How to set up a tool numbering system that lasts
A good tool code has a few fixed parts and a sequence number: category, size and number. With the CAT-DIM-SEQ scheme a Ø10 solid carbide end mill becomes EM-0100-0001. Long "meaningful" codes with coating, length and everything else age badly. Those details belong in the description; brand and maker's part number in separate fields, because a tool from another brand is another tool and gets its own code.
Size in tenths of a millimetre
The size is written in tenths of a millimetre on four digits, so codes sort cleanly: Ø6.8 becomes 0068, Ø10 becomes 0100. Tools without a diameter use a short code, such as ER32 for a collet or M8 for a tap.
Coding inserts
For inserts the size is the shape plus size of the ISO code: CNMG 120408 becomes IN-CNMG12-0001. The full code, with radius, chipbreaker and grade, goes in the description, so two radii of the same insert stay two codes with the same root.
From an Excel sheet to a clean tool list
The trouble with tool lists in Excel is duplicates: the same end mill written three ways, with three codes. The generator compares the description with the existing ones, ignoring case, symbols and filler words, and warns you when a similar tool already exists, before a new code is created.
Starting categories
| Code | Category |
|---|---|
| DR | Drill |
| DH | Deep-hole drill |
| SD | Spade drill |
| ID | Indexable drill |
| EM | Solid carbide end mill |
| IM | Indexable mill |
| IN | Insert |
| TH | Tool holder |
| CH | Chuck |
| RM | Reamer |
| TP | Tap / threading tool |
| SP | Special tool |