Tool information presentation system, tool information presentation device, and tool information presentation method

Abstract

The tool information presentation system presents information about tools for cutting machining to a user, and includes a tool information presentation device and a display device. The tool information presentation device transmits interference state information to the display device, which indicates an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece during one rotation of the tool for a radial cut-in amount and an axial cut-in amount of the tool. The display device receives the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displays the received interference state information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tool information presentation system, a tool information presentation device, and a tool information presentation method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known devices that simulate cutting processing using various information such as the shape and material of a tool, the shape and material of a workpiece, and processing conditions (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-134813 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-019646 A [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2021 / 024438 [Patent Document 4] JP 2013-132733 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] A tool information presentation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a tool information presentation system that presents information about a tool for cutting to a user, and includes a tool information presentation device and a display device, wherein the tool information presentation device transmits interference state information to the display device, the interference state information indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece during one rotation of the tool for a specific tool's radial cut-in amount and axial cut-in amount of the tool, and the display device receives the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displays the received interference state information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a tool information presentation system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining shape information of the end mill. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining the feed amount per blade. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining the axial cutting depth of the end mill. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the server 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual model of a tool. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the rotation angle of the tool and the cutting area in one rotation of the tool. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a contour map (first map) showing an example of the distribution of maximum values ​​of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool with respect to the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a contour map (second map) showing an example of the distribution of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool with respect to the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graph (first graph) showing the relationship between the axial cutting depth and the maximum cutting area when the radial cutting depth is a specific value, and a graph (second graph) showing the relationship between the axial cutting depth and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial cutting depth is a specific value. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a graph (third graph) showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and the maximum cutting area when the axial cutting amount is a specific value, and a graph (fourth graph) showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial cutting amount is a specific value. [Figure 12A]FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example of a graph (5th graph) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value, a graph (5th graph) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value, and a graph (6th graph) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is the above-mentioned fixed value. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of a graph (7th graph) showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value, and an example of a graph (8th graph) showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is the above-mentioned fixed value. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a first tool. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the first map for the second tool. [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a contour map (third map) showing an example of the distribution of the first difference between the maximum cutting area by the first tool and the maximum cutting area by the second tool for the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of the second map for the first tool. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of the second map for the second tool. [Figure 14C] FIG. 14C is a contour map (fourth map) showing an example of a distribution of a second difference between the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool and the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool for the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of a first graph and a second graph for a first tool. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of a first graph and a second graph for a second tool. [Figure 15C] Figure 15C shows an example of a graph (9th graph) showing the relationship between the axial cutting amount and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool, and a graph (10th graph) showing the relationship between the axial cutting amount and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing examples of a third graph and a fourth graph for a first tool. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B is a diagram showing examples of a third graph and a fourth graph for the second tool. [Figure 16C] Figure 16C shows examples of a graph (11th graph) showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool, and a graph (12th graph) showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing examples of a seventh graph and an eighth graph for a first tool. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a diagram showing examples of a seventh graph and an eighth graph for the second tool. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C shows an example of a graph (13th graph) showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool, and a graph (14th graph) showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a graph showing an example of the change over time in cutting area when using a tool with a non-uniform pitch. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a graph showing the result of frequency conversion of the time variation of the cutting area in the example of FIG. 18A. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a tool with equal pitch and equal lead. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an example of the second map for a tool with equal pitch and equal lead. [Figure 19C] FIG. 19C is a contour map (fifth map) showing an example of the distribution of maximum values ​​in frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area by a tool with equal pitch and equal lead for each of the axial and radial depths of cut. [Figure 19D] FIG. 19D is a contour map (sixth map) showing an example of a distribution of frequencies showing maximum values ​​in the frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area by a tool with equal pitch and equal lead for each of the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. [Figure 19E] FIG. 19E is a contour map (seventh map) showing an example of the distribution of the ratio (frequency ratio) of the frequency showing the maximum value in the frequency components higher than 0 Hz to the cutting frequency of the blades of a tool with equal pitch and equal lead in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area by tool A for each of the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a tool with a variable pitch and a uniform lead. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an example of the second map for a tool with a variable pitch and a uniform lead. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C is a diagram showing an example of the fifth map for a tool with a variable pitch and a uniform lead. [Figure 20D] FIG. 20D is a diagram showing an example of the sixth map for a tool with variable pitch and equal lead. [Figure 20E] FIG. 20E is a diagram showing an example of the seventh map for a tool with a variable pitch and a uniform lead. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21B is a diagram showing an example of the second map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. [Figure 21C]FIG. 21C is a diagram showing an example of the fifth map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. [Figure 21D] FIG. 21D is a diagram showing an example of the sixth map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. [Figure 21E] FIG. 21E is a diagram showing an example of the seventh map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A is the first half of a flowchart illustrating an example of a first tool information providing process by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B is the second half of the flowchart illustrating an example of the first tool information providing process by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second tool information providing process by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third tool information providing process by the server according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] <Problems to be Solved by This Disclosure> In turning, such as milling, the blade of the tool contacts the workpiece at the end face in the axial direction and the circumferential surface of the tool, so that the interference state between the tool and the workpiece changes in a complex manner depending on the amount of cut in the radial direction (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "radial direction") and the amount of cut in the axial direction (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "axial direction"). Therefore, unless the interference state between the tool and the workpiece is taken into consideration, it is not possible to appropriately select a tool suitable for turning and to appropriately set the machining conditions in turning. However, conventional devices such as those described in Patent Documents 1-4 cannot present information about the interference state between the tool and the workpiece, which is one of the characteristics of the tool in turning, to the user.

[0007] <Advantages of this disclosure> According to the present disclosure, it is possible to present to a user information regarding the interference state between a tool and a workpiece, which is a characteristic of the tool in a cutting process.

[0008] <Overview of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Below, an overview of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0009] (1) The tool information presentation system according to the present embodiment presents information about a tool for milling to a user. The tool information presentation system includes a tool information presentation device and a display device. The tool information presentation device transmits, to the display device, interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting depth in a radial direction and a cutting depth in a axial direction of the tool. The display device receives the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displays the received interference state information. An interference state between a tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool is one of the characteristics of the tool determined by the shape of the tool, such as the diameter of the tool, the number of blades, the helix angle of the blades, and the interval (pitch) between adjacent blades. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to present to a user interference state information about an interference state between a tool and a workpiece, which is a characteristic of the tool and is useful for selecting a tool and setting processing conditions.

[0010] (2) In the above (1), the interference state information may include a first map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting-in amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting-in amount in the axial direction of rotation, whereby a user can check the distribution of maximum values ​​of the physical quantities for each of the cutting-in amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting-in amount in the axial direction of rotation by referring to the first map.

[0011] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the interference state information may include a second map indicating a distribution of a fluctuation range of a physical quantity indicating the interference state for each of the cutting-in amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting-in amount in the axial direction of rotation, whereby a user can check the distribution of a fluctuation range of the physical quantity for each of the cutting-in amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting-in amount in the axial direction of rotation by referring to the second map.

[0012] (4) In any one of (1) to (3) above, the interference state information may include a first graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the rotational axis direction and a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state, whereby a user can confirm the relationship between the amount of cut in the rotational axis direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity by referring to the first graph.

[0013] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the interference state information may include a second graph showing the relationship between the cutting depth in the rotation axis direction and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state. This allows a user to confirm the relationship between the cutting depth in the rotation axis direction and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity (i.e., a minimum value of the physical quantity) by referring to the second graph.

[0014] (6) In the above (5), the interference state information may include a diagram in which the first graph and the second graph are superimposed in a same coordinate system in which the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis. This allows a user to check the range of values ​​that the physical quantity can take for the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction by referring to the superimposed first graph and second graph.

[0015] (7) In any one of (1) to (6) above, the interference state information may include a third graph showing a relationship between the cutting depth in the direction of the rotation radius and a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state, whereby a user can confirm the relationship between the cutting depth in the direction of the rotation radius and the maximum value of the physical quantity by referring to the third graph.

[0016] (8) In any one of (1) to (7) above, the interference state information may include a fourth graph showing a relationship between the cutting depth in the direction of the rotation radius and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state. This allows a user to confirm the relationship between the cutting depth in the direction of the rotation radius and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity (i.e., a minimum value of the physical quantity) by referring to the fourth graph.

[0017] (9) In the above (8), the interference state information may include a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are superimposed in a same coordinate system in which the cutting depth in the direction of the rotation radius is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis. This allows a user to check the range of values ​​that the physical quantity can take for the cutting depth in the direction of the rotation radius by referring to the superimposed third graph and fourth graph.

[0018] (10) In the above (1), the tool information presentation device may transmit to the display device first interference state information including a first map showing a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map showing a distribution of a fluctuation range of the physical quantities for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction. The display device may receive the first interference state information and display an interference state screen including the first map and the second map included in the received first interference state information. The display device may accept an input from a user of a first designated value of the cutting amount in the radial direction and transmit the input first designated value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device may receive the first designated value and transmit to the display device second interference state information including a first graph showing a relationship between the cutting amount in the radial direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting amount in the radial direction is the first designated value. The display device may receive the second interference state information and display the first graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state screen. This allows the user to input a desired value of the cutting depth in the rotational radius direction as the first specified value into the display device, and thereby confirm the relationship between the cutting depth in the rotational axis direction at the first specified value and the maximum value of the physical quantity.

[0019] (11) In the above (10), the second interference state information may include a second graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the rotational axis direction when the amount of cut in the rotational radius direction is the first specified value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity. The display device may display the second graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state screen. This allows a user to input a desired value of the amount of cut in the rotational radius direction as a first specified value into the display device, thereby enabling the user to confirm the relationship between the amount of cut in the rotational axis direction at the first specified value and the difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range from a maximum value of the physical quantity.

[0020] (12) In the above (11), the interference state screen may include a diagram in which the first graph and the second graph are superimposed in a same coordinate system in which the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis. This allows a user to check the range of values ​​that the physical quantity can take for the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction when the depth of cut in the rotational radius direction is a first designated value, by referring to the first graph and the second graph displayed in a superimposed manner.

[0021] (13) In any one of the above (10) to (12), the display device may receive an input of a second designated value of the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction from a user, and transmit the input second designated value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device may receive the second designated value, and transmit to the display device third interference state information including a third graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the rotation radius direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction is the second designated value. The display device may receive the third interference state information, and display the third graph included in the received third interference state information on the interference state screen. Thereby, the user can input a desired value of the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction to the display device as the second designated value, and thereby confirm the relationship between the amount of cut in the rotation radius direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity at the second designated value.

[0022] (14) In the above (13), the third interference state information may include a fourth graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the radial direction of rotation when the amount of cut in the radial direction of rotation is the second specified value, and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity. The display device may display the fourth graph included in the received third interference state information on the interference state screen. This allows a user to input a desired value of the amount of cut in the radial direction of rotation at the second specified value and check the relationship between the amount of cut in the radial direction of rotation at the second specified value and the difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range from a maximum value of the physical quantity.

[0023] (15) In the above (14), the interference state screen may include a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are superimposed in a same coordinate system in which the depth of cut in the rotational radius direction is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis. This allows a user to check the range of values ​​that the physical quantity can take for the depth of cut in the rotational radius direction when the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction is the second designated value, by referring to the superimposed third graph and fourth graph.

[0024] (16) In the above (1), the tool information presentation device may transmit to the display device first interference state information including a first map showing a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map showing a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction. The display device may receive the first interference state information and display an interference state screen including the first map and the second map included in the received first interference state information. The display device may accept inputs from a user of a first designated value of the cutting amount in the radial direction and a second designated value of the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and transmit the input first designated value and the second designated value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device may receive the first specified value and the second specified value, and transmit to the display device second interference state information including a fifth graph showing a relationship between the rotational axis direction depth of cut and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a fixed value determined by the product of the first specified value and the second specified value. The display device may receive the second interference state information, and display the fifth graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state screen. Thereby, a user can confirm the relationship between the rotational axis direction depth of cut and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is fixed to a value determined by the product of the first specified value and the second specified value by inputting a desired value of the rotational radius direction depth of cut into the display device as the first specified value and inputting a desired value of the rotational axis direction depth of cut into the display device as the second specified value.

[0025] (17) In the above (16), the second interference state information may include a sixth graph showing a relationship between the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction when the cutting volume is the fixed value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from the maximum value of the physical quantity. The display device may display the sixth graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state screen. This allows a user to confirm the relationship between the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is fixed to a value determined by the product of the first and second specified values, and the difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range from the maximum value of the physical quantity, by inputting a desired value of the depth of cut in the rotational radius direction to the display device as a first specified value and inputting a desired value of the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction to the display device as a second specified value.

[0026] (18) In the above (1), the tool information presentation device may transmit to the display device first interference state information including a first map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map indicating a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction. The display device may receive the first interference state information and display an interference state screen including the first map and the second map included in the received first interference state information. The display device may accept inputs from a user of a first designated value of the cutting amount in the radial direction and a second designated value of the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and transmit the input first designated value and the second designated value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device may receive the first specified value and the second specified value, and transmit to the display device second interference state information including a seventh graph showing a relationship between the cutting amount in the radial direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a fixed value determined by the product of the first specified value and the second specified value. The display device may receive the second interference state information and display the seventh graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state screen. Thereby, a user can confirm a relationship between the cutting amount in the radial direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is fixed to a value determined by the product of the first specified value and the second specified value by inputting a desired value of the cutting amount in the radial direction into the display device as a first specified value and a desired value of the cutting amount in the rotation axis direction into the display device as a second specified value.

