Tool selection device, method, and program, and NC program creation system

A tool selection method comprising:

• an analysis step of determining a feed direction and a pick feed direction of a tool, based on the shape of a machining region including a multi-curved surface or information relating to a machining surface in the machining region, and creating parameter information in which at least a value relating to a minimum radius of curvature in the machining surface and a value relating to a maximum radius of curvature in the pick feed direction are recorded;
• and
• a selection step of selecting a tool to use for machining the machining region, based on the parameter information, from among a plurality of tools having a bottom cutting edge formed in a curved-surface shape and a side cutting edge formed in a curved-surface shape having a radius of curvature different from a radius of curvature of a curved surface of the bottom cutting edge;
• wherein in the parameter information, a value relating to a curvature of a corner portion of the machining region, a value relating to a curvature of a fillet portion, and a value relating to a height of the fillet portion are further recorded.

A tool selection program causing a computer to execute:

• a process of determining a feed direction and a pick feed direction of a tool, based on the shape of a machining region including a multi-curved surface or information relating to a machining surface in the machining region, and creating parameter information in which at least a value relating to a minimum radius of curvature in the machining surface and a value relating to a maximum radius of curvature in the pick feed direction are recorded;
• and
• a process of selecting a tool to use for machining the machining region, based on the parameter information, from among a plurality of tools having a bottom cutting edge formed in a curved-surface shape and a side cutting edge formed in a curved-surface shape having a radius of curvature different from a radius of curvature of a curved surface of the bottom cutting edge;
• wherein in the parameter information, a value relating to a curvature of a corner portion of the machining region, a value relating to a curvature of a fillet portion, and a value relating to a height of the fillet portion are further recorded.