Method and device for tool data exchange

A non-transitory computer readable medium, storing instructions for processing tool data on a machine tool having a data interface for connection to a tool management system, wherein

• the instructions, when executed by a control device of a numerically controlled machine tool, cause said machine tool to carry out a process comprising:
• acquiring a unique tool identifier, WID, of a tool to be picked up;
• matching the acquired WID with previously known tool identification data of the machine tool;
• if it is determined that the tool to be picked up is not yet known and/or updated tool data for the WID are available:
• automatically, via the data interface, retrieving tool data directly from the tool management system based on the acquired WID or automatically retrieving the tool data directly from the tool to be picked up;
• determining a loading location for the tool to be picked up based on the retrieved tool data and preferably, picking up the tool at the determined loading location.

A control device for a machine tool having a data interface for connection to a tool management system and to an application-based control system, said control device being configured to:

• acquire a unique tool identifier, WID, of a tool to be picked up;
• match the acquired WID with previously known tool identification data of the machine tool;
• if it is determined that the tool to be picked up is not yet known and/or updated tool data for the WID are available:
• automatically, via the data interface, retrieving tool data directly from the tool management system based on the acquired WID or automatically retrieving the tool data directly from the tool to be picked up;
• determine a loading location for the tool to be picked up based on the retrieved tool data and preferably, pick up the tool at the determined loading location.