[0027] (19) In the above (18), the second interference state information may include an eighth graph showing a relationship between the cutting amount in the radial direction when the cutting volume is the fixed value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from the maximum value of the physical quantity. The display device may display the eighth graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state screen. This allows a user to input a desired value of the cutting amount in the radial direction to the display device as a first specified value and a desired value of the cutting amount in the rotation axis direction to the display device as a second specified value, thereby enabling the user to confirm the relationship between the cutting amount in the radial direction when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is fixed to a value determined by the product of the first specified value and the second specified value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range from the maximum value of the physical quantity.

[0028] (20) In any one of (1) to (19) above, the interference state information may include a third map indicating a distribution of differences obtained by subtracting a maximum value of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction, whereby a user can compare the interference state between the first tool and the workpiece by referring to the third map.

[0029] (21) In any one of (1) to (20) above, the interference state information may include a fourth map indicating a distribution of differences obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece for each of the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the axial direction of rotation, whereby a user can compare the interference state between the first tool and the workpiece by referring to the fourth map.

[0030] (22) In any one of (1) to (21) above, the interference state information may include a ninth graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction and a difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from the maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece. This allows a user to confirm the relationship between the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction and the difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the second physical quantity from the maximum value of the first physical quantity by referring to the ninth graph.

[0031] (23) In any one of (1) to (22) above, the interference state information may include a tenth graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece, whereby a user can confirm the relationship between the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction and the difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the second physical quantity from the fluctuation range of the first physical quantity by referring to the tenth graph.

[0032] (24) In any one of (1) to (23) above, the interference state information may include an eleventh graph showing a relationship between the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and a difference obtained by subtracting a maximum value of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece. This allows a user to confirm the relationship between the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the difference obtained by subtracting a maximum value of the second physical quantity from the maximum value of the first physical quantity by referring to the eleventh graph.

[0033] (25) In any one of (1) to (24) above, the interference state information may include a twelfth graph showing a relationship between the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece, whereby a user can confirm the relationship between the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the second physical quantity from the fluctuation range of the first physical quantity by referring to the twelfth graph.

[0034] (26) In any one of (1) to (25) above, the interference state information may include a fifth map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of frequency components higher than 0 Hz in a frequency spectrum of a physical quantity indicating the interference state that changes over time with the rotation of the tool, for each of the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction. This allows a user to check how maximum values ​​are distributed in the frequency spectrum of the physical quantity indicating the interference state, for each of the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction.

[0035] (27) In any one of (1) to (26) above, the interference state information may include a sixth map indicating a distribution of frequencies indicating maximum values ​​of frequency components higher than 0 Hz in a frequency spectrum of the physical quantity indicating the interference state that changes over time with the rotation of the tool, for each of the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction. This allows a user to check how frequencies indicating maximum values ​​of the physical quantities are distributed in the frequency spectrum of the physical quantities indicating the interference state, for each of the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction.

[0036] (28) In any one of the above (1) to (27), the interference state information may include a seventh map showing a distribution of a ratio of a frequency showing a maximum value of a frequency component higher than 0 Hz in a frequency spectrum of a physical quantity showing the interference state that changes over time with the rotation of the tool to a cutting frequency of the blade of the tool for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting amount in the axial direction of rotation. This allows a user to check how the ratio of a frequency showing a maximum value of a physical quantity to a cutting frequency of the blade of the tool is distributed in a frequency spectrum of a physical quantity showing an interference state for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting amount in the axial direction of rotation by referring to the seventh map. Here, the "cutting frequency of the blade" is the number of times that the blade of the tool cuts into the workpiece repeatedly per second. For example, when all four blades of a tool with four blades cut into the workpiece, the cutting frequency of the blade is four times the rotation frequency of the tool.

[0037] (29) In any one of (1) to (28) above, the interference state information may include a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state in one rotation of the tool. The tool information presentation device may determine whether or not the maximum value of the physical quantity in one rotation of the tool falls within a first permissible range when at least one of the cutting depth in the rotation radius direction and the cutting depth in the rotation axis direction satisfies a first set condition. The display device may display a first determination result as to whether or not the maximum value of the physical quantity falls within the first permissible range. This allows a user to check whether or not the maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state for a specific tool falls within the first permissible range by referring to the first determination result.

[0038] (30) In any one of (1) to (29) above, the interference state information may include a fluctuation range of a physical quantity indicating the interference state during one rotation of the tool. When at least one of the cutting depth in the rotation radius direction and the cutting depth in the rotation axis direction satisfies a second set condition, the tool information presentation device may determine whether or not the fluctuation range of the physical quantity during one rotation of the tool falls within a second permissible range. The display device may display a second determination result as to whether or not the fluctuation range of the physical quantity falls within the second permissible range. This allows a user to check whether or not the fluctuation range of the physical quantity indicating the interference state for a specific tool falls within the second permissible range by referring to the second determination result.

[0039] (31) In any one of (1) to (30) above, the tool information presentation device may execute a selection process for selecting one or more tools from among a plurality of tools based on the physical quantity. The display device may display information about the one or more tools selected by the selection process. This allows a user to check information about the one or more tools selected based on the physical quantity.

[0040] (32) In the above (31), the selection process may be a process of selecting, from the plurality of tools, a tool for which a minimum value of the maximum value of the physical quantity for the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction in one rotation of the tool is smallest when the amount of cut in the rotation radius direction is changed. This allows a user to confirm information about a tool for which a minimum value of the maximum value of the physical quantity for the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction is smallest when the amount of cut in the rotation radius direction is changed.

[0041] (33) In the above (31), the selection process may be a process of selecting, from the plurality of tools, a tool for which a minimum value of the maximum value of the physical quantity for the cutting amount in the radial direction in one rotation of the tool is smallest when the cutting amount in the rotation axis direction is changed. This allows a user to confirm information on a tool for which a minimum value of the maximum value of the physical quantity for the cutting amount in the radial direction in one rotation of the tool is smallest when the cutting amount in the rotation axis direction is changed.

[0042] (34) In the above (31), the selection process may be a process of selecting, from the plurality of tools, a tool for which a minimum value of a fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction in one rotation of the tool is smallest when the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction is changed. This allows a user to confirm information about a tool for which a minimum value of a fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction in one rotation of the tool is smallest when the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction is changed.

[0043] (35) In the above (31), the selection process may be a process of selecting, from the plurality of tools, a tool for which a minimum value of a fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the direction of rotation is smallest when the depth of cut in the direction of rotation is changed in one rotation of the tool, whereby a user can confirm information on a tool for which a minimum value of a fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the direction of rotation is smallest when the depth of cut in the direction of rotation is changed in one rotation of the tool, from the plurality of tools.

[0044] (36) The tool information presentation device according to this embodiment presents information about a tool for milling to a user. The tool information presentation device includes an output unit that outputs, for the user, interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting depth in a rotation radius direction and a cutting depth in a rotation axis direction of the tool. This makes it possible to present to the user interference state information about an interference state between the tool and a workpiece, which is a characteristic of the tool and is useful for selecting a tool and setting machining conditions.

[0045] (37) A tool information presentation method according to the present embodiment is a method for presenting information about a tool for milling to a user. The tool information presentation method includes a step in which a tool information presentation device transmits, to a display device, interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece for a cutting depth in a rotation radius direction and a cutting depth in a rotation axis direction of the tool during one rotation of the tool, and a step in which the display device receives the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displays the received interference state information. This makes it possible to present to a user interference state information about an interference state between a tool and a workpiece, which is a characteristic of the tool and is useful for selecting a tool and setting machining conditions.

[0046] (38) The tool information presentation method according to this embodiment is a tool information presentation method for presenting information about a tool for machining to a user, and includes the steps of: receiving, by a display device, interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece for one rotation of the tool with respect to a radial cut-in amount and an axial cut-in amount of the tool; and displaying, by the display device, the received interference state information. This makes it possible to present to a user interference state information about the interference state between the tool and a workpiece, which is a characteristic of the tool and is useful for selecting a tool and setting machining conditions.

[0047] The present disclosure can be realized not only as a tool information presentation system having the above-described characteristic configuration, but also as a computer program that causes a computer to function as a tool information presentation device, or as a semiconductor integrated circuit as a part or all of the tool information presentation device.

[0048] <Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any desired manner.

[0049] [1. Tool information presentation system configuration] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a tool information presentation system according to an embodiment. The tool information presentation system 10 presents information about a tool for turning to a user. An example of a tool for turning is an end mill. Another example of a tool for turning is a face mill or a groove mill. In the following, the tool for turning will be described as an end mill.

[0050] The tool information presentation system 10 includes a server 100 and a terminal device 200. The server 100 is an example of a "tool information presentation device", and the terminal device 200 is an example of a "display device".

[0051] The server 100 is connected to a network 300, such as the Internet, an intranet, or a LAN (Local Area Network). The terminal device 200 is also connected to the network 300. The server 100 and the terminal device 200 are capable of communicating with each other via the network 300.

[0052] [2. Server hardware configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server according to the embodiment.

[0053] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a non-volatile memory 102, a volatile memory 103, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 104. The processor 101, the non-volatile memory 102, the volatile memory 103, and the communication I / F 104 are connected by a data bus 105.

[0054] The volatile memory 103 is, for example, a semiconductor memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM) or a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The non-volatile memory 102 is, for example, a flash memory or a read only memory (ROM). A tool information presentation program 110, which is a computer program, is stored in the non-volatile memory 102. Each function of the server 100 is realized by executing the tool information presentation program 110 by the processor 101. The tool information presentation program 110 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM.

[0055] The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor 101 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 101 may be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 101 may be, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a programmable logic device such as a gate array or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, the ASIC or the programmable logic device is configured to be able to execute the same process as the tool information presentation program 110.

[0056] The communication I / F 104 can communicate with an external device. For example, the communication I / F 104 is connected to a network 300 by a communication cable, and can communicate with a terminal device 200 connected to the network 300. The communication I / F 104 may be a wireless communication interface.

[0057] [3. Tool Database] The non-volatile memory 102 is provided with a tool database (DB) 120. The tool DB 120 may be provided in a device connected to the network 300, which is different from the server 100.

[0058] Information on various end mills is stored in the tool DB 120. Specifically, shape information indicating the shape of the end mill is stored in the tool DB 120. The shape information includes, for example, the tool diameter, the number of blades, the helix angle of the blade, and the pitch of the blade.

[0059] 3 is a diagram for explaining shape information of an end mill. The tool diameter is the outer diameter D centered on the axis Ax of the end mill 400. The number of blades is the number of blades 401 provided on the end mill. The twist angle is the angle φ of the edge of the blade 401 relative to the axis Ax in a side view. The pitch is the angle α between adjacent blades 401 in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) of the end mill 400 centered on the axis Ax.

[0060] The tool DB 120 stores the shape information as described above in association with the identification information of the end mill 400. The identification information is, for example, the product name or product number of the end mill 400.

[0061] [4. Explanation of terms] The following explains terms used in the field of milling.

[0062] [4-1. Feed per tooth] In turning, the amount of movement (feed) of the tool in the feed direction after one tooth passes a point until the next tooth reaches the same angle as that point is called the feed per tooth.

[0063] FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining the feed amount per blade. FIG. 4A shows an end mill 400 (hereinafter, also referred to as "tool 400") with four blades as an example. In FIG. 4A, the tool 400 rotates clockwise RD around the rotation axis Ax. The rotation axis Ax is also the central axis of the tool 400, and the tool 400 rotates around the rotation axis Ax. The tool 400 cuts the workpiece W while proceeding in the direction X. The blade of the tool 400 that has come into contact with the workpiece W separates from the workpiece W at an intersection LP between a straight line (shown by a dashed line in the figure) that passes through the rotation axis Ax and is perpendicular to the proceeding direction X and the outer circumference of the tool 400 in a cross section by a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. In the above cross section, a point symmetrical to the point LP with respect to the rotation axis Ax is defined as a "reference point RP", and a line segment that starts from the rotation axis Ax and reaches the reference point RP is defined as a "reference line RL". Furthermore, in the above cross section, the angle from the reference line RL to the clockwise direction RD about the rotation axis Ax is defined as the "tool angle θ." The tool angle of the line segment from the rotation axis Ax to the reference point RP is 0°. The tool angle θ of the line segment extending in the traveling direction X from the rotation axis Ax to the outer circumference of the tool 400 is 90°. The tool angle θ of the line segment extending from the rotation axis Ax to the point LP is 180°. The tool 400 comes into contact with the workpiece W only on the half surface on the traveling direction side, i.e., only in the range of 0°≦θ≦180°.

[0064] The amount (distance) that tool 400 travels from when blade 401A is at a tool angle of 90° until blade 401B reaches a tool angle of 90° (i.e., when blade 401A is at a tool angle of 180°) is the feed amount per blade of tool 400.

[0065] [4-2. Cutting depth] The radial cutting depth of the end mill will be described with reference to Fig. 4A. In Fig. 4A, X is the feed direction of the workpiece W, and fz is the feed amount per blade of the tool 400.

