reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c for reading machine - readable codes. According to some embodiments, reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c are any 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 smartphone camera. According to some embodiments, reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c are components integrated within an electronic device, stand - alone components. Reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c are configured to read machine - readable codes disposed on tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d during use of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d in a machine operation by machine 50.

[0087] System 100 further includes electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c configured to be connected to reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c. According to some embodiments, the electronic device is a portable electronic device 1a. According to some embodiments, the electronic device is a local electronic device 1b. According to some embodiments, the electronic device is a remote electronic device 1c. According to some embodiments, electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c are configured to be connected to a communication network 60.

[0088] Figure 5a shows an electronic device 1a in the form of a smartphone, tablet, cellular phone, feature phone, or any portable electronic device. As an example, as shown in Figure 5a, the reader device 10a is the camera of the smartphone 1a. In this example, the electronic device 1a is a smartphone held by a machine operator when preparing tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d for machine operation. The electronic device can also be a local electronic device 1b installed as part of a machine 50, for example, as shown in Figure 5b. As an example, as shown in Figure 5b, the reader device 10b is a stand-alone reader device connected to the electronic device 1b and installed as part of the machine 50. According to some embodiments, the electronic device is a remote server 1c connected to a reader device 10c via a communication network 60, as shown in Figure 5c. In one example, the machine 50 is operated from a remote location, for example, within a factory.

[0089] According to some embodiments, 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 Global System for Mobile Communication (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 IoT, 5G, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, WiMAX, or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UWB), or a similar network. According to some embodiments, the wireless communication network can also be a combination of both a wireless local area network and a wireless wide area network. According to some embodiments, communication network 60 can be a combination of a wired communication network and a wireless communication network. According to some embodiments, communication network 60 is defined by a general Internet protocol.

[0090] Electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c have processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c configured to cause system 100 to detect identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d of tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d by reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c, and the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are unique machine-readable codes.

[0091] The processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to read, by the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c, the unique machine-readable codes of the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and obtain from the unique machine-readable codes the individual dimension information data idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c further include memories 103a, 103b, 103c. According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data idID is stored in the memories 103a, 103b, 103c.

[0093] Thus, in this embodiment, the individual dimensions measured when manufacturing the individual tool parts are obtained using the reader device and can be used, for example, during the use of the individual tool parts at the tool part customer's place, so that, as required for the tool parts associated only with dimension values within a certain tolerance range, for example, it is not necessary to measure the individual dimensions of the tool parts at a later time. This saves time before and / or during the use of the tool parts in the machine operation at the tool part customer's place, and further improves the measurement accuracy, for example, reducing the measurement errors caused by a human operator.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to obtain the machine dimension information data madID including at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d to the machine 50 when the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attached to the machine 50.

[0095] Thus, in this embodiment, when the tool parts are assembled in the machine, the dimension information regarding the machine and the individual dimensions of the tool parts can be used in combination with the known dimensions regarding the machine.

[0096] Figure 4 shows exemplary post - assembly tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d attached to machine 50. According to some embodiments, a first tool part is attached to machine 50 by a second tool part. According to some embodiments, the tool part is attached to machine 50 by tool holder 22. In the example of Figure 4, tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c are attached to tool holder 22, and tool holder 22 is attached to machine 50.

[0097] According to some embodiments, machine dimension information data madID is obtained from memories 103a, 103b, 103c connectable to processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0098] According to some embodiments, machine dimension information data madID is obtained via at least one of manual input of machine dimension information data madID via user interfaces 400a, 400b, 400c of electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c, or automatic input of machine dimension information data madID by machine 50 connectable to electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0099] According to some embodiments, machine dimension information data madID includes a predetermined dimensional relationship and / or a predetermined angular relationship of tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d with respect to machine 50 when tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attached to machine 50.

