why does export> NCroute> fail to export a rte file with the tool size defined?

By the year 2026, I would hope Excellon file generation wouldn't be producing random results.

When it does work, this is the route file header I need.   CAM350 needs it to set the correct route toolsize and show artwork correctly:

M48
METRIC
T01C.6

I'll admit that going into  SETUP> User Preferences Editor> >Paths >Config >ncpath  and adding my pcbenv path solved a few problems. 

But..

WARNING(SPMHMF-326): Cannot find NC Route bit tool file 'ncroutebits.txt'
WARNING(SPMHMF-327): ... will auto-generate bit tool file 'ncroutebits_auto.txt'.

Auto-generating tool file 'ncroutebits_auto.txt' ...

0.6000 T01

After about 15 iterations, it always says it can't find then made a new routebits file.  But, it's stopped including those lines in the .rou.

CAM350 guesses and sets it to 2.31mm, which is bad.  No idea where that's coming from.

It works fine, but there is a bug in cam350.

Your parameter file for the drills and routes need : the following checked.

Automatically create drill ncroutebits_auto
Leading Zero Suppression
Enhanced Excellon Format  "Should be using this for everything" <<<<<<<<<<<

The default file produced for the routing is a .rou file for nc-routes

When creating the actual drill file check these.

Auto Tool Select
Separate files for plated non plated holes
Optimize drill head travel

Best regards.

I responded to your question. Flagged as Spam LOL. Wow most sad. Trying again.

Check The following in your NC Parameters Setup.

Automatically create drill_ncroutebit_auto
Auto create drill ncroutes
Leading Zero Suppression
Enhanced Excellon Format

Wnen creating your drill file use.

Auto Tool select
Seperate Files for plated Non plated holes
Optimize drill head travel

When creating the Routes file Check.
Seperate Files for plated non plated routing

Best regards.

ugh.  Needs work on documentation. 

Arguably, the issue starts with:   why the toolsize isn't exported by default?

Not useful without the toolsize.

Thanks!  Need to work on this so my coworkers are successful.

No, Your issue here on the NC routes is you are not using "Enhanced Excellon Format" in your parameters file !

The NC Route file creates std g-code which is a profile of the routing to be performed, the width of your slot is typically the tool size, however at the board house for routing they may use one of their STD router bits instead. As long as the physical routing bit is smaller than your slot it can route out the board. The important thing here is the profile information.

If you use Enhanced Excellon Format" The tool will be listed in the file. Here is an example at the start of the routing file using enhanced EX format.

M48
INCH,TZ
T01C.056
;EXTENTS: -6.800  -7.000  21.200  10.000  
;LEADER: 12
;HEADER:
;CODE  : ASCII

Here is an example of not using the enhanced excellon format. No tool shows up.

;EXTENTS: -6.800  -7.000  21.200  10.000  
;LEADER: 12
;HEADER:
;CODE  : ASCII

Best Regards.