[0066] The cutting depth of the tool corresponding to the distance between the work surface and the finishing surface is also called the depth of cut. The cutting depth of the tool in the direction of the rotation axis is also called the axial depth of cut, and the cutting depth of the tool in the direction of the rotation radius is also called the radial depth of cut. The cutting depth of the tool in the direction of the rotation axis is also called the axial depth of cut, and the cutting depth of the tool in the direction of the rotation radius is also called the radial depth of cut.

[0067] Here, the direction of θ=0° from the rotation axis Ax is defined as the rotation radius direction Y of the tool 400. In other words, the rotation radius direction of the tool 400 is defined as a direction perpendicular to the feed direction X of the workpiece W. The radial cutting depth ae is the depth of the end mill 400 cutting into the workpiece W in the rotation radius direction Y of the tool 400. The feed amount fz per blade is a length defined in the feed direction of the tool, and the radial cutting depth ae is a length defined in the radial direction Y perpendicular to the feed direction X, so there is no correlation between them.

[0068] 4B is a diagram for explaining the axial cutting depth of the end mill. The axial cutting depth ap is the depth of cutting of the tool 400 into the workpiece W in the longitudinal direction of the axis Ax of the tool 400.

[0069] [4-3. Cutting area, cutting resistance] The cutting area per rotation of the tool (hereinafter simply referred to as the "cutting area") is the size of the area where the tool and the workpiece interfere with each other during one rotation of the tool. The cutting area is an example of a physical quantity that indicates the interference state between the tool and the workpiece.

[0070] The cutting resistance per revolution of the tool (hereinafter simply referred to as "cutting resistance") is the deformation resistance that the tool experiences when the tool causes plastic deformation in the workpiece and separates the chips during one revolution of the tool. The cutting resistance is another example of a physical quantity that indicates the interference state between the tool and the workpiece.

[0071] [5. Terminal device configuration] 1, the terminal device 200 includes an input unit 201 and a display unit 202. The terminal device 200 is, for example, a computer. In another example, the terminal device 200 may be a mobile information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0072] For example, the input unit 201 includes a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse. The input unit 201 may be a capacitive or pressure-sensitive touch pad overlaid on the screen of the display unit 202. The input unit 201 is used for data input by a user.

[0073] The display unit 202 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an OEL (organic electroluminescence) panel, and is capable of displaying text or graphic information.

[0074] The terminal device 200 further includes, for example, a processor, a volatile memory, and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The non-volatile memory stores a computer program for causing the processor to function as a terminal device. The processor can perform the operations described below by executing the computer program.

[0075] [6. Server Functions] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the server 100 according to the embodiment.

[0076] The server 100 has the functions of a reception unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a simulation unit 113, a provision unit 114, a determination unit 115, and a selection unit 116. When the processor 101 executes the tool information presentation program 110, the functions of the reception unit 111, the acquisition unit 112, the simulation unit 113, the provision unit 114, the determination unit 115, and the selection unit 116 are realized.

[0077] When considering the use of a specific tool, the user operates the terminal device 200 to request tool information (interference state information) related to the tool from the server 100. For example, the user inputs identification information of the specific tool (the tool for which tool information is to be provided) to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits a tool information request including the input identification information to the server 100.

[0078] The reception unit 111 receives a tool information request from the terminal device 200. That is, the reception unit 111 receives the tool information request from the terminal device 200 via the network 300.

[0079] The acquiring unit 112 acquires shape information of a tool by using the identification information included in the tool information request accepted by the accepting unit 111. In a specific example, the acquiring unit 112 inquires about shape information from the tool DB 120 by using the identification information. The tool DB 120 outputs the shape information corresponding to the identification information. The acquiring unit 112 acquires the shape information output from the tool DB 120.

[0080] The simulation unit 113 executes a simulation of cutting (turning) using a specific tool, based on the shape information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. The simulation unit 113 changes each of the radial cut-in amount and the axial cut-in amount, and calculates the cutting area for each radial cut-in amount and each axial cut-in amount.

[0081] In a specific example, the simulation unit 113 creates a virtual model of the tool based on the acquired shape information, and calculates the cutting area based on the created virtual model.

[0082] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual model of a tool. The simulation unit 113 creates a virtual model 450 showing a three-dimensional shape of the tool in a virtual three-dimensional space XYZ. The virtual model 450 is, for example, a three-dimensional model in which each blade (cutting edge) of the tool is divided into a plurality of elements (cutting edge elements) 451 in the axial direction Z of the tool. By minimizing the width (thickness) dZ in the Z direction of each cutting edge element 451, it is possible to create a virtual model 450 that approximates the shape of an actual tool.

[0083] The simulation unit 113 calculates the cutting thickness h of the workpiece at each cutting element 451 from the interference state between each cutting element 451 and the workpiece (Equation (1)). In the following, θ is the rotation angle of the tool, ap is the axial cutting amount, F is the cutting resistance, A is the cutting area, h is the cutting thickness, K C is the specific cutting resistance, R t is the tool radius, φ is the helix angle, α i denotes the pitch of the i-th tooth, and N denotes the number of teeth.

number

[0084] The product of the cutting thickness h and the width dZ is the cutting area by the cutting edge element 451. The simulation unit 113 calculates the sum of the cutting areas by the cutting edge elements 451 obtained by decomposing one cutting edge (i-th cutting edge) to obtain the cutting area A by the i-th cutting edge. i Calculate (equations (2) and (3)).

number

[0085] Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 calculates the total cutting area by each cutting edge to calculate the cutting area A by one tool (Equation (4)).

number

[0086] When calculating the cutting resistance of a tool, the simulation unit 113 calculates the specific cutting resistance K C Using the above, the cutting force F at the i-th cutting edge is calculated using the following equation (5). i Calculate.

number

number

[0087] The above-mentioned calculation method of the cutting area and the cutting resistance is an example. The cutting area or the cutting resistance may be calculated by a calculation method different from the above. In the following, a case where the simulation unit 113 calculates the cutting area by the tool as a physical quantity indicating the interference state will be described.

[0088] The simulation unit 113 fixes the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae, and calculates the cutting area at each rotation angle of the tool when the tool is rotated once. Fig. 7 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the tool rotation angle and the cutting area in one rotation of the tool. In Fig. 7, the vertical axis indicates the cutting area, and the horizontal axis indicates the tool rotation angle. The example shown in Fig. 7 is the variation in cutting area of ​​a tool with four teeth. In this example, in one rotation of the tool, the number of cutting area peaks corresponding to the number of teeth (i.e., four) appear.

[0089] The simulation unit 113 calculates the variation of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for each of the multiple axial cutting amounts ap and multiple radial cutting amounts ae. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 calculates the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for each of the multiple axial cutting amounts ap and multiple radial cutting amounts ae.

[0090] The simulation unit 113 creates a contour map (hereinafter also referred to as a "first map") that indicates the distribution of maximum values ​​of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool with respect to the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae.

[0091] FIG. 8 is a contour map showing an example of the distribution of the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool with respect to the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis indicates the axial cutting amount ap, and the horizontal axis indicates the radial cutting amount ae. In the example of FIG. 8, each hatching corresponds to a color. That is, in the first map, the color is coded according to the level of the maximum value of the cutting area. By referring to the first map, the user can, for example, confirm the level of the maximum value of the cutting area at the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount that are likely to be used. The maximum value of the cutting area affects the tool life, tool breakage, machining accuracy, and the workpiece falling off the jig. That is, the user can evaluate the possibility of the tool life, tool breakage, machining accuracy, and the workpiece falling off the jig by the maximum value of the cutting area.

[0092] The first map shows how the maximum cutting area changes with respect to the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae. For example, the first map allows one to grasp in which region of the two-dimensional space of the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae the maximum cutting area is high and in which region the maximum cutting area is low. In another example, the first map allows one to grasp the extent of the maximum cutting area at a specific axial cut amount ap and radial cut amount ae. In this way, the first map is information regarding the interference state between the tool and the workpiece, which is one of the characteristics of the tool.

[0093] The simulation unit 113 calculates the variation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for each of a plurality of axial cutting depths ap and a plurality of radial cutting depths ae.

[0094] The simulation unit 113 creates a contour map (hereinafter also referred to as a "second map") that indicates the distribution of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool with respect to the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a contour map showing an example of the distribution of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae. In FIG. 9, the vertical axis indicates the axial cut amount ap, and the horizontal axis indicates the radial cut amount ae. In the example of FIG. 9, each hatching corresponds to a color. That is, in the second map, the colors are coded according to the level of the fluctuation range of the cutting area. By referring to the second map, the user can, for example, confirm the level of the fluctuation range of the cutting area for the axial cut amount and the radial cut amount that are likely to be used. The fluctuation range of the cutting area affects the life and machining accuracy of the tool. That is, the user can evaluate the life and machining accuracy of the tool by the fluctuation range of the cutting area.

[0096] The second map shows how the variation range of the cutting area changes with respect to the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae. For example, the second map makes it possible to grasp which region in the two-dimensional space of the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae has a high variation range of the cutting area and which region has a low variation range of the cutting area. In another example, the second map makes it possible to grasp how much the variation range of the cutting area is for a specific axial cut amount ap and radial cut amount ae. In this way, the second map is information regarding the interference state between the tool and the workpiece, which is one of the characteristics of the tool.

[0097] Returning to FIG. 5, the providing unit 114 provides the map information to the user. The map information includes a first map and a second map. However, the map information is not limited to this, and may include either the first map or the second map. In a specific example, the providing unit 114 transmits the map information to the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The terminal device 200 receives the map information and displays the first map and the second map included in the received map information. The map information is an example of first interference state information.

[0098] The simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "first graph") showing the relationship between the axial cut amount ap and the maximum value of the cutting area when the radial cut amount is a specific value. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "second graph") showing the relationship between the axial cut amount ap and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial cut amount is a specific value. In a specific example, the second graph is a graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the first graph and the second graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the axial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. Note that the simulation unit 113 may not superimpose the first graph and the second graph, and may create a diagram in which the first graph and the second graph are each independent.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing examples of a first graph and a second graph. In FIG. 10, a first graph 501 is shown by a solid line, and a second graph 502 is shown by a dashed line. In the first graph 501 and the second graph 502 in FIG. 10, the radial cutting depth at the specific point PT shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is set to a specific value. That is, the first graph 501 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the first map cut by a vertical line (dashed line) passing through the specific point PT in FIG. 8. The second graph 502 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the second map cut by a vertical line (dashed line) passing through the specific point PT in FIG. 9.

[0100] In the example of Fig. 10, the second graph 502 is a graph of the fluctuation range of the cutting area based on the first graph (maximum value of the cutting area). That is, the simulation unit 113 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area for each value of the axial depth of cut, and plots the calculated value on coordinates to create the second graph 502. The fluctuation range of the cutting area is the difference obtained by subtracting the minimum value of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area. Therefore, the second graph 502 is also a graph of the minimum value of the cutting area.

[0101] For example, the simulation unit 113 can include a figure 502A indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at a value of the axial cutting depth amount designated by the user in a diagram in which the first graph 501 and the second graph 502 are superimposed. The simulation unit 113 can include a figure 502B indicating the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in a diagram in which the first graph 501 and the second graph 502 are superimposed. In the example of Fig. 10, the figures 502A and 502B are figures obtained by connecting a point on the first graph 501 and a point on the second graph 502 with a line segment. In the figure 502B in Fig. 10, the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area is very small, so the two points are close to each other and the line segment is hardly displayed.

[0102] Returning to FIG. 5, for example, the user may specify a specific value for the radial cut-in amount (hereinafter, this value is also referred to as the "first specified value"). In a specific example, the user inputs the first specified value for the radial cut-in amount to the terminal device 200 by specifying a point (specific point PT) in either the first map or the second map. The terminal device 200 transmits the input first specified value to the server 100 via the network 300. The reception unit 111 of the server 100 receives the first specified value transmitted from the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The simulation unit 113 creates a first graph and a second graph when the radial cut-in amount is the first specified value.

[0103] The simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "third graph") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae and the maximum value of the cutting area when the axial cut amount is a specific value. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "fourth graph") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial cut amount is a specific value. In a specific example, the fourth graph is a graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the radial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. Note that the simulation unit 113 may not superimpose the third graph and the fourth graph, and may create a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are each independent.

[0104] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing examples of the third graph and the fourth graph. In FIG. 11, the third graph 503 is shown by a solid line, and the fourth graph 504 is shown by a broken line. The third graph 503 and the fourth graph 504 in FIG. 11 have specific values ​​for the axial cutting depth at the specific point PT shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. That is, the third graph 503 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the first map cut by a horizontal line (solid line) passing through the specific point PT in FIG. 8. The fourth graph 504 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the second map cut by a horizontal line (solid line) passing through the specific point PT in FIG. 9.

[0105] 11, the fourth graph 504 is a graph of the fluctuation range of the cutting area based on the third graph (maximum value of the cutting area). That is, the simulation unit 113 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area for each value of the radial depth of cut, and plots the calculated value on the coordinates to create the fourth graph 504. Therefore, the fourth graph 504 is also a graph of the minimum value of the cutting area.

[0106] For example, the simulation unit 113 can include a figure 504A indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first designated value in a diagram in which the third graph 503 and the fourth graph 504 are superimposed. In the example of Fig. 11, the figure 504A is a figure in which a point on the third graph 503 and a point on the fourth graph 504 are connected by a line segment.