[0100] According to some embodiments, machine dimension information data madID includes an angular relationship of a predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine with respect to a predetermined tool reference axis AXt of tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. In the example shown in Figure 4, tool part 20d has a predetermined tool reference axis AXt that is shared in this example with the machine reference axis AXm, and thus the angular relationship of the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine with respect to the predetermined tool reference axis AXt is 0 degrees.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the machine dimension information data madID includes the distance relationship between a predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine and a predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. In the example shown in FIG. 4, 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.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to determine a first assembly dimension d of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d with respect to the machine 50 based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID and the machine dimension information data madID.

[0103] As an example, referring to what is shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine and the predetermined tool reference axis of the tool part 20c is the distance d with respect to the assembly point of the tool part 20d to which the tool part 20c is attached.

[0104] Therefore, in this embodiment, for the first assembly dimension of the tool part with respect to the machine, for example, to determine the position of the tool part with respect to the machine, the individual dimensions of the tool part can be used in combination with the known dimensions regarding the machine.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are configured to cause the system 100 to detect, by the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c, the first identification marker 40c of the first tool part 20c and the second identification marker 40d of the second tool part 20d, and further cause the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c to read the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker 40c and the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker 40d. The processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to obtain, from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker 40c, first individual dimension information data 1idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool part 20c measured when manufacturing the first tool part 20c, and obtain, from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker 40d, second individual dimension information data 2idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool part 20d measured when manufacturing the second tool part 20d. The processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to determine a second assembly dimension L of the first tool part 20c and the second tool part 20d based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID and the second individual dimension information data 2idID.

[0106] Thus, in this embodiment, for example, when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part, the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part can be determined.

[0107] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second assembly dimension L of the first tool part 20c and the second tool part 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.

[0108] 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. The processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to determine a third assembly dimension of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d with respect to the machine 50 based on the first individual dimensional information data 1idID, the second individual dimensional information data 2idID, and the machine dimensional information data madID.

[0109] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the third assembly dimension of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d includes the sum of the dimension d of the second individual dimensional information data 2idID and the dimension a of the first individual dimensional information data 1idID. In this example, the machine dimensional information data madID defines the machine reference axis AXm to be common with a predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the second tool component 20d when the second tool component 20d is attached to the machine 50.

[0110] According to some embodiments (not shown), the first assembly dimension of the first tool component 20c and the second tool component 20d with respect to the machine 50 is 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 memories 103a, 103b, 103c including tool and machine dimension data.

[0111] In another example (not shown), the machine dimensional information data madID defines the machine reference axis AXm to be an offset distance q from the predetermined tool reference axis AXt of the second tool component 20d when the second tool component 20d is attached to the machine 50. Thus, the third assembly dimension with respect to the machine reference axis AXm is q + d + a.

[0112] Accordingly, in this embodiment, when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part and the second tool part is attached to the machine, the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part with respect to the machine can be determined. For example, the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to the edge of the first tool part can be determined.

[0113] As an example, referring to FIG. 4, a machine operation by a tool part in the form of a cutting insert 21c is used to remove chips from a piece 70 of material that is in a fixed position relative to the machine 50. A fixed location of the cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c relative to the piece 70 of material is required. This location can be determined with respect to how the cutting insert 21c is positioned relative to the machine 50 and / or the piece 70 of material. Referring to FIG. 4, as an example, the location of the cutting edge of the cutting insert 21c relative to the piece 70 of material is determined to be at a distance P between the piece 70 of material and a fixed machine reference point Mref. When replacing the cutting insert 21c, the same position within the space of the new cutting edge of the new cutting insert at the same distance P relative to the piece 70 of material is desirable. When mounting the new cutting insert onto 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, for example, by adjusting the position of the machine reference axis AXm by the machine 50, such that the new cutting edge of the new cutting insert is determined to be at the distance P between the piece 70 of material and the machine reference point Mref. In this example, determining the distance P can be achieved by first knowing the second assembly dimension L of the cutting insert 21c and the tool holder 22 with respect to the machine 50. The relationship with respect to the machine 50 is based on the machine dimension information data madID with respect to the fixed machine reference point Mref in this case. Then, the first individual dimension information data 1idID of the new cutting insert and the second individual dimension information data 2idID of the tool holder 22 are used by the machine 50 to adjust the position of the machine reference axis AXm, such that the new cutting edge of the new cutting insert is determined to be in a position within the space at the distance P between the piece 70 of material and the machine reference point Mref.

