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

Abstract

This tool information presentation system presents information about a tool for milling to a user. The tool information presentation system is provided with a tool information presentation device and a display device, wherein: the tool information presentation device transmits, to the display device, interference state information for a specific tool, the interference state information indicating the interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to the cutting depths in the rotational radius direction and in the rotational axis direction 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.

Description

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

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

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

[0003] JP 2008-134813 A JP 2003-019646 A International Publication No. 2021 / 024438 JP 2013-132733 A

[0004] A tool information presentation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a tool information presentation system that presents information about a tool for milling 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 that indicates an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece during 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, and the display device receives the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displays the received interference state information.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a tool information presentation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating shape information of an end mill. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a feed rate per tooth. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an axial depth of cut of an end mill. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a server 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual model of a tool. FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the tool rotation angle and the cutting area in one rotation of the tool. FIG. 8 is a contour map (first map) illustrating an example of the distribution of maximum values ​​of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial depth of cut and the radial depth of cut. FIG. 9 is a contour map (second map) illustrating an example of the distribution of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial depth of cut and the radial depth of cut. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graph (first graph) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area when the radial depth of cut is a specific value, and a graph (second graph) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial depth of cut is a specific value. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a graph (third graph) showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area when the axial depth of cut is a specific value, and a graph (fourth graph) showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial depth of cut is a specific value. Fig. 12A is a diagram showing an example of a graph (fifth 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 (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 the fixed value.12B is a diagram showing an example of a graph (7th 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 specific fixed value, and 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 fixed value. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for the first tool. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a first map for the second tool. FIG. 13C is a contour map (3rd 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 depth of cut and the radial depth of cut. FIG. 14A is a diagram showing an example of a second map for the first tool. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example of a second map for the second tool. 14C is a contour map (fourth 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 depth of cut and the radial depth of cut. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing examples of a first graph and a second graph for the first tool. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing examples of a first graph and a second graph for the second tool. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing an example of a graph (ninth graph) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the 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 (tenth graph) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the 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 diagram showing examples of a third graph and a fourth graph for the first tool. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing examples of the third graph and a fourth graph for the second tool. 16C is a diagram showing an example of a graph (11th graph) showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut 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 depth of cut 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 diagram showing examples of a seventh graph and an eighth graph for the first tool. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing examples of a seventh graph and an eighth graph for the second tool.17C shows an example of a graph (13th graph) illustrating the relationship between the radial depth of cut 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) illustrating the relationship between the radial depth of cut 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. 18A is a graph showing an example of the time variation of the cutting area by a tool with a variable pitch. FIG. 18B is a graph showing the results of frequency conversion of the time variation of the cutting area in the example of FIG. 18A. FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a tool with a uniform pitch and a uniform lead. FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an example of a second map for a tool with a uniform pitch and a uniform lead. FIG. 19C is a contour map (5th map) showing an example of the distribution of maximum values ​​at frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area by a tool with a uniform pitch and a uniform lead for each of the axial depth of cut and the radial depth of cut. 19D is a contour map (sixth map) showing an example of the distribution of frequencies showing 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. FIG. 19E is a contour map (seventh map) showing an example of the distribution of the ratio (frequency ratio) of the frequency showing maximum values ​​in frequency components higher than 0 Hz to the cutting frequency of the blade of a tool with equal pitch and equal lead for each of the axial and radial depths of cut by tool A. FIG. 20A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for a tool with variable pitch and equal lead. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an example of a second map for a tool with variable pitch and equal lead. FIG. 20C is a diagram showing an example of a fifth map for a tool with variable pitch and equal lead. FIG. 20D is a diagram showing an example of a sixth map for a tool with variable pitch and equal lead. FIG. 20E is a diagram showing an example of a seventh map for a tool with variable pitch and equal lead. 21A and 21B are diagrams showing examples of a first map and a second map for tools with equal pitch and unequal lead, respectively;FIG. 21C is a diagram showing an example of a fifth map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. FIG. 21D is a diagram showing an example of a sixth map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. FIG. 21E is a diagram showing an example of a seventh map for a tool with equal pitch and unequal lead. FIG. 22A is a first half of a flowchart showing an example of a first tool information providing process by a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 22B is a second half of a flowchart showing an example of a first tool information providing process by a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of a second tool information providing process by a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a third tool information providing process by a server according to an embodiment.

[0006] <Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure> In milling, a cutting tool, such as milling, contacts a workpiece at the end face in the axial direction of the rotating tool and at the circumferential surface of the tool. Therefore, the interference state between the tool and the workpiece changes in a complex manner depending on the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation (hereinafter simply referred to as the "radial direction") and the depth of cut in the axial direction of rotation (hereinafter simply referred to as the "axial direction"). Therefore, unless consideration is given to the interference state between the tool and the workpiece, it is impossible to select a tool suitable for milling and to appropriately set the milling conditions. However, conventional devices such as those described in Patent Documents 1 to 4 are unable to present to the user information regarding the interference state between the tool and the workpiece, which is one of the characteristics of the tool used in milling.

[0007] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, it is possible to present to a user information relating to the interference state between a tool and a workpiece, which is a characteristic of the tool in milling.

[0008] <Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Below, an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0009] (1) A tool information presentation system according to this embodiment presents information about a milling tool to a user. The tool information presentation system includes a tool information presentation device and a display device. The tool information presentation device transmits interference status information to the display device, which indicates an interference status between a specific tool and a workpiece during one rotation of the tool with respect to the tool's radial depth of cut and axial depth of cut. The display device receives the interference status information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displays the received interference status information. The interference status between a tool and a workpiece during one rotation of the tool is one of the tool characteristics determined by the tool's shape, such as the tool diameter, number of flutes, flute helix angle, and spacing (pitch) between adjacent flutes. Therefore, with the above configuration, interference status information regarding the interference status between the tool and the workpiece, which is a tool characteristic and is useful for selecting a tool and setting machining conditions, can be presented to a user.

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

[0011] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the interference state information may include a second map showing a distribution of fluctuation ranges of 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 axial direction of rotation, whereby a user can check the distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut 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 depth 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 depth 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 depth of cut in the rotational 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 depth of cut in the rotational axis direction and the 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 the 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-in amount in the radial direction of rotation and a maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state, whereby a user can confirm the relationship between the cutting-in amount in the radial direction of rotation 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 the relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation 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 check the relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation 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 the same coordinate system in which the depth of cut in the direction of the rotation radius is defined as a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity is defined as 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 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 depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction, and a second map showing a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation 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 a user input of a first specified value of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and transmit the input first specified value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device may receive the first specified value and transmit to the display device second interference state information including a first graph showing a relationship between the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction is the first specified 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 the desired value of the cutting depth in the rotational radius direction into the display device as the first specified value, 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 confirming 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 the 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 for the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction can take 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 superimposed.

[0021] (13) In any one of (10) to (12) above, the display device may accept a user input of a second specified value for the amount of cut in the rotational axis direction and transmit the input second specified value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device may receive the second specified 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 rotational radius direction and a maximum value of the physical quantity when the amount of cut in the rotational axis direction is the second specified 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. This allows a user to input a desired value for the amount of cut in the rotational axis direction as the second specified value into the display device, thereby confirming the relationship between the amount of cut in the rotational radius direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity at the second specified value.