[0107] Returning to FIG. 5, for example, the user may specify a specific value of the axial cut-in amount (hereinafter, this value is also referred to as the "second specified value"). In a specific example, the user inputs the second specified value of the axial cut-in amount to the terminal device 200 by specifying a specific point PT in either the first map or the second map. That is, the user can input the first specified value and the second specified value simultaneously by specifying the specific point PT. The terminal device 200 transmits the input second specified value to the server 100 via the network 300. The reception unit 111 of the server 100 receives the second specified value transmitted from the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The simulation unit 113 creates a third graph and a fourth graph when the axial cut-in amount is the second specified value.

[0108] The providing unit 114 provides the graph information to the user. The graph information includes a first graph, a second graph, a third graph, and a fourth graph. However, the graph information is not limited to this, and may include at least one of the first graph, the second graph, the third graph, and the fourth graph. In a specific example, the providing unit 114 transmits the graph information to the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The terminal device 200 receives the graph information and displays the first graph, the second graph, the third graph, and the fourth graph included in the received graph information. For example, the terminal device 200 displays at least one of a diagram in which the first graph and the second graph are superimposed on the same coordinate system, and a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are superimposed on the same coordinate system. The graph information is an example of the second interference state information and an example of the third interference state information.

[0109] The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "fifth graph") showing the relationship between the axial cut amount ap and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value (i.e., when the efficiency of the cutting process is constant). The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "sixth graph") showing the relationship between the axial cut amount ap and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is the above-mentioned fixed value. In a specific example, the sixth graph is a graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the fifth graph and the sixth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the axial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may create a diagram in which the fifth graph and the sixth graph are each independent, without superimposing the fifth graph and the sixth graph.

[0110] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing examples of the fifth and sixth graphs. In FIG. 12A, the fifth graph 505 is shown by a solid line, and the sixth graph 506 is shown by a dashed line. In the fifth and sixth graphs 505 and 506 in FIG. 12A, the cutting volume at the specific point PT shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is a specific fixed value. That is, the fifth graph 505 corresponds to a diagram of a cross section of the first map cut by a curve (a dashed line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 8 and in which the product of the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae is constant, viewed in the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction of the axis of the radial cutting amount). The sixth graph 506 corresponds to a diagram of a cross section of the second map cut by a curve (a dashed line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 9, viewed in the horizontal direction.

[0111] 12A, the sixth graph 506 is a graph of the fluctuation range of the cutting area based on the fifth graph (maximum value of the cutting area). That is, the simulation unit 113 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area for each value of the radial depth of cut, and plots the calculated value on the coordinates to create the sixth graph 506. Therefore, the sixth graph 506 is also a graph of the minimum value of the cutting area.

[0112] For example, the simulation unit 113 can include a figure 506A indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the second designated value in the diagram in which the fifth graph 505 and the sixth graph 506 are superimposed. The simulation unit 113 can include a figure 506B indicating the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the diagram in which the fifth graph 505 and the sixth graph 506 are superimposed. In the example of FIG. 12A, the figures 506A and 506B are figures obtained by connecting a point on the fifth graph 505 and a point on the sixth graph 506 with a line segment. In the figure 506B in FIG. 10, the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area is very small, so the two points are close to each other.

[0113] Returning to FIG. 5, for example, the user may specify a fixed value of the cutting volume by specifying a specific point PT in either one of the first map and the second map. That is, the user can specify a cutting volume that is the product of the first specified value and the second specified value by simultaneously inputting the first specified value and the second specified value by specifying the specific point PT. The terminal device 200 transmits the input first specified value and second specified value to the server 100 via the network 300. The reception unit 111 of the server 100 receives the first specified value and the second specified value transmitted from the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The simulation unit 113 creates a fifth graph and a sixth graph in the case where the cutting volume is fixed to the product of the first specified value and the second specified value.

[0114] The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 7") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value. The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 8") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is the above-mentioned fixed value. In a specific example, the eighth graph is a graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the seventh graph and the eighth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the radial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. Note that the simulation unit 113 may not superimpose the seventh graph and the eighth graph, and may create independent diagrams for the seventh graph and the eighth graph.

[0115] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing examples of the seventh and eighth graphs. In FIG. 12B, the fifth graph 507 is shown by a solid line, and the eighth graph 508 is shown by a broken line. In the seventh and eighth graphs 507 and 508 in FIG. 12B, the cutting volume at the specific point PT shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 is a specific fixed value. That is, the seventh graph 507 corresponds to a diagram of a cross section of the first map cut by a curve (a dashed line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 8 and in which the product of the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae is constant, viewed in the vertical axis direction (i.e., the direction of the axis of the axial cutting amount). The eighth graph 508 corresponds to a diagram of a cross section of the second map cut by a curve (a solid line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 9, viewed in the vertical axis direction.

[0116] 12B, the eighth graph 508 is a graph of the fluctuation range of the cutting area based on the seventh graph (maximum value of the cutting area). That is, the simulation unit 113 calculates a value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area for each value of the radial cutting depth, and plots the calculated value on the coordinates to create the eighth graph 508. Therefore, the eighth graph 508 is also a graph of the minimum value of the cutting area.

[0117] For example, the simulation unit 113 can include a figure 508A indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first specified value in the diagram in which the seventh graph 507 and the eighth graph 508 are superimposed. The simulation unit 113 can include a figure 508B indicating the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the diagram in which the seventh graph 507 and the eighth graph 508 are superimposed. In the example of FIG. 12B, the figures 508A and 508B are figures obtained by connecting a point on the seventh graph 507 and a point on the eighth graph 508 with a line segment. In the figure 508B in FIG. 10, the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area is very small, so the two points are close to each other and the line segment does not appear.

[0118] The graph information transmitted from the providing unit 114 to the terminal device 200 may include the fifth graph, the sixth graph, the seventh graph, and the eighth graph. For example, the graph information may include at least one of the fifth graph, the sixth graph, the seventh graph, and the eighth graph. In another example, the graph information may not include the first graph, the second graph, the third graph, and the fourth graph, but may include at least one of the fifth graph, the sixth graph, the seventh graph, and the eighth graph. This makes it possible to present at least one of the fifth graph, the sixth graph, the seventh graph, and the eighth graph to the user.

[0119] The server 100 can present the user with information comparing the cutting characteristics of the two tools. When considering the use of a specific tool, the user operates the terminal device 200 to request tool information (interference state information) comparing a first tool, which is the specific tool, with a second tool, which is a tool to be compared, from the server 100. For example, the user inputs to the terminal device 200 first identification information of the first tool and second identification information of the second tool. The terminal device 200 transmits a tool information request including the input first identification information and second identification information to the server 100.

[0120] The reception unit 111 receives a tool information request from the terminal device 200. The acquisition unit 112 acquires the first shape information of the first tool and the second shape information of the second tool using the first identification information and the second identification information included in the tool information request received by the reception unit 111. In a specific example, the acquisition unit 112 inquires the tool DB 120 about the first shape information using the first identification information, and inquires the tool DB 120 about the second shape information using the second identification information. The tool DB 120 outputs the first shape information corresponding to the first identification information and the second shape information corresponding to the second identification information. The acquisition unit 112 acquires the first shape information and the second shape information output from the tool DB 120.

[0121] The simulation unit 113 executes a simulation of the turning process using the first tool, based on the first shape information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. The simulation unit 113 executes a simulation of the turning process using the second tool, based on the second shape information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. The simulation of the turning process is the same as the process described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0122] The simulation unit 113 calculates a difference (hereinafter also referred to as a "first difference") obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area (second physical quantity) by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area (first physical quantity) by the first tool for each of the multiple axial cutting amounts ap and multiple radial cutting amounts ae. The simulation unit 113 creates a contour map (hereinafter also referred to as a "third map") showing the distribution of the first differences between the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool for the axial cutting amounts ap and the radial cutting amounts ae.

[0123] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of the first map for the first tool. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the first map for the second tool. FIG. 13C is a contour map showing an example of the distribution of the first difference between the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool for the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae. In FIG. 13C, the vertical axis indicates the axial cutting amount ap, and the horizontal axis indicates the radial cutting amount ae. In the example of FIG. 13C, each hatching corresponds to a color. That is, in the third map 511C, the colors are coded according to the level of the first difference between the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool. By referring to the third map, the user can, for example, confirm how much the maximum value of the cutting area differs between the first tool and the second tool in the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount that are likely to be used.

[0124] The third map 511C is a difference map obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area in the first map 511B for the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area in the first map 511A for the first tool at the same coordinates.

[0125] The third map 511C is information comparing the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool with the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool with respect to the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae. For example, the third map 511C makes it possible to grasp in which region of the two-dimensional space of the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae the difference between the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool is large, and in which region the difference between the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool is small. In another example, the third map 511C makes it possible to grasp to what extent the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool is larger (or smaller) than the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool at a specific axial cut amount ap and radial cut amount ae. In this way, the third map 511C is information comparing the cutting characteristics of the first tool with the cutting characteristics of the second tool, and is information regarding the interference state of the first tool and the second tool with respect to the workpiece.

[0126] The simulation unit 113 calculates a difference (hereinafter also referred to as a "second difference") obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area (second physical quantity) by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area (first physical quantity) by the first tool for each of the multiple axial cutting amounts ap and multiple radial cutting amounts ae. The simulation unit 113 creates a contour map (hereinafter also referred to as a "fourth map") showing the distribution of the second difference between the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool and the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool for the axial cutting amounts ap and the radial cutting amounts ae.

[0127] FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of the second map for the first tool. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of the second map for the second tool. FIG. 14C is a contour map showing an example of the distribution of the second difference between the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool and the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool for the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae. In FIG. 14C, the vertical axis shows the axial cut amount ap, and the horizontal axis shows the radial cut amount ae. In the example of FIG. 14C, each hatching corresponds to a color. That is, in the fourth map 512C, the colors are coded according to the level of the second difference between the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool and the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool. By referring to the fourth map, the user can, for example, confirm how much the fluctuation range of the cutting area differs between the first tool and the second tool in the axial cut amount and the radial cut amount that are likely to be used.

[0128] The fourth map 512C is a difference map obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the second map 512B for the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the second map 512A for the first tool at the same coordinates.

[0129] The fourth map 512C is information comparing the variation range of the cutting area by the first tool and the variation range of the cutting area by the second tool with respect to the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae. For example, the fourth map 512C makes it possible to grasp in which region of the two-dimensional space of the axial cut amount ap and the radial cut amount ae the difference between the variation range of the cutting area by the first tool and the variation range of the cutting area by the second tool is large, and in which region the difference between the variation range of the cutting area by the first tool and the variation range of the cutting area by the second tool is small. In another example, the fourth map 512C makes it possible to grasp to what extent the variation range of the cutting area by the first tool is larger (or smaller) than the variation range of the cutting area by the second tool at a specific axial cut amount ap and radial cut amount ae. In this way, the fourth map 512C is information comparing the cutting characteristics of the first tool and the cutting characteristics of the second tool, and is information regarding the interference state of the first tool and the second tool with respect to the workpiece.

[0130] The map information transmitted from the providing unit 114 to the terminal device 200 may include the third map and the fourth map. For example, the map information may include at least one of the third map and the fourth map. In another example, the map information may not include the first map and the second map, but may include at least one of the third map and the fourth map. This makes it possible to present at least one of the third map and the fourth map to the user.

[0131] The simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 9") showing the relationship between the axial cut amount ap when the radial cut amount is a specific value and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 10") showing the relationship between the axial cut amount ap when the radial cut amount is a specific value and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the ninth graph and the tenth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the axial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. Note that the simulation unit 113 may create a diagram in which the ninth graph and the tenth graph are independent of each other without superimposing the ninth graph and the tenth graph.

[0132] FIG. 15A is a diagram showing examples of a first graph and a second graph for a first tool. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing examples of a first graph and a second graph for a second tool. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing an example of a ninth graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool, and a tenth graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. FIG. 15A is a first graph 521A and a second graph 522A for a first tool when the radial cut amount is a specific value, and FIG. 15B is a first graph 521B and a second graph 522B for a second tool when the radial cut amount is the same specific value as above. FIG. 15C is a ninth graph 521C and a tenth graph 522C when the radial cut amount is the same specific value as above.

[0133] In the diagram in which first graph 521A and second graph 522A in FIG. 15A are superimposed, a graphic 522AA indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the second specified value and a graphic 522AB indicating the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area are shown.

[0134] In the diagram in which first graph 521B and second graph 522B in FIG. 15B are superimposed, a graphic 522BA indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the second specified value and a graphic 522BB indicating the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area are shown.

[0135] In Fig. 15C, the ninth graph 521C is shown by a solid line, and the tenth graph 522C is shown by a dashed line. The ninth graph 521C and the tenth graph 522C in Fig. 15C have the radial cutting depth at the specific point PT shown in Figs. 13C and 14C as specific values. That is, the ninth graph 521C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the third map 511C cut by a vertical line (dashed line) passing through the specific point PT in Fig. 13C. The tenth graph 522C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the fourth map 512C cut by a vertical line (dashed line) passing through the specific point PT in Fig. 14C.

[0136] For example, simulation unit 113 can include graphic 522CA indicating the first difference and the second difference at the second specified value in a diagram in which ninth graph 521C and tenth graph 522C are superimposed. Graphic 522CA is a graphic obtained by connecting a point on ninth graph 521C at the second specified value and a point on tenth graph 522C at the second specified value with a line segment.

