Adding Barcode Labels to Tool Assemblies

This tutorial will explain how to use Barcodes with your tool assemblies and the Tooling Cloud. You will need the following:

Barcode Reader
Brother P-Touch Label Printer that has barcode capability and will use the label tape shown below.
1/4" wide Industrial Laminated Label Tape AVAILABLE HERE

These labels are very durable, are not affected by coolants and oils and have high strength adhesive. Mounting the labels under the flange has proven to be very effective and long lasting. The label is protected from chips and because of the gap on standard toolholder systems is not affected when the tool is in the spindle.

Step 1: Use P-Touch Software

Set to 1/4" tape.

Step 2: Click Barcode Button on Bottom of Page

This will open a window.

Step 3: Press Set-Up Tab

Chose "small" for Label Width and "left" for Show Characters

Step 4: Click Input Tab

Enter the Dashboard six digit number and press OK.

Adding Barcode Labels to Tool Assemblies - Step #4
Download

Step 5: Print Barcode Label

After printing you may have to trim the ends to make it fit on the toolholder flange. Clean coolant and oil from back of toolholder flange. Make sure the surface is dry and affix the label. You may have to trim the label to fit. If so be sure not to cut-away any of the bars of the barcode in its entirety. Leave enough that can be scanned. Test your label with a scanner.

To locate the tool assembly in the Tooling Cloud, simply place your cursor in the search box in the upper left hand of the Tooling Cloud screen. Scan the barcode and the assembly will appear highlighted in blue.

Step 6: For BIG-Plus and HSK Tooling

Affixing the label on simultaneous fit holders may not work. You can apply the label as a band around the toolholder just under the flange on the cutting tool side. Set the label length to 1" longer than the circumference of where you are going to apply the label. Determine this by by measuring the diameter with a caliper and multiplying it by 3.14, then adding 1. Make sure surface is clean and dry. Start with the end of the label opposite the barcode and wrap the label around the toolholder, overlapping with the barcode so it is fully visible. Heavy chips may tear away at the label.

To locate the tool assembly in the Tooling Cloud, simply place your cursor in the search box in the upper left hand of the Tooling Cloud screen. Scan the barcode and the assembly will appear highlighted in blue.