[0022] (14) In the above (13), the third interference state information may include a fourth graph showing a relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation when the depth of cut in the rotation 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 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 depth of cut in the rotation axis direction as the second specified value into the display device, thereby confirming the relationship between the depth 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 the 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 on for the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction when the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction is the second specified 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 indicating a distribution of maximum values ​​of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction, and a second map indicating a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation 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 input from a user of a first designated value for the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and a second designated value for the depth of cut in the rotation 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. This allows a user to 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 axis direction depth of cut into the display device as the first specified value and 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 the 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 into the display device as a first specified value and a desired value of the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction into 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 depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction, and a second map indicating a distribution of fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation 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 input from a user of a first designated value for the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and a second designated value for the depth of cut in the rotation 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 depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation 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. This allows a user to confirm the relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation 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 depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation into the display device as the first specified value and a desired value of the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction into the display device as the second specified value.

[0027] (19) In the above (18), the second interference state information may include an eighth graph showing the relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and a difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range of the physical quantity from a maximum value of the physical quantity when the cutting volume is the fixed value. 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 depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation as a first specified value into the display device and a desired value of the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction as a second specified value into the display device, thereby confirming the relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the difference obtained by subtracting a fluctuation range from a 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.

[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 the second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the 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. This allows a user to compare the interference state between the first tool and the second 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 the second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the 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. This allows a user to compare the interference state between the first tool and the second 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 the relationship between the depth 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 depth 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 the relationship between the depth 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 the second tool and the workpiece from a fluctuation range of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the first tool and the workpiece. This allows a user to confirm the relationship between the depth 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 the relationship between the depth of cut in the rotation radius 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 depth of cut in the rotation radius 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 eleventh graph.

[0033] (25) In any one of (1) to (24) above, the interference state information may include a twelfth graph showing the 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, whereby a user can confirm the relationship between the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation 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 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 showing 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 rotation of the tool, for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction. This allows a user to check how frequencies showing maximum values ​​of 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 rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction.

[0036] (28) In any one of (1) to (27) above, the interference state information may include a seventh map showing a 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 physical quantity indicating the interference state, which changes over time with the rotation of the tool, to the cutting frequency of the tool blade, for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction. This allows a user to check, by referring to the seventh map, how the ratio of the frequency showing the maximum value of the physical quantity to the cutting frequency of the tool blade is distributed in the frequency spectrum of the physical quantity indicating the interference state, for each of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction. Here, the "cutting frequency of the tool blade" refers to the number of times the cutting frequency of the tool blade repeatedly cuts into the workpiece per second. For example, if all four blades of a four-blade tool cut into the workpiece, the cutting frequency of the tool 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 depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction satisfies a first set condition. The display device may display a first determination result indicating 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 per one rotation of the tool. The tool information presentation device may determine whether or not the fluctuation range of the physical quantity per one rotation of the tool falls within a second permissible range when at least one of the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction and the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction satisfies a second set condition. The display device may display a second determination result indicating 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 to select one or more tools from 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 a maximum value 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 maximum value of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction is smallest when the depth 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 depth of cut in the direction of rotation is smallest when the depth of cut in the direction of rotation axis is changed, thereby allowing a user to confirm information about a tool for which a minimum value of the maximum value 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 axis is changed, from the plurality of tools.

[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 fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction per one rotation of the tool is smallest when the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction is changed. This allows the user to confirm information about a tool for which a fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction 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 fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction during one rotation of the tool is smallest when the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction is changed. This allows the user to confirm information about a tool for which a fluctuation range of the physical quantity for the depth of cut in the rotation radius direction during one rotation of the tool is smallest when the depth of cut in the rotation axis direction is changed.

[0044] (36) A tool information presentation device according to this embodiment presents information about a milling tool to a user. The tool information presentation device includes an output unit that outputs, for presentation to the user, interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece during one rotation of the tool with respect to the depth of cut in the radial direction and the depth of cut in the axial direction of the tool. This makes it possible to present to the user interference state information about the interference state between the tool and the 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 this embodiment is a method for presenting information about a milling tool to a user. The tool information presentation method includes the steps of: a tool information presentation device transmitting, to a display device, interference state information indicating an interference state between a specific tool and a workpiece during one rotation of the tool with respect to a depth of cut in a rotation radius direction and a depth of cut in a rotation axis direction of the tool; and a display device receiving the interference state information transmitted from the tool information presentation device and displaying the received interference state information. This makes it possible to present to a user interference state information, which is a tool characteristic and is useful for selecting a tool and setting machining conditions, regarding the interference state between the tool and the workpiece.

[0046] (38) The tool information presentation method according to this embodiment is a tool information presentation method for presenting information about a tool for milling 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 in one rotation of the tool with respect to the depth of cut in the radial direction and the depth of cut in the axial direction 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 the 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 in which part or all of the tool information presentation device is realized.

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

[0049] 1. Configuration of the Tool Information Presentation System FIG. 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 tools used for milling to a user. An example of a tool used for milling is an end mill. Another example of a tool used for milling is a face mill or a slot mill. In the following description, the tool used for milling is 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 local area network (LAN). The terminal device 200 is also connected to the network 300. The server 100 and the terminal device 200 can communicate with each other via the network 300.

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

[0053] The server 100 includes a processor 101, a nonvolatile memory 102, a volatile memory 103, and a communication interface (communication I / F) 104. The processor 101, the nonvolatile 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 an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The non-volatile memory 102 is, for example, a flash memory or a ROM (Read Only Memory). 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 the processor 101 executing the tool information presentation program 110. 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 central processing unit (CPU). However, the processor 101 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 101 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU). The processor 101 may be, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device such as a gate array or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, the ASIC or the programmable logic device is configured to be able to execute the same processing 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 the network 300 via a communication cable, and can communicate with the terminal device 200 connected to the network 300. The communication I / F 104 may be a wireless communication interface.

[0057] 3. Tool Database The nonvolatile 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 of the end mill 400 centered on the axis Ax. The number of blades is the number of blades 401 provided on the end mill. The helix 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 (rotational 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 milling, the amount of movement (feed) in the feed direction of the tool 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 illustrating the feed rate per blade. FIG. 4A shows an example of an end mill 400 (hereinafter, also referred to as "tool 400") with four blades. In FIG. 4A, the tool 400 rotates clockwise RD around a 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 moving in direction X. In a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax, 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 line (shown by a dashed line in the figure) that passes through the rotation axis Ax and is perpendicular to the moving direction X and the outer circumference of the tool 400. In the cross section, a point symmetrical to point LP with respect to the rotation axis Ax is defined as a "reference point RP," and a line segment that originates from the rotation axis Ax and leads to 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 around the rotation axis Ax is defined as the "tool angle θ." The tool angle of the line segment extending from the rotation axis Ax to the reference point RP is 0°. The tool angle θ of the line segment extending from the rotation axis Ax to the outer circumference of the tool 400 in the traveling direction X is 90°. The tool angle θ of the line segment extending from the rotation axis Ax to point LP is 180°. The tool 400 contacts the workpiece W only on one side facing in the traveling direction, i.e., only within 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] 4A, the radial cutting depth of the end mill will be described. 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 finished 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 cut of the end mill 400 into the workpiece W in the rotation radius direction Y of the tool 400. The feed amount fz per tooth 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 ap 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 one rotation of the tool (hereinafter simply referred to as "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 state of interference between the tool and the workpiece.