[0137] The position of the point of the figure 522CA on the ninth graph 521C indicates the first difference at the second specified value. The fact that the first difference is positive indicates that the maximum value of the cutting area of ​​the first tool is greater than the maximum value of the cutting area of ​​the second tool. Therefore, in this case, the second tool is more advantageous in terms of life, possibility of breakage, machining accuracy, the workpiece falling off the jig, etc. On the other hand, the fact that the first difference is negative indicates that the maximum value of the cutting area of ​​the first tool is smaller than the maximum value of the cutting area of ​​the second tool. Therefore, in this case, the first tool is more advantageous in terms of life, possibility of breakage, machining accuracy, the workpiece falling off the jig, etc.

[0138] The position of the point of figure 522CA on tenth graph 522C indicates the second difference at the second specified value. A positive second difference indicates that the fluctuation range of the cutting area of ​​the first tool is larger than the fluctuation range of the cutting area of ​​the second tool. Therefore, in this case, the second tool is more advantageous in terms of life, machining accuracy, etc. On the other hand, a negative second difference indicates that the fluctuation range of the cutting area of ​​the first tool is smaller than the fluctuation range of the cutting area of ​​the second tool. Therefore, in this case, the first tool is more advantageous in terms of life, machining accuracy, etc.

[0139] Returning to FIG. 5, for example, the user may specify a specific value (first specified value) of the radial cut-in amount. In a specific example, the user inputs the first specified value of the radial cut-in amount to the terminal device 200 by specifying one point (specific point PT) in either the third map or the fourth map. The terminal device 200 transmits the input first specified value to the server 100 via the network 300. The reception unit 111 of the server 100 receives the first specified value transmitted from the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The simulation unit 113 creates a ninth graph and a tenth graph when the radial cut-in amount is the first specified value.

[0140] The simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 11") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae when the axial cut amount is a specific value and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 12") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae when the axial cut amount is a specific value and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the 11th graph and the 12th graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the radial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. Note that the simulation unit 113 may create a diagram in which the 11th graph and the 12th graph are independent of each other without superimposing the 11th graph and the 12th graph.

[0141] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing examples of the third and fourth graphs for the first tool. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing examples of the third and fourth graphs for the second tool. FIG. 16C is a diagram showing an example of an eleventh graph showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool, and a twelfth graph showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. FIG. 16A is a third graph 523A and a fourth graph 524A for the first tool when the axial cutting amount is a specific value, and FIG. 16B is a third graph 523B and a fourth graph 524B for the second tool when the axial cutting amount is the same specific value as above. FIG. 16C is an eleventh graph 523C and a twelfth graph 524C when the axial cutting amount is the same specific value as above.

[0142] In the diagram in which third graph 523A and fourth graph 524A in FIG. 16A are superimposed, a diagram 524AA is shown which indicates the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first designated value.

[0143] In the diagram in which third graph 523B and fourth graph 524B in FIG. 16B are superimposed, a figure 524BA is shown which indicates the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first designated value.

[0144] In Fig. 16C, the eleventh graph 523C is shown by a solid line, and the twelfth graph 524C is shown by a broken line. The eleventh graph 523C and the twelfth graph 524C in Fig. 16C have specific values ​​for the axial cutting depth at the specific point PT shown in Figs. 13C and 14C. That is, the eleventh graph 523C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the third map 511C cut along a horizontal line (solid line) passing through the specific point PT in Fig. 13C. The twelfth graph 524C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the fourth map 512C cut along a horizontal line (solid line) passing through the specific point PT in Fig. 14C.

[0145] For example, simulation unit 113 can include graphic 524CA indicating the first difference and the second difference at the first specified value in a diagram in which eleventh graph 523C and twelfth graph 524C are superimposed. Graphic 524CA is a graphic formed by connecting a point on eleventh graph 523C at the first specified value and a point on twelfth graph 524C at the first specified value with a line segment.

[0146] The position of a point of figure 524CA on eleventh graph 523C indicates the first difference in the first specified value. As with figure 522CA described above, the magnitude of the first difference indicated by figure 524CA makes it possible to evaluate advantages and disadvantages between the first tool and the second tool in terms of life, possibility of breakage, machining accuracy, and the like of the workpiece falling off the jig.

[0147] The position of a point of figure 524CA on twelfth graph 524C indicates the second difference in the first specified value. As with figure 522CA described above, the magnitude of the second difference indicated by figure 524CA makes it possible to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the first tool and the second tool in terms of life, machining accuracy, and the like.

[0148] Returning to FIG. 5, for example, the user may specify a specific value (second specified value) of the axial cut-in amount. In a specific example, the user inputs the second specified value of the axial cut-in amount to the terminal device 200 by specifying a point (specific point PT) in either the third map or the fourth map. The terminal device 200 transmits the input second specified value to the server 100 via the network 300. The reception unit 111 of the server 100 receives the second specified value transmitted from the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The simulation unit 113 creates an eleventh graph and a twelfth graph when the axial cut-in amount is the second specified value.

[0149] The graph information transmitted from the providing unit 114 to the terminal device 200 may include the ninth graph, the tenth graph, the eleventh graph, and the twelfth graph. For example, the graph information may include at least one of the ninth graph, the tenth graph, the eleventh graph, and the twelfth graph. In another example, the graph information may not include the first graph, the second graph, the third graph, the fourth graph, the fifth graph, the sixth graph, the seventh graph, and the eighth graph, but may include at least one of the ninth graph, the tenth graph, the eleventh graph, and the twelfth graph. This makes it possible to present at least one of the ninth graph, the tenth graph, the eleventh graph, and the twelfth graph to the user.

[0150] The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 13") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool. The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 14") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the 13th graph and the 14th graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the radial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may create a diagram in which the 13th graph and the 14th graph are each independent, without superimposing the 13th graph and the 14th graph.

[0151] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing examples of the seventh and eighth graphs for the first tool. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing examples of the seventh and eighth graphs for the second tool. FIG. 17C is a diagram showing an example of a thirteenth graph showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool, and a fourteenth graph showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. FIG. 17A is a seventh graph 527A and an eighth graph 528A for the first tool when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value, and FIG. 17B is a seventh graph 527B and an eighth graph 528B for the second tool when the cutting volume is the same specific value as above. FIG. 17C is a thirteenth graph 527C and a fourteenth graph 528C when the cutting volume is the same specific value as above.

[0152] 17A, in which the seventh graph 527A and the eighth graph 528A are superimposed, a figure 528AA is shown which indicates the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first designated value. In addition, in this figure, a figure 528AB is shown which indicates the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area.

[0153] 17B, ​​in which seventh graph 527B and eighth graph 528B are superimposed, a figure 528BA is shown which indicates the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first designated value. In addition, in this figure, a figure 528BB is shown which indicates the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area.

[0154] In FIG. 17C, the thirteenth graph 527C is shown by a solid line, and the fourteenth graph 528C is shown by a broken line. The thirteenth graph 527C and the fourteenth graph 528C in FIG. 17C have the cutting area at the specific point PT shown in FIG. 13C and FIG. 14C as a specific value. That is, the thirteenth graph 527C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the third map 511C cut by a curve (dotted line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 13C and in which the product of the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae is constant, as viewed in the vertical direction. The fourteenth graph 528C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the fourth map 512C cut by a curve (dotted line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 14C and in which the product of the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae is constant, as viewed in the vertical direction.

[0155] For example, simulation unit 113 can include graphic 528CA indicating the first difference and the second difference at the first specified value in a diagram in which thirteenth graph 527C and fourteenth graph 528C are superimposed. Graphic 528CA is a graphic formed by connecting a point on thirteenth graph 527C at the first specified value and a point on fourteenth graph 528C at the first specified value with a line segment.

[0156] The position of a point of figure 528CA on thirteenth graph 527C indicates the first difference in the first specified value. As with figure 522CA described above, the magnitude of the first difference indicated by figure 528CA makes it possible to evaluate advantages or disadvantages between the first tool and the second tool in terms of life, possibility of breakage, machining accuracy, and whether the workpiece will fall off the jig.

[0157] The position of a point of figure 528CA on fourteenth graph 528C indicates the second difference in the first specified value. As with figure 522CA described above, the magnitude of the second difference indicated by figure 528CA makes it possible to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the first tool and the second tool in terms of life, machining accuracy, and the like.

[0158] Returning to FIG. 5, for example, the user may specify a fixed value of the cutting volume by specifying a specific point PT in either one of the third map and the fourth map. That is, the user can specify a cutting volume that is the product of the first and second specified values ​​by simultaneously inputting a first and second specified value by specifying a specific point PT. The terminal device 200 transmits the input first and second specified values ​​to the server 100 via the network 300. The reception unit 111 of the server 100 receives the first and second specified values ​​transmitted from the terminal device 200 via the network 300. The simulation unit 113 creates a thirteenth graph and a fourteenth graph in the case where the cutting volume is fixed to the product of the first and second specified values.

[0159] The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 15") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool. The simulation unit 113 further creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 16") showing the relationship between the radial cut amount ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. In this embodiment, the simulation unit 113 creates a diagram in which the 15th graph and the 16th graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the radial cut amount is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may create a diagram in which the 15th graph and the 16th graph are each independent of each other without superimposing the 15th graph and the 16th graph. Graphs 15 and 16 are similar to graphs 13 and 14 except that the first axis is the radial cutting depth, so drawings and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0160] The graph information transmitted from the providing unit 114 to the terminal device 200 may include the 13th graph, the 14th graph, the 15th graph, and the 16th graph. For example, the graph information may include at least one of the 13th graph, the 14th graph, the 15th graph, and the 16th graph. In another example, the graph information may not include the 1st graph, the 2nd graph, the 3rd graph, the 4th graph, the 5th graph, the 6th graph, the 7th graph, the 8th graph, the 9th graph, the 10th graph, the 11th graph, and the 12th graph, but may include at least one of the 13th graph, the 14th graph, the 15th graph, and the 16th graph. This makes it possible to present at least one of the 13th graph, the 14th graph, the 15th graph, and the 16th graph to the user.

[0161] The server 100 can present information on the frequency analysis of the cutting characteristics of the tool to the user. The frequency analysis of the cutting characteristics of the tool is particularly useful for tools with unequal pitch or unequal lead. Here, unequal pitch means that the pitch of each blade of the tool is different, and unequal lead means that the twist angle of each blade of the tool is different.

[0162] The simulation unit 113 performs frequency conversion on the cutting area that changes over time, and calculates the frequency spectrum of the cutting area. For the frequency conversion, for example, a fast Fourier transform is used.

[0163] FIG. 18A is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the cutting area by a tool with an uneven pitch. In FIG. 18A, the vertical axis indicates the cutting area, and the horizontal axis indicates time. Since the tool rotates at a constant speed, the horizontal axis also corresponds to the rotation angle of the tool. As in the example of FIG. 18A, the cutting area by a tool with an uneven pitch or uneven lead shows a complex pattern over time. FIG. 18B is a graph showing the result of frequency conversion of the time variation of the cutting area in the example of FIG. 18A. In FIG. 18B, the vertical axis indicates the cutting area, and the horizontal axis indicates the frequency. As shown in FIG. 18B, the cutting area shows peaks at specific frequencies (approximately 160 Hz, approximately 330 Hz, approximately 490 Hz, approximately 660 Hz, approximately 830 Hz, approximately 1000 Hz, approximately 1160 Hz, and approximately 1330 Hz in the example of FIG. 18B) except for 0 Hz. In the example of FIG. 18B, the maximum peak AM of the cutting area is approximately 2.0 mm. 2 The maximum peak AM of the cutting area is the maximum value of the cutting area for frequency components higher than 0 Hz. The frequency F_AM at which the maximum peak AM of the cutting area appears is approximately 160 Hz. The frequency F_AM is the frequency that shows the maximum value of the cutting area for frequency components higher than 0 Hz.

[0164] The simulation unit 113 creates a contour map (hereinafter, also referred to as a "fifth map") that shows the distribution of maximum values ​​at frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. In the example of FIG. 18B, the maximum value of the cutting area (excluding the cutting area at 0 Hz) is about 2.0 mm at about 160 Hz. 2 The simulation unit 113 calculates such a maximum value of the cutting area for each axial cut-in amount and each radial cut-in amount, and creates a fifth map by recording the maximum value of the cutting area in a coordinate space in which the first coordinate axis is the axial cut-in amount and the second coordinate axis is the radial cut-in amount.

[0165] FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a tool A (tool diameter 12 mm, number of blades 4) with equal pitch (all blades have the same pitch) and equal lead (all blades have the same helix angle). FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an example of a second map for the tool A. FIG. 19C is a contour map (fifth map) showing an example of a distribution of maximum values ​​at frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area by the tool A for each of the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. In FIG. 19C, the vertical axis indicates the axial cutting amount ap, and the horizontal axis indicates the radial cutting amount ae. In the example of FIG. 19C, each hatching corresponds to a color. That is, in the fifth map, the colors are coded according to the level of the maximum value of the cutting area by the tool. By referring to the fifth map, the user can, for example, confirm the level of the maximum value of the cutting area in the frequency spectrum for the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount that are likely to be used.

[0166] As can be seen by comparing Fig. 19A with Fig. 19C, in the case of the tool A with a uniform pitch and a uniform lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the frequency domain is completely different from the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the time domain. On the other hand, as can be seen by comparing Fig. 19B with Fig. 19C, in the case of the tool A with a uniform pitch and a uniform lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the time domain is roughly consistent with the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the frequency domain.