[0114] Figures 6a-6b show exemplary schematic data relationships of associated individual dimensional information data. Figure 6a shows an exemplary identification marker having a unique machine-readable code "AA0002". According to some embodiments, the individual dimensional information data idID includes a plurality of individually measured dimensions of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. The exemplary identification marker having the unique machine-readable code "AA0002" is associated with the individual dimensional 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 parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0115] According to some embodiments, the individually measured dimensions of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are dimensions at a constant temperature. As an example, the dimensions of the tool parts can vary depending on the temperature of the tool parts. For example, the tool parts can expand at high temperatures. According to some embodiments, the individually measured dimensions of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are dimensions at a constant temperature and / or a relationship to a function for determining dimensions at a constant temperature. According to some embodiments, the expansion of the dimensions of the tool parts at a constant temperature is determined in advance and is part of the individual dimensional information data idID. In Figure 6a, dimension a = 9.0550 mm at 800 degrees Celsius and dimension a = 9.0545 mm at 700 degrees Celsius. This information can be used to determine the dimensions of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d when they have a constant temperature.

[0116] Figure 6b shows an exemplary identification marker having a unique machine-readable code "BB2342". The exemplary identification marker having the unique machine-readable code "BB2342" is associated with the 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.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the system 100 includes a temperature sensor device configured to determine the current temperature of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are configured to cause the system 100 to obtain individual dimensional information data idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d from a unique machine-readable code. At least one individually measured dimension of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d further depends on the current temperature of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. According to some embodiments, the temperature sensor device is either an infrared camera or a thermometer. According to some embodiments, the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c are configured to obtain the current temperature of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0118] According to some embodiments, when the second tool component 20d is attached to the machine 50 included in the machine dimensional information data madID, the second tool component 20d has a predetermined tool reference axis AXt having a known relationship with a predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine. According to some embodiments, the predetermined tool reference axis AXt is common with the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine, perpendicular to, or parallel to the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the predetermined machine reference axis AXm of the machine is defined by the rotation of the second tool component 20d when the second tool component 20d is inserted into the machine 50. According to some embodiments, the reference axis AXm of the machine is defined by the rotation of the workpiece inserted into the machine 50.

[0120] According to some embodiments, the individual dimensional information data idID is obtained by decrypting the unique machine-readable code of the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and obtaining the individual dimensional information data idID from the decrypted information.

[0121] Thus, in this embodiment, information about individual dimensions can be encoded and stored within the unique machine-readable code itself that is available on the tooling part.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data idID is obtained by comparing the unique machine-readable code with a related data system that includes the individual dimension information data idID of the tooling parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d having the unique machine-readable code, and obtaining the individual dimension information data idID from memories 103a, 103b, 103c.

[0123] Thus, in this embodiment, information about individual dimensions can be stored in a memory, such as remote memory 400c, and the information data idID can be stored and managed by the tooling part manufacturer for the tooling part customer.

[0124] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to output at least one individually measured dimension of the tooling parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tooling parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d via the user interfaces 400a, 400b, 400c of the electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0125] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to output at least one individually measured dimension of the tooling parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tooling parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d as input data to a machine configured to perform the operations of the tooling parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that can be connected to the electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c are further configured to cause the system 100 to output, via the user interfaces 400a, 400b, 400c of the electronic devices 1a, 1b, 1c, the determined distance to a part of the tool component 20c based on the machine dimension information data madID.

[0127] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of exemplary method steps according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes step S1a of detecting, by the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c, the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, where the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d are unique machine-readable codes; step S2a of reading, by the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c, the unique machine-readable codes of the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d; and step S3a of obtaining, from the unique machine-readable codes, individual dimension information data idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d measured when manufacturing the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0128] Thus, in this embodiment, each individual tool component has a unique machine-readable code, and the unique machine-readable code can be associated with the individual dimension information data idID for that particular individual tool component. Thereby, for example, at a later time, such as during use of the tool components in a machine, it is not necessary to measure the dimensions of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

[0129] According to some embodiments, the method further includes step S4 of obtaining machine dimension information data madID including at least a first assembly dimension defining the relationship of the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d to the machine 50 when the tool components 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attached to the machine 50.