[0070] The cutting resistance per rotation 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 chips during one rotation of the tool. Cutting resistance is another example of a physical quantity that indicates the interference state between the tool and the workpiece.

[0071] 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 touchpad overlaid on the screen of the display unit 202. The input unit 201 is used for data input by the 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 that causes the processor to function as a terminal device. By executing the computer program, the processor can perform the operations described below.

[0075] 6. Functions of the Server 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) into 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 the tool by using the identification information included in the tool information request received by the receiving unit 111. In a specific example, the acquiring unit 112 queries the tool DB 120 for shape information 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 (milling) using a specific tool based on the shape information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. The simulation unit 113 changes each of the radial cutting depth and the axial cutting depth, and calculates the cutting area for each radial cutting depth and each axial cutting depth.

[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 that shows the 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 multiple 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 the actual tool.

[0083] The simulation unit 113 calculates the cutting thickness h of the workpiece at each cutting edge element 451 from the interference state between each cutting edge 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, and K Ｃ is the specific cutting resistance, R ｔ is the tool radius, φ is the helix angle, α ｉ indicates the pitch of the i-th blade, and N indicates the number of blades.

[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 is calculated (Equations (2) and (3)).

[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)).

[0086] When calculating the cutting resistance of the 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. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 calculates the sum of the cutting resistances at each cutting edge to calculate the cutting resistance F at one tool (Equation (6)).

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

[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 during one rotation of the tool. In Fig. 7, the vertical axis represents the cutting area, and the horizontal axis represents the tool rotation angle. The example shown in Fig. 7 is the variation in cutting area for a tool with four cutting edges. In this example, during one rotation of the tool, the number of cutting area peaks corresponding to the number of cutting edges (i.e., four) appears.

[0089] The simulation unit 113 calculates the variation in cutting area per 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 per 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 shows 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 cutting area per tool rotation versus the axial depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the axial depth of cut ap, and the horizontal axis represents the radial depth of cut ae. In the example of FIG. 8, each hatch corresponds to a color. That is, in the first map, colors are coded according to the level of the maximum cutting area. By referring to the first map, a user can, for example, confirm the level of the maximum cutting area for the axial depth of cut and the radial depth of cut that are likely to be used. The maximum cutting area affects the tool life, tool breakage, machining accuracy, and the possibility of the workpiece falling off the jig. That is, a user can evaluate the tool life, tool breakage, machining accuracy, and the possibility of the workpiece falling off the jig based on the maximum cutting area.

[0092] The first map shows how the maximum cutting area changes with respect to the axial depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae. For example, the first map identifies in which region of the two-dimensional space of the axial depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae the maximum cutting area is high and in which region the maximum cutting area is low. In another example, the first map identifies the maximum cutting area for a specific axial depth of cut ap and radial depth of cut 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 range of variation in the cutting area per 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 shows the distribution of the variation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool with respect to the axial cutting depth ap and the radial cutting depth ae.

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

[0096] The second map shows how the fluctuation range of the cutting area changes with respect to the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae. For example, the second map makes it possible to grasp which regions in the two-dimensional space of the axial cutting amount ap and the radial cutting amount ae have a high fluctuation range of the cutting area and which regions have a low fluctuation range of the cutting area. In another example, the second map makes it possible to grasp the extent of the fluctuation range of the cutting area for a specific axial cutting amount ap and radial cutting 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 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 a "first graph") showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut ap and the maximum value of the cutting area when the radial depth of cut is a specific value. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as a "second graph") showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut ap and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial depth of cut is a specific value. In a specific example, the second graph is a graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut 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 depth of cut is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may also create independent diagrams for the first graph and the second graph without superimposing the first graph and the second graph.

[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. The first graph 501 and the second graph 502 in FIG. 10 have the radial depth of cut at a specific point PT shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 as specific values. That is, the first graph 501 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the first map cut along 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 along a vertical line (dashed line) passing through the specific point PT in FIG. 9.

[0100] 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 the 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 graphic 502A indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at a user-specified value for the axial depth of cut in a diagram in which the first graph 501 and the second graph 502 are superimposed. The simulation unit 113 can include a graphic 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 graphic 502A and the graphic 502B are graphic figures obtained by connecting points on the first graph 501 and points on the second graph 502 with line segments. In the graphic 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 barely visible.

[0102] 5 , for example, the user may specify a specific value for the radial cutting-in amount (hereinafter, this value will also be referred to as the "first specified value"). In a specific example, the user specifies a point (specific point PT) in either the first map or the second map, thereby inputting the first specified value for the radial cutting-in amount to the terminal device 200. 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 cutting-in amount is the first specified value.

[0103] The simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as the "third graph") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae and the maximum value of the cutting area when the axial depth of cut is a specific value. Furthermore, the simulation unit 113 creates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as the "fourth graph") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial depth of cut is a specific value. In a specific example, the fourth graph is a graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut 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 depth of cut is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may also create independent diagrams for the third graph and the fourth graph without superimposing the third graph and the fourth graph.

[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 dashed line. The third graph 503 and the fourth graph 504 in FIG. 11 have specific values ​​for the axial depth of cut at the specific point PT shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. That is, the third graph 503 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the first map cut along 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 along 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 the 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 graphic 504A indicating the range of variation in the cutting area at the first specified value in a diagram in which the third graph 503 and the fourth graph 504 are superimposed. In the example of Fig. 11, the graphic 504A is a graphic in which a line segment connects a point on the third graph 503 and a point on the fourth graph 504.

[0107] Returning to FIG. 5 , for example, the user may specify a specific value for the axial cutting-in amount (hereinafter, this value will also be referred to as the "second specified value"). In a specific example, the user inputs the second specified value for the axial cutting-in amount into 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 cutting-in amount is the second specified value.

[0108] The providing unit 114 provides graph information to a 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 second interference state information and an example of third interference state information.

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

[0110] FIG. 12A shows 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. The fifth and sixth graphs 505 and 506 in FIG. 12A assume that the cutting volume at the specific point PT shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is a specific fixed value. That is, the fifth graph 505 corresponds to a cross-section of the first map cut by a curve (dash-dotted 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, as viewed in the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction of the radial cutting amount axis). The sixth graph 506 corresponds to a cross-section of the second map cut by a curve (dash-dotted line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 9 and in which the cross-section is 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 the 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 graphic 506A indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the second specified value in a diagram in which the fifth graph 505 and the sixth graph 506 are superimposed. The simulation unit 113 can include a graphic 506B indicating the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in a diagram in which the fifth graph 505 and the sixth graph 506 are superimposed. In the example of Fig. 12A , the graphic 506A and the graphic 506B are graphic figures formed by connecting points on the fifth graph 505 and points on the sixth graph 506 with line segments. In the graphic 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 for the cutting volume by specifying a specific point PT on either the first map or the second map. That is, by specifying the specific point PT, the user can simultaneously input a first specified value and a second specified value, thereby specifying a cutting volume that is the product of the first specified value and the second specified value. 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 for 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 generates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as the "seventh graph") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece during one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value. The simulation unit 113 further generates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as the "eighth graph") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece during 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 depth of cut 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 generates a diagram in which the seventh graph and the eighth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system in which the radial depth of cut is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. Note that the simulation unit 113 may generate independent diagrams for the seventh graph and the eighth graph without superimposing the seventh graph and the eighth graph.