[0167] Fig. 20A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for tool B (tool diameter 12 mm, number of teeth 4) with an uneven pitch and an even lead. Fig. 20B is a diagram showing an example of a second map for tool B. Fig. 20C shows an example of a fifth map for tool B.

[0168] As can be seen by comparing Fig. 20A with Fig. 20C, even in the case of tool B with an uneven pitch and an even lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the frequency domain is completely different from the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the time domain. On the other hand, as can be seen by comparing Fig. 20B with Fig. 20C, in the case of tool B with an uneven pitch and an even lead, the distribution pattern of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the frequency domain is somewhat similar to the distribution pattern of the axial and radial depths of cut of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the time domain, but is different from the case of tool A with an even pitch and an even lead (Figs. 19B and 19C). That is, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool B with an uneven pitch are strongly expressed in the fifth map.

[0169] Fig. 21A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a tool C (tool diameter 12 mm, number of teeth 4) with equal pitch and unequal lead. Fig. 21B is a diagram showing an example of a second map for the tool C. Fig. 21C shows an example of a fifth map for the tool C.

[0170] As can be seen by comparing Fig. 21A with Fig. 21C, even in the case of tool C with equal pitch and unequal lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the frequency domain is completely different from the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the time domain. As can be seen by comparing Fig. 21B with Fig. 21C, in the case of tool C with equal pitch and unequal lead, the distribution pattern of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum value of the cutting area in the frequency domain is somewhat similar to the distribution pattern of the axial and radial depths of cut of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the time domain, but is more different than the case of tool A with equal pitch and equal lead (Figs. 19B and 19C). In other words, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool C with unequal lead are strongly expressed in the fifth map.

[0171] Returning to FIG. 5, the simulation unit 113 further creates a contour map (hereinafter also referred to as the "sixth map") showing the distribution of frequencies showing maximum values ​​in frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. In the example of FIG. 18B, the maximum value of the cutting area (excluding the cutting area at 0 Hz) appears at about 160 Hz. The simulation unit 113 calculates the frequency showing such maximum value of the cutting area for each axial cutting amount and each radial cutting amount, and creates the sixth map by recording the frequency showing the maximum value of the cutting area in a coordinate space in which the first coordinate axis is the axial cutting amount and the second coordinate axis is the radial cutting amount.

[0172] FIG. 19D is a contour map (sixth map) showing an example of a distribution of frequencies showing maximum values ​​in frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area by tool A for each of the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount. In FIG. 19D, the vertical axis shows the axial cutting amount ap, and the horizontal axis shows the radial cutting amount ae. In the example of FIG. 19D, each hatching corresponds to a color. That is, in the sixth map, the colors are coded according to the frequency levels showing the maximum values ​​of the cutting area by the tool. By referring to the sixth map, the user can, for example, confirm the frequency levels at the maximum values ​​of the cutting area for the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount that are likely to be used.

[0173] For tools with equal pitch and equal lead, the frequency characteristics of the cutting area hardly change even when the axial and radial depths of cut change. Therefore, in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area, the maximum values ​​of the cutting area for frequency components higher than 0 Hz appear at roughly the same frequency. Therefore, the sixth map for tool A shows a uniform frequency level throughout the axial and radial depths of cut.

[0174] Fig. 20D shows an example of the sixth map for tool B. In a tool with an uneven pitch and an even lead, the frequency characteristics of the cutting area change according to changes in the axial and radial depths of cut. Therefore, in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area, the maximum value of the cutting area at frequency components higher than 0 Hz changes according to the axial and radial depths of cut. Thus, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool B with an uneven pitch are strongly reflected in the sixth map.

[0175] FIG. 21D shows an example of the sixth map for tool C. For tools with equal pitch and unequal lead, the frequency characteristics of the cutting area change according to changes in the axial and radial depths of cut. Therefore, in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area, the maximum value of the cutting area at frequency components higher than 0 Hz changes according to the axial and radial depths of cut. Thus, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool C with unequal lead are strongly reflected in the sixth map.

[0176] Returning to FIG. 5, the simulation unit 113 further creates a contour map (hereinafter also referred to as the "seventh map") showing the distribution of the ratio of the frequency showing the maximum value of the frequency component higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial cut amount and the radial cut amount to the rotation frequency of the tool. As described above, in the example of FIG. 18B, the maximum value of the cutting area (excluding the cutting area at 0 Hz) appears at about 160 Hz. The simulation unit 113 calculates the frequency showing such a maximum value of the cutting area for each axial cut amount and each radial cut amount, and calculates the ratio of the calculated frequency to the cutting frequency of the blade of the tool (hereinafter also referred to as the "frequency ratio"). The simulation unit 113 creates the seventh map by recording the frequency ratio in a coordinate space in which the first coordinate axis is the axial cut amount and the second coordinate axis is the radial cut amount.

[0177] FIG. 19E is a contour map (seventh map) showing an example of the distribution of the ratio (frequency ratio) of the frequency showing the maximum value in the frequency component higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area by the tool A for each of the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount to the cutting frequency of the blade of the tool A. In FIG. 19E, the vertical axis shows the axial cutting amount ap, and the horizontal axis shows the radial cutting amount ae. In the example of FIG. 19E, each hatching corresponds to a color. That is, in the seventh map, the colors are coded according to the level of the ratio of the frequency showing the maximum value of the cutting area by the tool to the rotation frequency of the tool. By referring to the seventh map, for example, the user can confirm what the frequency at the maximum value of the cutting area is with respect to the rotation frequency of the tool in the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount that are likely to be used.

[0178] For tools with equal pitch and equal lead, the frequency characteristics of the cutting area hardly change even if the axial and radial depths of cut change. Therefore, as described above, in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area, the maximum values ​​of the cutting area at frequencies higher than 0 Hz appear at roughly the same frequency. The seventh map for tool A shows a uniform frequency ratio throughout the axial and radial depths of cut.

[0179] FIG. 20E shows an example of the seventh map for tool B. In a tool with an uneven pitch and an even lead, the frequency characteristics of the cutting area change according to changes in the axial and radial depths of cut. Therefore, the frequency ratio changes according to the axial and radial depths of cut. Thus, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool B with an uneven pitch are strongly reflected in the seventh map.

[0180] FIG. 21E shows an example of the seventh map for tool C. For tools with equal pitch and unequal lead, the frequency characteristics of the cutting area change according to changes in the axial and radial depths of cut. Therefore, the frequency ratio changes according to the axial and radial depths of cut. In this way, the seventh map shows that the frequency characteristics of tool C with unequal lead are strongly reflected. You can see that.

[0181] The server 100 can determine whether or not a tool is suitable for cutting processing under specific conditions, and present the determination result to the user.

[0182] 5, the determination unit 115 determines whether or not the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within a first permissible range when at least one of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount satisfies a specific condition. Hereinafter, the determination of whether or not the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within the first permissible range is also referred to as a "first determination."

[0183] The above-mentioned specific condition (hereinafter also referred to as the "first set condition") is set in the server 100. For example, the first set condition is a condition designated by a user. In a specific example, the user designates a range of radial cutting depth and a range of axial cutting depth in which the user wants to use the tool, and sets the range as the first set condition in the server 100.

[0184] For example, the first allowable range is set in the server 100 by a user. The first allowable range may be stored in advance in the non-volatile memory 102 of the server 100, or may be specified by the user each time the first determination is made. In another example, the first allowable range is determined independently of the user. In a specific example, the determination unit 115 determines the first allowable range based on a minimum value of the maximum cutting area when either the axial cut amount or the radial cut amount is changed. For example, when a range of the axial cut amount is specified as the first setting condition, the determination unit 115 can identify a minimum value of the maximum cutting area when the axial cut amount is changed, and determine the range from the identified minimum value to a value that is a predetermined amount larger than the minimum value as the first allowable range (for example, when the minimum value is 0 and the predetermined amount is 0.3 mm). 2 If so, the first tolerance is 0 to 0.3 mm 2 A first tolerance for the radial depth of cut can be determined in a similar manner.

[0185] For example, the maximum cutting area per tool revolution in the first setting range is 0.25 mm 2 and the first tolerance is 0 to 0.3 mm 2 If the maximum cutting area is within the first allowable range, the determining unit 115 determines that the maximum cutting area per one rotation of the tool is within the first allowable range. For example, if the maximum cutting area per one rotation of the tool is within the first allowable range, the determining unit 115 determines that the maximum cutting area per one rotation of the tool is within the first allowable range. 2 and the first tolerance is 0 to 0.3 mm 2 If it is equal to or less than this, the determining unit 115 determines that the maximum value of the cutting area does not fall within the first allowable range.

[0186] The providing unit 114 can provide the user with the result of the first determination made by the determining unit 115 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first determination result"). In a specific example, the providing unit 114 transmits the first determination result to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the first determination result and displays the received first determination result.

[0187] The determination unit 115 determines whether or not the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within the second allowable range when at least one of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount satisfies a specific condition. Hereinafter, the determination of whether or not the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within the second allowable range is also referred to as "second determination."

[0188] The above-mentioned specific condition (hereinafter also referred to as the "second setting condition") is set in the server 100. For example, the second setting condition is a condition designated by a user. In a specific example, the user designates a range of radial cutting depth and a range of axial cutting depth in which the user wants to use the tool, and sets the range as the second setting condition in the server 100. Note that the second setting condition and the first setting condition may be the same.

[0189] For example, the second allowable range is set in the server 100 by the user. The second allowable range may be stored in advance in the non-volatile memory 102 of the server 100, or may be specified by the user each time the second determination is made. In another example, the second allowable range is determined independently of the user. In a specific example, the determination unit 115 determines the second allowable range based on a minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area when either the axial cut amount or the radial cut amount is changed. For example, when the range of the axial cut amount is specified as the second setting condition, the determination unit 115 can identify a minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial cut amount is changed, and determine the range from the identified minimum value to a value that is a predetermined amount larger than the minimum value as the second allowable range (for example, when the minimum value is 0 and the predetermined amount is 0.15 mm). 2 If so, the second tolerance is 0 to 0.15 mm 2 A second tolerance for the radial depth of cut can be determined in a similar manner.

[0190] For example, the variation range of the cutting area per tool revolution in the second setting range is 0.1 mm. 2 and the second tolerance is 0 to 0.15 mm 2 If the variation range of the cutting area per one rotation of the tool in the second setting range is 0.3 mm or less, the determination unit 115 determines that the variation range of the cutting area falls within the second allowable range. 2 and the second tolerance is 0 to 0.15 mm 2 If it is equal to or less than this, the determining unit 115 determines that the fluctuation range of the cutting area does not fall within the second allowable range.

[0191] The providing unit 114 can provide the user with the result of the second determination made by the determining unit 115 (hereinafter also referred to as the "second determination result"). In a specific example, the providing unit 114 transmits the second determination result to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the second determination result and displays the received second determination result.

[0192] The providing unit 114 may provide the user with information that integrates the first judgment result and the second judgment result. For example, the providing unit 114 may cause the terminal device 200 to display a screen including both the first judgment result and the second judgment result. For example, when the first setting condition and the second setting condition are equal and both the first judgment result and the second judgment result are positive (i.e., the maximum value of the cutting area falls within the first allowable range and the fluctuation range of the cutting area falls within the second allowable range), the providing unit 114 may provide the user with a judgment result that the tool is suitable for cutting under the first setting condition (second setting condition). For example, when the first setting conditions and the second setting conditions are equal and at least one of the first judgment result and the second judgment result is negative (i.e., the maximum value of the cutting area is outside the first allowable range, or the fluctuation range of the cutting area is outside the second allowable range), the providing unit 114 may provide the user with a judgment result that the tool is not suitable for cutting processing under the first setting conditions (second setting conditions).

[0193] If the first judgment result is negative, the judgment unit 115 may determine the radial cut amount and the axial cut amount at which the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within a first allowable range as machining conditions suitable for cutting (hereinafter also referred to as "first recommended conditions"). If the second judgment result is negative, the judgment unit 115 may determine the radial cut amount and the axial cut amount at which the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within a second allowable range as machining conditions suitable for cutting (hereinafter also referred to as "second recommended conditions").

[0194] The server 100 can select a tool that is most suitable for specific machining conditions from a plurality of tools, and present information on the selected tool to the user.

[0195] The selection unit 116 executes a selection process for selecting one or more tools from among the multiple tools based on the cutting area in one rotation of the tool. In a specific example, the selection process is a process for selecting, from among the multiple tools, a tool for which the minimum value of the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial cutting amount is smallest when the radial cutting amount is changed. In another specific example, the selection process is a process for selecting, from among the multiple tools, a tool for which the minimum value of the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial cutting amount is smallest when the axial cutting amount is changed.

[0196] In yet another example, the selection process is a process of selecting, from among a plurality of tools, a tool for which the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial depth of cut is smallest when the radial depth of cut is changed.In yet another example, the selection process is a process of selecting, from among a plurality of tools, a tool for which the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial depth of cut is smallest when the axial depth of cut is changed.

[0197] When considering a tool to be used for a specific cutting process, the user operates the terminal device 200 to request the server 100 to select a tool suitable for the cutting process from a plurality of candidate tools. For example, the user inputs identification information of each of a plurality of candidate tools (hereinafter also referred to as "candidate tools") to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits a tool selection request including the input identification information of the plurality of candidate tools to the server 100.