[0130] Thus, in this embodiment, when the tool parts are assembled by a machine, the dimensional information regarding the machine and the individual dimensions of the tool parts can be used in combination with the known dimensions regarding the machine.

[0131] According to some embodiments, the method further includes step S5a of determining a first assembly dimension d of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d with respect to the machine 50 based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID and the machine dimension information data madID.

[0132] Thus, in this embodiment, the individual dimensions of the tool parts can be used in combination with the known dimensions regarding the machine to determine the first assembly dimension of the tool parts with respect to the machine, for example, the position of the tool parts with respect to the machine.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the method further includes step S1b of detecting a first identification marker 40c of the first tool part 20c and a second identification marker 40d of the second tool part 20d by the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c, and step S2b of reading a unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker 40c and a unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker 40d by the reader devices 10a, 10b, 10c. The method further includes step S3b of obtaining first individual dimension information data 1idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool part 20c measured when manufacturing the first tool part 20c from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker 40c, and obtaining second individual dimension information data 2idID including at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool part 20d measured when manufacturing the second tool part 20d from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker 40d. The method further includes step S5b of determining a second assembly dimension L of the first tool part 20c and the second tool part 20d based on the first individual dimension information data 1idID and the second individual dimension information data 2idID.

[0134] Accordingly, in this embodiment, for example, when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part, the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part can be determined.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the method further includes determining a third assembly dimension of the first tool part 20c and the second tool part 20d for 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.

[0136] Accordingly, in this embodiment, when the first tool part is attached to the second tool part and the second tool part is attached to the machine, the assembly dimensions of the first tool part and the second tool part for the machine can be determined. For example, the distance from a known reference point or axis of the machine to the edge of the first tool part can be determined.

[0137] According to some embodiments, the individual dimension information data idID is obtained by decoding the unique machine-readable codes of the identification markers 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and obtaining the individual dimension information data idID from the decoded information, and / or by comparing the unique machine-readable code with a related data method including the individual dimension information data idID of the tool parts 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d having the unique machine-readable code and obtaining the individual dimension information data idID from the memories 103a, 103b, 103c.

[0138] Accordingly, in this embodiment, information about the individual dimensions can be encoded and stored within the unique machine-readable code itself that is available on the tool part.

[0139] Furthermore, the fact that information about the individual dimensions is stored in the memories 103a, 103b, 103c, such as the remote memory 103c, means that the individual dimensions can be managed by the tool part manufacturer for the tool part customer.

[0140] FIG. 8 shows a computer program product 500 according to a third aspect of the present disclosure. The computer program product 500 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having thereon a computer program including program instructions, the computer program being loadable into processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c, and configured to cause a method to be executed when the computer program is executed by the processing circuits 102a, 102b, 102c.

[0141] Those skilled in the art should understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art should further understand that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Further, from an investigation of the drawings, the present disclosure, and the appended claims, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure.