[0115] FIG. 12B shows 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 dashed line. The seventh and eighth graphs 507 and 508 in FIG. 12B assume that the cutting volume at the specific point PT shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is a specific fixed value. That is, the seventh graph 507 corresponds to a cross-section of the first map cut by a curve (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, as viewed in the vertical direction (i.e., the direction of the axial cutting amount axis). The eighth graph 508 corresponds to a cross-section of the second map cut by a curve (solid line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 9, as viewed in the vertical 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, for each value of the radial depth of cut, the simulation unit 113 calculates the value obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the cutting area from the maximum value of the cutting area, 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 graphic 508A indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first specified value in a diagram in which the seventh graph 507 and the eighth graph 508 are superimposed. The simulation unit 113 can include a graphic 508B indicating the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in a diagram in which the seventh graph 507 and the eighth graph 508 are superimposed. In the example of Fig. 12B , the graphic 508A and the graphic 508B are graphic figures obtained by connecting points on the seventh graph 507 and points on the eighth graph 508 with line segments. In the graphic 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 no line segment is visible.

[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 to the user information comparing the cutting characteristics of 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 first identification information of the first tool and 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.

[0120] The receiving unit 111 receives a tool information request from the terminal device 200. The acquiring unit 112 acquires first shape information of a first tool and second shape information of a second tool using the first identification information and second identification information included in the tool information request received by the receiving unit 111. In a specific example, the acquiring unit 112 queries the tool DB 120 for the first shape information using the first identification information, and queries the tool DB 120 for 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 acquiring 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 milling using the first tool based on the first shape information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. The simulation unit 113 executes a simulation of milling using the second tool based on the second shape information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. The simulation of milling is the same as the processing 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") that shows the distribution of the first differences between the maximum values ​​of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum values ​​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 a first map for the first tool. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a 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 cutting area of ​​the first tool and the maximum cutting area of ​​the second tool for the axial cutting depth ap and the radial cutting depth ae. In FIG. 13C, the vertical axis represents the axial cutting depth ap, and the horizontal axis represents the radial cutting depth 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 cutting area of ​​the first tool and the maximum cutting area of ​​the second tool. By referring to the third map, a user can, for example, confirm the extent to which the maximum cutting area differs between the first tool and the second tool for the axial cutting depth and radial cutting depth that are likely to be used.

[0124] The third map 511C is a map of the difference 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 cutting area of ​​the first tool with the maximum cutting area of ​​the second tool with respect to the axial depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae. For example, the third map 511C identifies in which region of the two-dimensional space of the axial depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae the difference between the maximum cutting area of ​​the first tool and the maximum cutting area of ​​the second tool is large, and in which region the difference between the maximum cutting area of ​​the first tool and the maximum cutting area of ​​the second tool is small. In another example, the third map 511C identifies to what extent the maximum cutting area of ​​the first tool is larger (or smaller) than the maximum cutting area of ​​the second tool for a specific axial depth of cut ap and radial depth of cut 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 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 differences 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 depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae. In FIG. 14C, the vertical axis represents the axial depth of cut ap, and the horizontal axis represents the radial depth of cut 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, a user can, for example, confirm the extent to which the fluctuation range of the cutting area differs between the first tool and the second tool for the axial depth of cut and the radial depth of cut 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 fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool with the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool with respect to the axial depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae. For example, the fourth map 512C identifies in which region of the two-dimensional space of the axial depth of cut ap and the radial depth of cut ae the 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 is large, and in which region the 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 is small. In another example, the fourth map 512C identifies to what extent the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the first tool is larger (or smaller) than the fluctuation range of the cutting area by the second tool at a specific axial depth of cut ap and radial depth of cut ae. In this way, the fourth map 512C 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.

[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 the "ninth graph") showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut ap when the radial depth of cut 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 the "tenth graph") showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut ap when the radial depth of cut 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 depth of cut is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may also create independent diagrams for the ninth graph and the tenth graph without superimposing them.

[0132] FIG. 15A shows examples of a first graph and a second graph for the first tool. FIG. 15B shows examples of a first graph and a second graph for the second tool. FIG. 15C shows an example of a ninth graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut 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 depth of cut 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 shows a first graph 521A and a second graph 522A for the first tool when the radial depth of cut is a specific value, and FIG. 15B shows a first graph 521B and a second graph 522B for the second tool when the radial depth of cut is the same specific value as above. FIG. 15C shows a ninth graph 521C and a tenth graph 522C when the radial depth of cut is the same specific value as above.

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

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

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

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

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

[0138] The position of the point of the graphic 522CA on the 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 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 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) for the radial cutting-in amount. In a specific example, the user inputs the first specified value for the radial cutting-in amount into 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 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 the ninth and tenth graphs for the case where the radial cutting-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 depth of cut ae when the axial depth of cut 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 depth of cut ae when the axial depth of cut 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 depth of cut is the first coordinate axis and the cutting area is the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may also create independent diagrams for the 11th graph and the 12th graph without superimposing the 11th graph and the 12th graph.

[0141] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing examples of a third graph and a fourth graph for the first tool. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing examples of a third graph and a fourth graph for the second tool. FIG. 16C is a diagram showing an example of an eleventh graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut 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 depth of cut 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 depth of cut is a specific value, and FIG. 16B is a third graph 523B and a fourth graph 524B for the second tool when the axial depth of cut is the same specific value. FIG. 16C is an eleventh graph 523C and a twelfth graph 524C when the axial depth of cut is the same specific value.

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

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

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

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

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

[0147] The position of the point of the graphic 524CA on the twelfth graph 524C indicates the second difference in the first specified value. As with the graphic 522CA described above, the magnitude of the second difference indicated by the graphic 524CA can be used to evaluate the advantages or disadvantages between the first tool and the second tool in terms of life, machining accuracy, etc.

[0148] Returning to Fig. 5, for example, the user may specify a specific value (second specified value) for the amount of axial cutting. In a specific example, the user inputs the second specified value for the amount of axial cutting into 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 amount of axial cutting 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 generates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 13") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece during one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum cutting area by the second tool from the maximum cutting area by the first tool. The simulation unit 113 also generates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 14") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece during 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 generates a diagram in which the 13th and 14th graphs are superimposed in the same coordinate system, with the radial depth of cut as the first coordinate axis and the cutting area as the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may also generate independent diagrams for the 13th and 14th graphs without superimposing the 13th and 14th graphs.