[0198] The reception unit 111 receives a tool selection request from the terminal device 200. The acquisition unit 112 acquires shape information of each of the multiple candidate tools using each identification information included in the tool selection request received by the reception unit 111. In a specific example, the acquisition unit 112 queries the tool DB 120 for shape information of each of the candidate tools using each identification information. The tool DB 120 outputs multiple pieces of shape information corresponding to each identification information. The acquisition unit 112 acquires the multiple pieces of shape information output from the tool DB 120.

[0199] The simulation unit 113 executes a simulation of the turning process for each candidate tool based on the plurality of pieces of shape information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. The simulation of the turning process is the same as the above-mentioned process, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0200] The selection unit 116 executes the above-mentioned selection process using the simulation result of the milling process by the simulation unit 113. That is, in one example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the multiple candidate tools, a minimum value (hereinafter also referred to as a "first minimum value") of the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial cutting amount when the radial cutting amount is changed. In another example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the multiple candidate tools, a minimum value (hereinafter also referred to as a "second minimum value") of the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial cutting amount when the axial cutting amount is changed. For example, the selection unit 116 selects at least one of the candidate tool having the smallest acquired first minimum value and the candidate tool having the smallest acquired second minimum value (hereinafter, the selected candidate tool is also referred to as a "selected tool"). The selection unit 116 may determine the selected tool based on both the first minimum value and the second minimum value. For example, the selection unit 116 can select the candidate tool having the smallest sum of the first minimum value and the second minimum value as the selected tool.

[0201] The selection unit 116 may acquire the first minimum value and the second minimum value in a range of the radial cut amount and the axial cut amount designated by the user (hereinafter, also referred to as the "designated range"). For example, the user inputs the range of the radial cut amount and the axial cut amount in which the tool is used as the designated range to the terminal device 200. The reception unit 111 accepts (receives) the designated range transmitted from the terminal device 200. The selection unit 116 acquires the first minimum value and the second minimum value using the designated range accepted by the reception unit 111, and determines the selected tool based on the first minimum value and the second minimum value. This makes it possible to select a tool in which the maximum values ​​of the cutting area for the axial cut amount and the radial cut amount are minimal in the designated range in which the user uses the tool.

[0202] In another example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the multiple candidate tools, a minimum value (hereinafter also referred to as a "third minimum value") of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial depth of cut amount when the radial depth of cut amount is changed. In yet another example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the multiple candidate tools, a minimum value (hereinafter also referred to as a "fourth minimum value") of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial depth of cut amount when the axial depth of cut amount is changed. For example, the selection unit 116 selects at least one of the candidate tool having the smallest acquired third minimum value and the candidate tool having the smallest acquired fourth minimum value. The selection unit 116 may determine the selected tool based on both the third minimum value and the fourth minimum value. For example, the selection unit 116 may select, as the selected tool, the candidate tool having the smallest sum of the third minimum value and the fourth minimum value.

[0203] The selection unit 116 may acquire a third minimum value and a fourth minimum value in the specified range. The selection unit 116 acquires the third minimum value and the fourth minimum value using the specified range accepted by the acceptance unit 111, and determines a selected tool based on the third minimum value and the fourth minimum value. This makes it possible to select a tool that minimizes the variation range of the cutting area for the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount in the specified range in which the user uses the tool.

[0204] For example, the selection unit 116 may determine the selected tool based on all of the first minimum value, the second minimum value, the third minimum value, and the fourth minimum value. In a specific example, the selection unit 116 may select the candidate tool having the smallest sum of the first minimum value, the second minimum value, the third minimum value, and the fourth minimum value in the specified range as the selected tool.

[0205] The providing unit 114 provides information about the selected tool (hereinafter also referred to as "selected tool information") to the user. For example, the information about the selected tool includes identification information of the selected tool. The selected tool information may include shape information of the selected tool. In a specific example, the providing unit 114 transmits the selected tool information to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the selected tool information and displays the received selected tool information.

[0206] [7. Operation of the tool information presentation system] Next, the operation of the tool information presentation system 10 will be described.

[0207] The server 100 can execute a first tool information providing process, a second tool information providing process, and a third tool information providing process.

[0208] 22A and 22B are flowcharts illustrating an example of a first tool information providing process by the server 100 according to the embodiment.

[0209] When a user wishes to examine the characteristics of a specific tool (hereinafter also referred to as a "target tool"), the user inputs identification information of the target tool to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits a tool information request including the input identification information to the server 100. The processor 101 of the server 100 receives the tool information request and thereby accepts the identification information of the target tool (step S101).

[0210] The processor 101 inquires about the shape information of the target tool from the tool DB 120 using the identification information of the target tool. The tool DB 120 outputs the shape information corresponding to the identification information, and the processor 101 acquires the shape information of the target tool output from the tool DB 120 (step S102).

[0211] The processor 101 uses the acquired shape information to perform a simulation of the milling process by the target tool (step S103).

[0212] The processor 101 creates a first map and a second map by simulating the milling process (step S104).

[0213] The processor 101 provides the map information including the created first map and second map to the user (step S105). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the map information to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the map information and displays the received map information.

[0214] When the user wishes to know the characteristics of the target tool in more detail, the user designates a point on the first map or the second map and inputs a graph creation request to the terminal device 200. The designated point PT is defined by the axial cutting depth amount and the radial cutting depth amount. The terminal device 200 transmits the graph creation request including the input designated point to the server 100.

[0215] The processor 101 determines whether or not a graph creation request has been received (step S106). When a graph creation request has been received (YES in step S106), the processor 101 creates a first graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a second graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a third graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fourth graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fifth graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a sixth graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT (step S107). Instead of the fifth and sixth graphs, or in addition to the fifth and sixth graphs, the processor 101 may create a seventh graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT. Furthermore, the processor 101 may create an eighth graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT.

[0216] The processor 101 provides the user with graph information including the six graphs, the first graph to the sixth graph, that have been created (step S108). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the graph information including the first graph, the second graph, the third graph, the fourth graph, the fifth graph, and the sixth graph to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the graph information and displays the received graph information.

[0217] On the other hand, if a graph creation request has not been accepted (NO in step S106), the processor 101 proceeds to step S109.

[0218] When a user wants to know whether a target tool is suitable for milling under specific machining conditions (first set conditions), the user inputs the first set conditions into the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits a determination request including the input first set conditions to the server 100.

[0219] The processor 101 determines whether or not a determination request has been received (step S109). When the determination request has been received (YES in step S109), the processor 101 executes a first determination process to determine whether or not the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within a first allowable range when at least one of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount satisfies a first set condition (step S110).

[0220] Furthermore, when at least one of the radial cutting depth and the axial cutting depth satisfies the first set condition, the processor 101 executes a second judgment process to judge whether the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within a second allowable range (step S111).

[0221] The processor 101 provides the determination result including the result of the first determination process and the result of the second determination process to the user (step S112). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the determination result including the result of the first determination process and the result of the second determination process to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the determination result and displays the received determination result.

[0222] On the other hand, if the determination request has not been accepted (NO in step S109), processor 101 proceeds to step S113.

[0223] When a user wants to know the frequency characteristics of a target tool, the user inputs a frequency analysis request to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits the input frequency analysis request to the server 100.

[0224] The processor 101 determines whether or not a frequency analysis request has been received (step S113). If a frequency analysis request has been received (YES in step S113), the processor 101 performs frequency conversion on the cutting area in the time domain obtained by the simulation (step S114).

[0225] The processor 101 creates a fifth map showing the distribution of maximum values ​​in the frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial and radial depths of cut. The processor 101 further creates a sixth map showing the distribution of frequencies showing maximum values ​​in the frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial and radial depths of cut. The processor 101 further creates a seventh map showing the distribution of the ratio of the frequency showing maximum values ​​in the frequency components higher than 0 Hz to the cutting frequency of the tool blade in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial and radial depths of cut (step S115).

[0226] The processor 101 provides the created frequency map information including the fifth map, sixth map, and seventh map to the user (step S116). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the frequency map information including the fifth map, sixth map, and seventh map to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the frequency map information and displays the received frequency map information.

[0227] This is the end of the first tool information providing process. Also, if the frequency analysis request has not been received (NO in step S113), the first tool information providing process also ends.

[0228] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second tool information providing process by the server 100 according to the embodiment.

[0229] When a user wishes to compare the characteristics of a specific tool (first tool) with the characteristics of another tool (second tool), the user inputs the first identification information of the first tool and the second identification information of the second tool to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits a tool information request including the input first identification information and second identification information to the server 100. The processor 101 of the server 100 receives the tool information request and accepts the first identification information and the second identification information (step S201).

[0230] The processor 101 queries the tool DB 120 for first shape information of the first tool using the first identification information, and queries the tool DB 120 for second shape information of the second tool using the second identification information. The tool DB 120 outputs the first shape information corresponding to the first identification information, and outputs the second shape information corresponding to the second identification information. The processor 101 acquires the first shape information and the second shape information output from the tool DB 120 (step S202).

[0231] The processor 101 uses the acquired first shape information to perform a simulation of the milling process by the first tool (step S203).

[0232] The processor 101 creates a first map and a second map by simulating the milling process using the first tool (step S204).

[0233] The processor 101 uses the acquired second shape information to perform a simulation of the milling process by the second tool (step S205).

[0234] The processor 101 creates the first map and the second map by simulating the milling process using the second tool (step S206).

[0235] The processor 101 calculates a first difference by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool for each of the multiple axial cut amounts and multiple radial cut amounts. The processor 101 creates a third map showing the distribution of the first difference between the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool for the axial cut amounts and the radial cut amounts. The processor 101 calculates a second difference by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool for each of the multiple axial cut amounts and multiple radial cut amounts. The processor 101 creates a fourth map showing the distribution of the second difference between the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool for the axial cut amounts and the radial cut amounts (step S207).

[0236] The processor 101 provides the user with map information including the first map and the second map for the first tool, the first map and the second map for the second tool, and the created third and fourth maps (step S208). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the map information including the first map and the second map for the first tool, the first map and the second map for the second tool, and the created third and fourth maps to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the map information and displays the received map information.

[0237] When the user wishes to compare the characteristics of the first tool and the characteristics of the second tool in more detail, the user designates a point in any one of the first and second maps for the first tool, the first and second maps for the second tool, and the created third and fourth maps, and inputs a graph creation request to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits the graph creation request including the input designated point to the server 100.

[0238] The processor 101 determines whether or not a graph creation request has been received (step S209). When a graph creation request has been received (YES in step S209), the processor 101 creates a first graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT for the first tool. The processor 101 creates a second graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT for the first tool. The processor 101 creates a third graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT for the first tool. The processor 101 creates a fourth graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fifth graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT for the first tool. The processor 101 creates a sixth graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT (step S210). Instead of the fifth and sixth graphs for the first tool, or in addition to the fifth and sixth graphs for the first tool, the processor 101 may create a seventh graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT. Furthermore, the processor 101 may create an eighth graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT.

[0239] Furthermore, the processor 101 creates a first graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT for the second tool. The processor 101 creates a second graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT for the second tool. The processor 101 creates a third graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT for the second tool. The processor 101 creates a fourth graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fifth graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount and the maximum cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT for the second tool. The processor 101 creates a sixth graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT (step S210). Instead of the fifth and sixth graphs for the second tool, or in addition to the fifth and sixth graphs for the second tool, the processor 101 may create a seventh graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT. Furthermore, the processor 101 may create an eighth graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT.

[0240] The processor 101 creates a ninth graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool. The processor 101 further creates a tenth graph showing the relationship between the axial cut amount when the radial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. The processor 101 creates an eleventh graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool. The processor 101 further creates a twelfth graph showing the relationship between the radial cut amount when the axial cut amount is a value specified by the specified point PT and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool. Processor 101 further creates a thirteenth graph showing the relationship between the axial cutting amount when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool. Processor 101 further creates a fourteenth graph showing the relationship between the axial cutting amount when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool (step S212). In addition, instead of or in addition to the 13th and 14th graphs, the processor 101 may create a 15th graph showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of the cutting area by the second tool from the maximum value of the cutting area by the first tool when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT, and may create a 16th graph showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and a second difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool from the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool when the cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT.

[0241] The processor 101 provides the user with graph information including six graphs, the first graph to the sixth graph, for the first tool, six graphs, the first graph to the sixth graph, for the second tool, and six graphs, the ninth graph to the fourteenth graph (step S213). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the above graph information to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the graph information and displays the received graph information. This ends the second tool information providing process. Also, if a graph creation request has not been accepted (NO in step S209), the second tool information providing process ends.

[0242] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third tool information providing process by the server 100 according to the embodiment.

[0243] When a user wishes to select a tool suitable for specific machining conditions (specified ranges of radial and axial cutting amounts) from among multiple candidate tools, the user inputs identification information of each of the multiple candidate tools into the terminal device 200 and inputs the specified ranges of radial and axial cutting amounts. The terminal device 200 transmits a tool selection request including the input identification information and specified ranges to the server 100. By receiving the tool selection request, the processor 101 of the server 100 accepts the identification information and specified ranges of the candidate tools (step S301).

[0244] The processor 101 inquires about the shape information of the candidate tool from the tool DB 120 using the identification information of the candidate tool. The tool DB 120 outputs the shape information corresponding to the identification information, and the processor 101 acquires the shape information of the candidate tool output from the tool DB 120 (step S302).

[0245] The processor 101 uses the acquired shape information to perform a simulation of the milling process using each candidate tool (step S303).

