Patent ID: 7337038

Claim:
In a processor controlled sheet fabrication machine, a method of determining whether a tool can be used to work on worksheets of different thicknesses, comprising the steps of: a) storing in a tool database the respective manufacturer designated grind lives for the tools to be used by the machine; b) storing in a worksheet database the respective thicknesses of the worksheets to be fabricated by the machine; c) updating the grind life remaining on each tool in the tool database by monitoring at least the portion of said each tool that interacts with worksheets after usage of said each tool; d) wherein when a worksheet is to be worked on by said each tool, retrieving data relating to said each tool from said tool database and retrieving data relating to said worksheet from said worksheet database; and e) determining from the retrieved tool and worksheet data whether the grind life remaining on said each tool would allow said each tool to fabricate said worksheet.