[0151] FIG. 17A is a diagram showing examples of a seventh graph and an eighth graph for the first tool. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing examples of a seventh graph and an eighth graph for the second tool. FIG. 17C is a diagram showing examples of a thirteenth graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut 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 depth of cut 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. FIG. 17C is a thirteenth graph 527C and a fourteenth graph 528C when the cutting volume is the same specific value.

[0152] 17A , in which seventh graph 527A and eighth graph 528A are superimposed, a graphic 528AA is shown indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first specified value. Furthermore, this figure also shows a graphic 528AB indicating 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 graphic 528BA is shown indicating the fluctuation range of the cutting area at the first specified value. This graphic also shows a graphic 528BB indicating 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 dashed line. The thirteenth graph 527C and the fourteenth graph 528C in FIG. 17C have specific values ​​for the cutting area at the specific point PT shown in FIGS. 13C and 14C . That is, the thirteenth graph 527C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the third map 511C cut along a curve (dotted line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 13C and in which the product of the axial cutting depth ap and the radial cutting depth ae is constant, as viewed along the vertical axis. The fourteenth graph 528C corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the fourth map 512C cut along a curve (dotted line) that passes through the specific point PT in FIG. 14C and in which the product of the axial cutting depth ap and the radial cutting depth ae is constant, as viewed along the vertical axis.

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

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

[0157] The position of the point of the graphic 528CA on the fourteenth graph 528C indicates the second difference in the first specified value. As with the graphic 522CA described above, the magnitude of the second difference indicated by the graphic 528CA can be used to evaluate the advantages or disadvantages between the first tool and the second tool in terms of life, machining accuracy, etc.

[0158] Returning to FIG. 5 , for example, the user may specify a fixed value for the cutting volume by specifying a specific point PT on either the third map or the fourth map. That is, by specifying the specific point PT, the user can simultaneously input a first specified value and a second specified value, thereby specifying a cutting volume that is the product of the first specified value and the second specified value. 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 thirteenth graph and a fourteenth graph for the case in which the cutting volume is fixed to the product of the first specified value and the second specified value.

[0159] The simulation unit 113 further generates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 15") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece during one rotation of the tool is a specific fixed value and a first difference obtained by subtracting the maximum cutting area by the second tool from the maximum cutting area by the first tool. The simulation unit 113 also generates a graph (hereinafter also referred to as "graph 16") showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut ae when the cutting volume of the workpiece during 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 generates a diagram in which the 15th and 16th graphs are superimposed in the same coordinate system, with the radial depth of cut as the first coordinate axis and the cutting area as the second coordinate axis. The simulation unit 113 may also generate independent diagrams for the 15th and 16th graphs without superimposing the 15th and 16th graphs. Graphs 15 and 16 are similar to graphs 13 and 14 except that the first axis represents the radial cutting depth, and therefore 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 thirteenth graph, the fourteenth graph, the fifteenth graph, and the sixteenth graph. For example, the graph information may include at least one of the thirteenth graph, the fourteenth graph, the fifteenth graph, and the sixteenth 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, the eighth graph, the ninth graph, the tenth graph, the eleventh graph, and the twelfth graph, but may include at least one of the thirteenth graph, the fourteenth graph, the fifteenth graph, and the sixteenth graph. This makes it possible to present at least one of the thirteenth graph, the fourteenth graph, the fifteenth graph, and the sixteenth 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 refers to a different pitch for each cutting edge of the tool, and unequal lead refers to a different helix angle for each cutting edge of the tool.

[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, 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 represents the cutting area, and the horizontal axis represents 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 results of frequency conversion of the time variation of the cutting area in the example of FIG. 18A. In FIG. 18B, the vertical axis represents the cutting area, and the horizontal axis represents 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) 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 indicates 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") showing 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 cutting depth and each radial cutting depth, and creates a fifth map by recording the maximum value of the cutting area in a coordinate space in which the first coordinate axis represents the axial cutting depth and the second coordinate axis represents the radial cutting depth.

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

[0166] 19A and 19C, for tool A with a constant pitch and a constant lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum values ​​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 values ​​of the cutting area in the time domain. On the other hand, as can be seen from a comparison of Fig. 19B and 19C, for tool A with a constant pitch and a constant lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in the time domain roughly matches the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum values ​​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 equal lead. Fig. 20B is a diagram showing an example of a second map for tool B. Fig. 20C is a diagram showing an example of a fifth map for tool B.

[0168] 20A and 20C, even for tool B with an uneven pitch and an even lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum cutting area in the frequency domain is completely different from the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum cutting area in the time domain. On the other hand, as can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 20B and 20C, for tool B with an uneven pitch and an even lead, the distribution pattern of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum 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 an even pitch and an even lead ( FIGS. 19B and 19C ). In other words, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool B with an uneven pitch are strongly reflected in the fifth map.

[0169] Fig. 21A is a diagram showing an example of a first map for 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 tool C. Fig. 21C is a diagram showing an example of a fifth map for tool C.

[0170] 21A and 21C, even for tool C with equal pitch and unequal lead, the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum cutting area in the frequency domain is completely different from the distribution of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum cutting area in the time domain. As can be seen from comparing FIGS. 21B and 21C, for tool C with equal pitch and unequal lead, the distribution pattern of the axial and radial depths of cut of the maximum 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 reflected 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 and radial depths of cut. In the example of FIG. 18B , the maximum value of the cutting area (excluding the cutting area at 0 Hz) appears at approximately 160 Hz. The simulation unit 113 calculates the frequency showing such maximum value of the cutting area for each axial depth of cut and each radial depth of cut, and creates the sixth map by recording the frequency showing the maximum value of the cutting area in a coordinate space where the first coordinate axis is the axial depth of cut and the second coordinate axis is the radial depth of cut.

[0172] 19D is a contour map (sixth map) showing an example of the 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 and radial depths of cut. In FIG. 19D, the vertical axis represents the axial depth of cut ap, and the horizontal axis represents the radial depth of cut 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 and radial depths of cut 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 entire axial and radial depths of cut.

[0174] 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 depending on the 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 depending on the axial and radial depths of cut. As such, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool B with an uneven pitch are strongly reflected in the sixth map.

[0175] 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 depending on the 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 depending on the axial and radial depths of cut. As such, 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 axial depth of cut and radial depth of cut to the tool rotation frequency. 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 approximately 160 Hz. The simulation unit 113 calculates the frequency showing such maximum value of the cutting area for each axial depth of cut and each radial depth of cut, and calculates the ratio of the calculated frequency to the cutting frequency of the tool blade (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 represents the axial depth of cut and the second coordinate axis represents the radial depth of cut.

[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 of the frequency component higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area of ​​tool A for each axial depth of cut and radial depth of cut. In FIG. 19E, the vertical axis represents the axial depth of cut ap, and the horizontal axis represents the radial depth of cut 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 of ​​tool A to the rotational frequency of the tool. By referring to the seventh map, a user can, for example, confirm the frequency at the maximum value of the cutting area relative to the rotational frequency of the tool for the axial depth of cut and the radial depth of cut 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 when 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 for frequency components 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] 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 depending on the changes in the axial and radial depths of cut. Therefore, the frequency ratio changes depending on the axial and radial depths of cut. As such, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool B with an uneven pitch are strongly reflected in the seventh map.