[0246] By simulating the turning process, the processor 101 obtains, for each candidate tool, a first minimum value of the maximum cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial cut amount when the radial cut amount is changed, a second minimum value of the maximum cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial cut amount when the axial cut amount is changed, a third minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial cut amount when the radial cut amount is changed, and a fourth minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial cut amount when the axial cut amount is changed (step S304).

[0247] The processor 101 determines one or more selected tools from among the multiple candidate tools based on the acquired first, second, third, and fourth minimum values ​​(step S305).

[0248] The processor 101 transmits selected tool information related to the selected tool to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the selected tool information and displays the received selected tool information. This is the end of the third tool information providing process.

[0249] [8. Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, the server 100 transmits the interference state information to the terminal device 200, and the interference state information is displayed on the terminal device 200, thereby presenting the interference state information to the user, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a standalone tool information presentation device may be configured by a computer equipped with a display unit, and the tool information presentation device may create interference state information such as a first map, a second map, etc. by executing a simulation of turning processing using a tool, and display the created interference state information.

[0250] In the above-described embodiment, the server 100 executes a simulation of turning using a tool, and creates interference state information indicating the characteristics of the tool such as a first map, a second map, etc. based on the simulation results, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a database may store actual values ​​(or simulated values) of the cutting area for the axial cutting amount and the radial cutting amount using various tools, and the server 100 may obtain the actual value of the cutting area of ​​the target tool from the database, and create interference state information such as a first map, a second map, etc. using the obtained actual value.

[0251] In the above-described embodiment, the cutting area is used as a physical quantity indicating the interference state between the tool and the workpiece, but the present invention is not limited to this. The cutting resistance may be used as a physical quantity indicating the interference state between the tool and the workpiece. However, when calculating the cutting resistance, it is difficult to calculate an accurate value unless the rake angle, clearance angle, roundness of the cutting edge, material of the workpiece, etc. of the tool are used. In this way, since the cutting resistance takes into account factors such as the rake angle, clearance angle, roundness of the cutting edge, and material of the workpiece, the suitability of the tool for milling can be accurately evaluated by using the cutting resistance. However, since the time variation (and frequency variation) of the cutting area for the axial cut amount and the radial cut amount is roughly equivalent to the time variation (and frequency variation) of the cutting resistance for the axial cut amount and the radial cut amount, the suitability of the tool for milling can also be appropriately evaluated by the cutting area.

[0252] [9. Notes] (Appendix 1) A computer program for presenting information about a tool for milling to a user, comprising: On the computer, a step of determining whether or not a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool for the amount of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the amount of cut in the axial direction of rotation of the specific tool satisfies a first set condition, the maximum value being within a first allowable range; transmitting a first determination result indicating whether or not the maximum value of the physical quantity falls within the first permissible range; In order to execute Computer program.

[0253] (Appendix 2) A computer program for presenting information about a tool for milling to a user, comprising: On the computer, a step of determining whether or not a fluctuation range of a physical quantity indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool for the amount of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the amount of cut in the axial direction of rotation of the specific tool satisfies a first set condition; and transmitting a second determination result indicating whether or not the fluctuation range of the physical quantity falls within the second allowable range; In order to execute Computer program.

[0254] (Appendix 3) A computer program for presenting information about a tool for milling to a user, comprising: On the computer, executing a selection process for selecting one or more tools from among a plurality of tools based on a physical quantity indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting depth in a radial direction and a cutting depth in a rotation axial direction of the tool; transmitting information about the one or more tools selected by the selection process; In order to execute Computer program.

[0255] [10. Supplementary Note] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above-described embodiments, and includes the meaning equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0256] 10 Tool information presentation system 100 Server (Tool information display device) 101 Processor 102 Non-volatile memory 103 Volatile Memory 104 Communication Interface (Communication I / F) 105 Data Bus 110 Tool information presentation program 111 Reception 112 Acquisition Department 113 Simulation Department 114 Provision Department 115 Judgment section 116 Selection Section 120 Tool Database (Tool DB) 200 Terminal device (display device) 201 Input section 202 Display section 300 Network 400 End Mill (Tool) 401 Blade 401A, 401B, 401C, 401D Blade 450 Virtual Model 451 Cutting edge element 501, 521A, 521B Graph 1 502, 522A, 522B 2nd graph 503, 523A, 523B Graph 3 504, 524A, 524B 4th graph 505, 525A, 525B 5th graph 506,526A,526B Graph 6 507 Graph 7 508 Graph 8 511A,511B 1st Map 512A,512B 2nd Map 511C 3rd Map 512C 4th Map 521C Graph 9 522C Graph 10 523C Graph 11 524C Graph 12 527C Graph 13 528C Graph 14 502A, 502B, 504A, 506A, 506B, 508A, 508B, 522AA, 522AB, 522BA, 522BB, 522CA, 524AA, 524BA, 524CA, 528AA, 528AB, 528BA, 528BB, 528CA Shape Maximum peak AM cutting area F_AM The frequency at which the cutting area shows the maximum peak

Claims

1. A tool information presentation system that presents information about a tool for cutting to a user, A tool information presentation device; A display device; Equipped with the tool information presentation device transmits to the display device interference state information indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting depth in a radial direction and a cutting depth in an axial direction of the tool for a specific tool; the display device receives the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device, and displays the received interference state information. Tool information presentation system.

2. The interference state information includes a first map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

3. The interference state information includes a second map indicating a distribution of a fluctuation range of a physical quantity indicating the interference state for each of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

4. The interference state information includes a first graph showing a relationship between the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction and a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

5. the interference state information includes a second graph showing a relationship between the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity indicating the interference state from a maximum value of the physical quantity, The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

6. The interference state information includes a first graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the rotation axis direction and a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state, The interference state information includes a diagram in which the first graph and the second graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis. The tool information presentation system according to claim 5 .

7. The interference state information includes a third graph showing a relationship between the cutting amount in the rotation radius direction and a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

8. The interference state information includes a fourth graph showing a relationship between the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity indicating the interference state from a maximum value of the physical quantity. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

9. The interference state information includes a third graph showing a relationship between the amount of cut in the rotational radius direction and a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state, The interference state information includes a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis. The tool information presentation system according to claim 8.

10. the tool information presentation device transmits to the display device first interference state information including a first map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map indicating a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, the display device receives the first interference state information, and displays an interference state screen including the first map and the second map included in the received first interference state information; the display device receives an input of a first designated value of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction from a user, and transmits the input first designated value to the tool information presentation device; the tool information presentation device receives the first specified value, and transmits to the display device second interference state information including a first graph showing a relationship between the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction and a maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction is the first specified value; the display device receives the second interference state information, and displays the first graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

11. the second interference state information includes a second graph showing a relationship between the cutting-in amount in the rotational axis direction when the cutting-in amount in the rotational radius direction is the first specified value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity, The display device displays the second graph included in the received second interference status information on the interference status screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 10.

12. the interference state screen includes a diagram in which the first graph and the second graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis, The tool information presentation system according to claim 11.

13. the display device receives an input of a second designated value of the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction from a user, and transmits the input second designated value to the tool information presentation device; the tool information presentation device receives the second specified value, and transmits to the display device third interference state information including a third graph showing a relationship between the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and a maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction is the second specified value; the display device receives the third interference state information, and displays the third graph included in the received third interference state information on the interference state screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 10.

14. the third interference state information includes a fourth graph showing a relationship between the cutting-in amount in the rotational radius direction when the cutting-in amount in the rotational axis direction is the second specified value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity, The display device displays the fourth graph included in the received third interference status information on the interference status screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 13.

15. The interference state screen includes a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction is a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is a second coordinate axis. The tool information presentation system according to claim 14.

16. the tool information presentation device transmits to the display device first interference state information including a first map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map indicating a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, the display device receives the first interference state information, and displays an interference state screen including the first map and the second map included in the received first interference state information; the display device receives inputs from a user of a first designated value of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and a second designated value of the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction, and transmits the input first designated value and the input second designated value to the tool information presentation device; the tool information presentation device receives the first specified value and the second specified value, and transmits to the display device fourth interference state information including a fifth graph showing a relationship between the rotation axis direction depth of cut and a maximum value of the physical quantity in a case where a cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a fixed value determined by a product of the first specified value and the second specified value; the display device receives the fourth interference state information, and displays the fifth graph included in the received fourth interference state information on the interference state screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

17. the fourth interference state information includes a sixth graph showing a relationship between the cutting amount in the rotation axis direction when the cutting volume is the fixed value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity, The display device displays the sixth graph included in the received fourth interference status information on the interference status screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 16.

18. the tool information presentation device transmits to the display device first interference state information including a first map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map indicating a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction and the cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, the display device receives the first interference state information, and displays an interference state screen including the first map and the second map included in the received first interference state information; the display device receives inputs from a user of a first designated value of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and a second designated value of the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction, and transmits the input first designated value and the input second designated value to the tool information presentation device; the tool information presentation device receives the first specified value and the second specified value, and transmits to the display device fifth interference state information including a seventh graph showing a relationship between the cutting amount in the rotation radius direction and a maximum value of the physical quantity in a case where a cutting volume of the workpiece in one rotation of the tool is a fixed value determined by a product of the first specified value and the second specified value; the display device receives the fifth interference state information, and displays the seventh graph included in the received fifth interference state information on the interference state screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

19. the fifth interference state information includes an eighth graph showing a relationship between the cutting amount in the rotation radius direction when the cutting volume is the fixed value and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity, The display device displays the eighth graph included in the received fifth interference status information on the interference status screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 18.

20. the interference state information includes a third map indicating a distribution of differences obtained by subtracting a maximum value of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction, The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

21. the interference state information includes a fourth map indicating a distribution of differences obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

22. the interference state information includes a ninth graph showing a relationship between a difference obtained by subtracting a maximum value of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece, and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction; The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

23. the interference state information includes a tenth graph showing a relationship between a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece, and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction; The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

24. the interference state information includes an eleventh graph showing a relationship between a difference obtained by subtracting a maximum value of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece, and the cutting amount in the radial direction of rotation; The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

25. the interference state information includes a twelfth graph showing a relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between a second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between a first tool and the workpiece, The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

26. The interference state information includes a fifth map indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of frequency components higher than 0 Hz in a frequency spectrum of a physical quantity indicating the interference state that changes over time with the rotation of the tool, for each of the cutting-in amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting-in amount in the axial direction of rotation. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

27. The interference state information includes a sixth map indicating a distribution of frequencies showing maximum values ​​in frequency components higher than 0 Hz in a frequency spectrum of a physical quantity indicating the interference state that changes over time with the rotation of the tool, for each of the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the axial direction of rotation. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

28. The interference state information includes a seventh map indicating a distribution of a ratio of a frequency indicating a maximum value in a frequency component higher than 0 Hz in a frequency spectrum of a physical quantity indicating the interference state that changes over time with the rotation of the tool, to a cutting frequency of a blade of the tool, for each of the cutting amount in the radial direction of rotation and the cutting amount in the axial direction of rotation. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

29. the interference state information includes a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state in one rotation of the tool, the tool information presentation device determines whether or not a maximum value of the physical quantity in one rotation of the tool falls within a first allowable range when at least one of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction satisfies a first setting condition; the display device displays a first determination result as to whether or not the maximum value of the physical quantity falls within the first permissible range. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

30. the interference state information includes a fluctuation range of a physical quantity indicating the interference state during one rotation of the tool, the tool information presentation device determines whether or not a fluctuation range of the physical quantity during one rotation of the tool falls within a second allowable range when at least one of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction and the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction satisfies a second set condition; the display device displays a second determination result as to whether or not the fluctuation range of the physical quantity falls within the second allowable range. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 .

31. the tool information presentation device executes a selection process for selecting one or more tools from among a plurality of tools based on the physical quantity, The display device displays information about the one or more tools selected by the selection process. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 2 to 19 and claims 26 to 30.

32. the selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, a tool that has a minimum value of a maximum value of the physical value for the cutting depth in the rotation axis direction in one rotation of the tool when the cutting depth in the rotation radius direction is changed. The tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

33. the selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, a tool that has a minimum value of a maximum value of the physical value for the cutting depth in the rotation radius direction in one rotation of the tool when the cutting depth in the rotation axis direction is changed. The tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

34. the selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, a tool having a minimum value of a fluctuation range of the physical quantity of the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction in one rotation of the tool when the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction is changed. The tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

35. the selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, a tool that has a minimum value of a fluctuation range of the physical quantity of the cutting-in amount in the rotation radius direction in one rotation of the tool when the cutting-in amount in the rotation axis direction is changed. The tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

36. A tool information presentation device that presents information about a tool for cutting to a user, an output unit that outputs, for presentation to the user, interference state information indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting depth in a radial direction and a cutting depth in an axial direction of the tool for a specific tool; Tool information presentation device.

37. A tool information presentation method for presenting information about a tool for cutting to a user, comprising: a step of transmitting interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting depth in a radial direction and a cutting depth in a rotation axial direction of the tool, to a display device by the tool information presentation device; a step of the display device receiving the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displaying the received interference state information; Including, Tool information presentation method.

38. A tool information presentation method for presenting information about a tool for cutting to a user, comprising: receiving, by a display device, interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting depth in a radial direction and a cutting depth in a rotation axial direction of the tool; displaying the received interference status information on the display device; Including, Tool information presentation method.