Claims

1. A system (100) for utilizing identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) used to determine the dimensions of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), comprising: Reader devices (10a, 10b, 10c) for reading machine-readable codes; Electronic devices (1a, 1b, 1c) configured to be connected to the reader devices (10a, 10b, 10c); and the electronic devices (1a, 1b, 1c) cause the system (100) to: detect identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by the reader devices (10a, 10b, 10c), wherein the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) are unique machine-readable codes; read the unique machine-readable codes of the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) by the reader devices (10a, 10b, 10c); obtain individual dimension information data (idID) including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) measured when manufacturing the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) from the unique machine-readable codes; and have processing circuits (102a, 102b, 102c) configured to cause the above operations; the processing circuits (102a, 102b, 102c) cause the system (100) to: detect a first identification marker (40c) of a first tool part (20c) and a second identification marker (40d) of a second tool part (20d) by the reader devices (10a, 10b, 10c); read the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker (40c) and the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker (40d) by the reader devices (10a, 10b, 10c); From the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker (40c), obtain first individual dimensional information data (1idID) including at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool part (20c) measured when manufacturing the first tool part (20c), and from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker (40d), obtain second individual dimensional information data (2idID) including at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool part (20d) measured when manufacturing the second tool part (20d). Based on the first individual dimensional information data (1idID) and the second individual dimensional information data (2idID), cause the second assembly dimension (L) of the first tool part (20c) and the second tool part (20d) to be determined. The system (100) is further configured as such. **Claim 2** The processing circuits (102a, 102b, 102c) cause the system (100) to When the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) are attached to the machine (50), obtain machine dimensional information data (madID) including at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) with respect to the machine (50). The system (100) according to claim 1, which is further configured as such. **Claim 3** The processing circuits (102a, 102b, 102c) cause the system (100) to Based on the individual dimensional information data (idID) and the machine dimensional information data (madID), cause the first assembly dimension (d) of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) with respect to the machine (50) to be determined. The system (100) according to claim 2, which is further configured as such. **Claim 4** The processing circuits (102a, 102b, 102c) cause the system to When the first tool part (20c) is attached to the second tool part (2d) and the second tool part (20d) is attached to the machine (50), obtain machine dimensional information data (madID) including at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the first tool part (20c) with respect to the machine (50) and a second assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the second tool part (20d) with respect 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), cause the third assembly dimensions of the first tool part (20c) and the second tool part (20d) with respect to the machine (50) to be determined The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further configured as described above

5. A method for utilizing identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) on the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) used to determine the dimensions of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), comprising (S1a) Detecting the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) by a reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), wherein the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) are unique machine-readable codes (S2a) Reading, by the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), the unique machine-readable codes of the identification markers (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d) (S3a) Obtaining, from the unique machine-readable code, individual dimension information data (idID) including at least one individually measured dimension of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) measured when manufacturing the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) including (S1b) Detecting, by the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), a first identification marker (40c) of a first tool part (20c) and a second identification marker (40d) of a second tool part (20d) (S2b) Reading, by the reader device (10a, 10b, 10c), the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker (40c) and the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker (40d) (S3b)Obtain first individual dimensional information data (1idID) including at least one individually measured dimension of the first tool part (20c) measured when manufacturing the first tool part (20c) from the unique machine-readable code of the first identification marker (40c), and obtain second individual dimensional information data (2idID) including at least one individually measured dimension of the second tool part (20d) measured when manufacturing the second tool part (20d) from the unique machine-readable code of the second identification marker (40d), and (S5b)Based on the first individual dimensional information data (1idID) and the second individual dimensional information data (2idID), determine a second assembly dimension (L) of the first tool part (20c) and the second tool part (20d) A method further comprising.

6. (S4)When the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) are attached to the machine (50), obtain machine dimensional information data (madID) including at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) to the machine (50) The method according to claim 5, further comprising.

7. (S5a)Based on the individual dimensional information data (idID) and the machine dimensional information data (madID), determine a first assembly dimension (d) of the tool parts (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) with respect to the machine (50) The method according to claim 6, further comprising.

8. (S6)When the first tool part (20c) is attached to the second tool part (2d) and the second tool part (20d) is attached to the machine (50), obtain machine dimensional information data (madID) including at least a first assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the first tool part (20c) to the machine (50) and a second assembly dimension that defines the relationship of the second tool part (20d) to the machine (50), and (S7)Based on the first individual dimensional information data (1idID), the second individual dimensional information data (2idID), and the machine dimensional information data (madID), determine a third assembly dimension of the first tool part (20c) and the second tool part (20d) with respect to the machine (50) The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising **Claim 9** A computer program product (500) comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium having thereon a computer program including program instructions, wherein the computer program is loadable into a processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c), and when the computer program is executed by the processing circuit (102a, 102b, 102c), is configured to cause the method according to any one of claims 5 to 8 to be executed.

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