[0180] 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 depending on the changes in the axial and radial depths of cut. Therefore, the frequency ratio changes depending on the axial and radial depths of cut. As such, it can be seen that the frequency characteristics of tool C with unequal lead are strongly reflected in the seventh map.

[0181] The server 100 can determine whether a tool is suitable for cutting under specific conditions and present the determination result to the user.

[0182] 5 , the determination unit 115 determines whether 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 depth of cut and the axial depth of cut satisfies a specific condition. Hereinafter, the determination of whether the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within the first allowable 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 specified by a user. In a specific example, the user specifies a range of the radial cut-in amount and a range of the axial cut-in amount 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 the 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 the minimum value of the maximum value of the cutting area when either the axial cut-in amount or the radial cut-in amount is changed. For example, when a range of the axial cut-in amount is specified as the first setting condition, the determination unit 115 can identify the minimum value of the maximum value of the cutting area when the axial cut-in amount is changed, and determine the range from the identified minimum value to a value that is larger by a predetermined amount 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 In this case, the first tolerance range is 0 to 0.3 mm. ２ (The 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 The first tolerance range is 0 to 0.3 mm ２ If the maximum value of the cutting area is equal to or less than the first allowable range, the determining unit 115 determines that the maximum value of the cutting area falls within the first allowable range. For example, if the maximum value of the cutting area per one rotation of the tool in the first set range is 0.35 mm ２ The first tolerance range 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 the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within a second allowable range when at least one of the radial depth of cut and the axial depth of cut satisfies a specific condition. Hereinafter, the determination of whether the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falls within the second allowable range is also referred to as a "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 specified by the user. In a specific example, the user specifies a range of the radial cutting depth and a range of the axial cutting depth in which the user wants to use the tool, and sets these 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 the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area when either the axial cutting amount or the radial cutting amount is changed. For example, when the range of the axial cutting amount is specified as the second setting condition, the determination unit 115 can identify the minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial cutting amount is changed, and determine the range from the identified minimum value to a value that is larger by a predetermined amount 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 In this case, the second tolerance range is 0 to 0.15 mm. ２ (The second tolerance for the radial depth of cut can be determined in a similar manner.)

[0190] For example, if the fluctuation range of the cutting area per tool rotation in the second setting range is 0.1 mm ２ and the second tolerance range is 0 to 0.15 mm. ２ If the fluctuation range of the cutting area per one rotation of the tool in the second set range is 0.3 mm or less, the determining unit 115 determines that the fluctuation range of the cutting area falls within the second allowable range. ２and the second tolerance range 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 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 information that integrates the first determination result and the second determination result to the user. For example, the providing unit 114 may cause the terminal device 200 to display a screen including both the first determination result and the second determination result. For example, when the first setting condition and the second setting condition are equal and both the first determination result and the second determination 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 determination result that the tool is suitable for cutting under the first setting condition (second setting condition). For example, if the first setting condition and the second setting condition 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 condition (second setting condition).

[0193] If the first determination result is negative, the determination unit 115 may determine the radial and axial depths of cut that result in a maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falling within a first allowable range as machining conditions suitable for cutting (hereinafter also referred to as "first recommended conditions"). If the second determination result is negative, the determination unit 115 may determine the radial and axial depths of cut that result in a fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool falling 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 the tool that is most suitable for specific machining conditions from among a plurality of tools and present information about the selected tool to the user.

[0195] The selector 116 executes a selection process for selecting one or more tools from among the multiple tools based on the cutting area in one tool rotation. In one 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 tool rotation for the axial depth of cut is smallest when the radial depth of cut 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 tool rotation for the radial depth of cut is smallest when the axial depth of cut is changed.

[0196] In yet another example, the selection process is a process of selecting, from among a plurality of tools, a tool whose 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 whose 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 the 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 a plurality of candidate tools using each piece of 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 piece of identification information. The tool DB 120 outputs a plurality of pieces of shape information corresponding to each piece of identification information. The acquisition unit 112 acquires the plurality of pieces of shape information output from the tool DB 120.

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

[0200] The selection unit 116 performs the above-described selection process using the results of the milling simulation performed by the simulation unit 113. That is, in one example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the plurality of 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 depth of cut when the radial depth of cut is changed. In another example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the plurality of 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 depth of cut when the axial depth of cut is changed. For example, the selection unit 116 selects at least one of the candidate tool with the smallest acquired first minimum value and the candidate tool with the smallest acquired second minimum value (hereinafter 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 and second minimum values ​​as the selected tool.

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

[0202] In another example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the plurality of 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 when the radial depth of cut is changed. In yet another example, the selection unit 116 acquires, for each of the plurality of 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 when the axial depth of cut 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 the candidate tool having the smallest sum of the third minimum value and the fourth minimum value as the selected tool.

[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 fluctuation 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 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 wants to examine the characteristics of a specific tool (hereinafter also referred to as a "target tool"), the user inputs the identification information of the target tool into 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 accepts the identification information of the target tool (step S101).

[0210] The processor 101 uses the identification information of the target tool to inquire about the shape information of the target tool from the tool DB 120. 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 milling using 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 user with map information including the created first and second maps (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 wants 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 and the radial cutting depth. The terminal device 200 transmits the graph creation request including the input designated point to the server 100.

[0215] The processor 101 determines whether a graph creation request has been received (step S106). If a graph creation request has been received (YES in step S106), the processor 101 creates a first graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a second graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a third graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fourth graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fifth 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 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). Note that instead of 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 created graphs, from the first graph to the sixth graph (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 received (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 a determination request has been received (step S109). If the determination request has been received (YES in step S109), the processor 101 executes a first determination process to determine whether 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 depth and the axial cutting depth 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 tool rotation falls within a second allowable range (step S111).

[0221] The processor 101 provides the user with the determination result including the result of the first determination process and the result of the second determination process (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 a determination request has not been received (NO in step S109), the 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 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 component higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial depth of cut and the radial depth of cut. The processor 101 further creates a sixth map showing the distribution of frequencies showing maximum values ​​in the frequency component higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of the cutting area for each of the axial depth of cut and the radial depth 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 component 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 depth of cut and the radial depth of cut (step S115).

[0226] The processor 101 provides the user with frequency map information including the created fifth map, sixth map, and seventh map (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 completes the first tool information providing process. Also, if a 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 milling using the first tool (step S203).

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

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

[0234] The processor 101 creates a first map and a second map by simulating milling 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 depths of cut and multiple radial depths of cut. The processor 101 creates a third map showing the distribution of the first differences between the maximum values ​​of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum values ​​of the cutting area by the second tool for the multiple axial depths of cut and the multiple radial depths of cut. 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 depths of cut and the multiple radial depths of cut. The processor 101 creates a fourth map showing the distribution of the second differences between the maximum values ​​of the cutting area by the first tool and the maximum values ​​of the cutting area by the second tool for the multiple axial depths of cut and the multiple radial depths of cut (step S207).

[0236] The processor 101 provides the user with map information including 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 (step S208). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the map information including 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 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 a graph creation request has been received (step S209). If a graph creation request has been received (YES in step S209), the processor 101 creates a first graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area for the first tool when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a second graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum cutting area for the first tool when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a third graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area for the first tool when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fourth graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area for the first tool when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fifth graph for the first tool showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece during one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a sixth graph (step S210) showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece during one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT. Note that instead of or in addition to the fifth and sixth graphs for the first tool, the processor 101 may create a seventh graph for the first tool showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum value of the cutting area when the cutting volume of the workpiece during 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 during one rotation of the tool is a value determined by the specified point PT.

[0239] Furthermore, the processor 101 creates a first graph for the second tool showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the maximum value of the cutting area when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a second graph for the second tool showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the maximum value of the cutting area when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a third graph for the second tool showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fourth graph for the relationship between the radial depth of cut and the fluctuation range of the cutting area when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the specified point PT. The processor 101 creates a fifth graph for the second tool showing the relationship between the axial 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 the 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 S210). Note that 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 for the second tool 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 depth of cut when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the designated 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 depth of cut when the radial depth of cut is the value specified by the designated 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 depth of cut when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the designated 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 depth of cut when the axial depth of cut is the value specified by the designated 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 further creates a thirteenth graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut 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. The processor 101 also creates a fourteenth graph showing the relationship between the axial depth of cut 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 depth of cut 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 a 16th graph showing the relationship between the radial depth of cut 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 (graphs 1 to 6) for the first tool, six graphs (graphs 1 to 6) for the second tool, and six graphs (graphs 9 to 14) for the second tool (step S213). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the graph information to the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 receives the graph information and displays the received graph information. This completes the second tool information providing process. Furthermore, the second tool information providing process also completes if a graph creation request has not been received (NO in step S209).

[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 wants to select a tool suitable for specific machining conditions (specified ranges of radial and axial depths of cut) from among multiple candidate tools, the user inputs the identification information of each of the multiple candidate tools and the specified ranges of radial and axial depths of cut into the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 transmits a tool selection request including the input identification information and specified ranges to the server 100. Upon 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 queries the tool DB 120 for shape information of the candidate tool 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 milling using each candidate tool (step S303).

[0246] By simulating the milling process, the processor 101 obtains, for each candidate tool, a first minimum value of the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial depth of cut when the radial depth of cut is changed, a second minimum value of the maximum value of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial depth of cut when the axial depth of cut is changed, a third minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the axial depth of cut when the radial depth of cut is changed, and a fourth minimum value of the fluctuation range of the cutting area in one rotation of the tool for the radial depth of cut when the axial depth of cut 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 completes 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. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 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 milling using a tool, and display the created interference state information.

[0250] In the above-described embodiment, the server 100 executes a simulation of milling using a tool and creates interference state information indicating tool characteristics such as a first map and a second map 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 cutting areas for axial and radial depths of cut using various tools, and the server 100 may obtain the actual values ​​of the cutting areas of the target tool from the database and create interference state information such as a first map and a second map using the obtained actual values.

[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 this is not limiting. Cutting resistance may also be used as a physical quantity indicating the interference state between the tool and the workpiece. However, when calculating cutting resistance, it is difficult to calculate an accurate value without using the rake angle, clearance angle, cutting edge roundness, workpiece material, etc. of the tool. Because cutting resistance takes into account factors such as the rake angle, clearance angle, cutting edge roundness, and workpiece material, cutting resistance can be used to accurately evaluate the suitability of a tool for milling. However, because the time fluctuations (and frequency fluctuations) of the cutting area for the axial and radial depths of cut are roughly equivalent to the time fluctuations (and frequency fluctuations) of the cutting resistance for the axial and radial depths of cut, the suitability of a tool for milling can also be appropriately evaluated using the cutting area.

[0252] [9. Supplementary Notes] (Supplementary Note 1) A computer program for presenting information related to a milling tool to a user, the computer program causing a computer to execute the following steps: when at least one of a depth of cut in a radial direction and a depth of cut in a rotational axis direction of a specific tool satisfies a first set condition, determining whether or not a maximum value of a physical quantity in one rotation of the tool, which indicates a state of interference between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool for the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the rotational axis direction, falls within a first permissible range; and transmitting a first determination result as to whether or not the maximum value of the physical quantity falls within the first permissible range.

[0253] (Supplementary Note 2) A computer program for presenting information about tools for milling to a user, the computer program causing a computer to execute the steps 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 radial depth of cut and the axial depth of cut of the tool for a 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 tolerance range.

[0254] (Supplementary Note 3) A computer program for presenting information about tools for milling to a user, the computer program causing a computer to execute the steps of: executing a selection process to select one or more tools from among a plurality of tools based on physical quantities that indicate the interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool relative to the depth of cut in the radial direction of rotation and the depth of cut in the axial direction of rotation of the tool; and transmitting information about the one or more tools selected by the selection process.

[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 meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0256] 10 Tool information presentation system 100 Server (tool information presentation 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 unit 112 Acquisition unit 113 Simulation unit 114 Provision unit 115 Determination unit 116 Selection unit 120 Tool database (tool DB) 200 Terminal device (display device) 201 Input unit 202 Display unit 300 Network 400 End mill (tool) 401 Blade 401A, 401B, 401C, 401D Blade 450 Virtual model 451 Cutting edge element 501, 521A, 521B First graph 502, 522A, 522B Second graph 503, 523A, 523B Third graph 504, 524A, 524B Fourth graph 505, 525A, 525B Fifth graph 506, 526A, 526B Sixth graph 507 Seventh graph 508 Eighth graph 511A, 511B First map 512A, 512B Second map 511C Third map 512C Fourth map 521C Ninth graph 522C Tenth graph 523C Eleventh graph 524C Twelfth graph 527C Thirteenth graph 528C Fourteenth graph 502A, 502B, 504A, 506A, 506B, 508A, 508B, 522AA, 522AB, 522BA, 522BB, 522CA, 524AA, 524BA, 524CA, 528AA, 528AB, 528BA, 528BB, 528CA Shape AM Maximum peak of cutting area F_AM Frequency showing maximum peak of cutting area

Claims

1. A tool information presentation system that presents information about a tool for turning work to a user, comprising: a tool information presentation device; and a display device, wherein the tool information presentation device transmits interference state information indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a radial cutting amount and an axial cutting amount in the rotation axis direction of the tool for a specific tool to the display device, and 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 tool information presentation system according to claim 1, wherein the interference state information includes a first map showing a distribution of maximum values of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotation axis direction.

3. The tool information presentation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interference state information includes a second map showing a distribution of fluctuation ranges of physical quantities indicating the interference state for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotation axis direction.

4. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interference state information includes a first graph showing a relationship between the axial cutting amount in the rotation axis direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state.

5. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interference state information includes a second graph showing a relationship between the axial cutting amount in the rotation axis direction and a difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the physical quantity from the maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state.

6. The tool information presentation system according to claim 5, wherein the interference state information includes a figure in which the first graph and the second graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system having the axial cutting amount in the rotation axis direction as a first coordinate axis and the physical quantity as a second coordinate axis.

7. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the interference state information includes a third graph showing a relationship between the radial cutting amount and the maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state.

8. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the interference state information includes a fourth graph showing a relationship between the radial cutting amount and a difference obtained by subtracting the fluctuation range of the physical quantity from the maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state.

9. The interference state information includes a diagram in which the third graph and the fourth graph are superimposed in the same coordinate system with the radial cutting amount as the first coordinate axis and the physical quantity as the second coordinate axis. The tool information presentation system according to claim 8.

10. The tool information presentation device transmits first interference state information including a first map showing the distribution of the maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction to the display device. 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 specified value of the radial cutting amount from the user and transmits the input first specified value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device receives the first specified value and transmits second interference state information including a first graph showing the relationship between the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity when the radial cutting amount is the first specified value to the display device. 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 the relationship between the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction and the difference obtained by subtracting the variation width of the physical quantity from the maximum value of the physical quantity when the radial cutting amount is the first specified value. The display device displays the second graph included in the received second interference state information on the interference state 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 with the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction as the first coordinate axis and the physical quantity as the second coordinate axis. The tool information presentation system according to claim 11.

13. The display device receives an input of a second specified value of the cutting amount in the rotation axis direction from the user, transmits the input second specified value to the tool information presentation device, the tool information presentation device receives the second specified value, and when the cutting amount in the rotation axis direction is the second specified value, transmits third interference state information including a third graph showing the relationship between the cutting amount in the rotation radius direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity to the display device, and 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 any one of claims 10 to 12.

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

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

16. The tool information presentation device transmits first interference state information including a first map showing the distribution of the maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map showing the distribution of the variation range of the physical quantity for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, to the display device. 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 from the user for each of a first specified value of the radial cutting amount and a second specified value of the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and transmits the input first specified value and second specified value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device receives the first specified value and the second specified value, and 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, transmits fourth interference state information including a fifth graph showing the relationship between the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction and the maximum value of the physical quantity, to the display device. 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 the relationship between the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction when the cutting volume is the fixed value, and the difference obtained by subtracting the variation range of the physical quantity from the maximum value of the physical quantity. The display device displays the sixth graph included in the received fourth interference state information on the interference state screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 16.

18. The tool information presentation device transmits first interference state information including a first map showing the distribution of the maximum value of a physical quantity indicating the interference state for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and a second map showing the distribution of the variation range of the physical quantity for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, to the display device. 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 from the user for each of a first specified value of the radial cutting amount and a second specified value of the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, and transmits the input first specified value and second specified value to the tool information presentation device. The tool information presentation device receives the first specified value and the second specified value, and 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, transmits fifth interference state information including a seventh graph showing the relationship between the radial cutting amount and the maximum value of the physical quantity to the display device. 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 the relationship between the radial cutting amount when the cutting volume is the fixed value and the difference obtained by subtracting the variation range of the physical quantity from the maximum value of the physical quantity. The display device displays the eighth graph included in the received fifth interference state information on the interference state screen. The tool information presentation system according to claim 18.

20. The interference state information includes a third map showing the distribution of the difference obtained by subtracting the maximum value of a second physical quantity indicating the interference state between the second tool and the workpiece from the maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating the interference state between the first tool and the workpiece for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. The interference state information includes a fourth map showing a distribution of a difference obtained by subtracting a variation width of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between the second tool and the workpiece from a variation width of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the first tool and the workpiece, for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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 the second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the first tool and the workpiece, and the axial cutting amount. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The interference state information includes a tenth graph showing a relationship between a difference obtained by subtracting a variation width of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between the second tool and the workpiece from a variation width of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the first tool and the workpiece, and the axial cutting amount. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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 the second tool and the workpiece from a maximum value of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the first tool and the workpiece, and the radial cutting amount. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

25. The interference state information includes a twelfth graph showing a relationship between a difference obtained by subtracting a variation width of a second physical quantity indicating an interference state between the second tool and the workpiece from a variation width of a first physical quantity indicating an interference state between the first tool and the workpiece, and the radial cutting amount. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. The interference state information includes a fifth map showing 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 with time as the tool rotates, for each of the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. The interference state information includes a sixth map showing a distribution of frequencies indicating maximum values of frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of a physical quantity indicating the interference state that changes with time as the tool rotates, for each of the radial cutting amount in the rotational radius direction and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. The interference state information includes a seventh map showing a distribution of ratios of the frequencies indicating maximum values of frequency components higher than 0 Hz in the frequency spectrum of a physical quantity indicating the interference state that changes with time as the tool rotates, for each of the radial cutting amount in the rotational radius direction and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction, to the cutting frequency of the tool's blade. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. The interference state information includes the maximum value of the physical quantity indicating the interference state in one rotation of the tool. The tool information presentation device determines whether the maximum value of the physical quantity in one rotation of the tool falls within a first allowable range when at least one of the radial cutting amount in the rotational radius direction and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction satisfies a first setting condition. The display device displays a first determination result as to whether the maximum value of the physical quantity falls within the first allowable range. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. The interference state information includes the fluctuation range of the physical quantity indicating the interference state in one rotation of the tool. The tool information presentation device determines whether the fluctuation range of the physical quantity in one rotation of the tool falls within a second allowable range when at least one of the radial cutting amount in the rotational radius direction and the axial cutting amount in the rotational axis direction satisfies a second setting condition. The display device displays a second determination result as to whether the fluctuation range of the physical quantity falls within the second allowable range. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. The tool information presentation device executes a selection process of selecting one or more tools based on the physical quantity among a plurality of tools. The display device displays information regarding the one or more tools selected by the selection process. The tool information presentation system according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. The selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, the tool for which the minimum value of the physical quantity regarding the axial cutting amount in one rotation of the tool is minimized when the radial cutting amount is changed, in the tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

33. The selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, the tool for which the minimum value of the physical quantity regarding the radial cutting amount in one rotation of the tool is minimized when the axial cutting amount is changed, in the tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

34. The selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, the tool for which the minimum value of the physical quantity regarding the axial cutting amount in one rotation of the tool is minimized when the radial cutting amount is changed, in the tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

35. The selection process is a process of selecting, from among the plurality of tools, the tool for which the minimum value of the physical quantity regarding the radial cutting amount in one rotation of the tool is minimized when the axial cutting amount is changed, in the tool information presentation system according to claim 31.

36. A tool information presentation device for presenting information about a tool for turning processing, comprising an output unit that outputs, for presentation to the user, interference state information indicating an interference state between the tool and the workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount of the tool for a specific tool.

37. A tool information presentation method for presenting information about a tool for turning processing, including: a step in which a tool information presentation device transmits interference state information indicating an interference state between the tool and the workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to the radial cutting amount and the axial cutting amount of the tool for a specific tool to a display device; 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.

38. A tool information presentation method for presenting information about a tool for turning processing to a user, the method comprising: a step in which a display device receives interference state information indicating an interference state between the tool and a workpiece in one rotation of the tool with respect to a cutting amount in the radial direction of rotation and a cutting amount in the axial direction of rotation of the tool for a specific tool; and a step in which the display device displays the received interference state information.

Images