How it relates with other 2D and 3D CAM programsĪdditional information required for CAM (material, tools, fixtures, etc.) With Fusion 360 CAM, you can generate G-code that runs on the following tools at Maker Works: CAM is the bridge between a CAD model (created in Fusion 360 or another program) and the G-code that runs on the actual CNC machine. Our next test cut was far more successful.In this class you’ll learn the basics of CAM using Fusion 360. Unlike the other explanation text, this doesn’t mention the setting as a potential compensation to lack of machine rigidity, but it worked. To tell Fusion 360 to take shallower passes, we can select the “Multiple Depths” option. Making full use of all cutting surfaces on the tool is a reasonable default, but that involves removing far too much material at once for our mill. We also wanted to take shallower cuts in the material, as by default Fusion 360 generates code to tell the CNC to plunge into full cutting depth of the cutter. Most real CNC mills in operation today are rigid enough for climb milling, so this was a reasonable default value for Fusion 360 to use, just not for us.

Our machine is not rigid at all by CNC mill standards and must be switched over to “Conventional Milling”. Key phrase in that explanation: This generally gives a better finish in most metals, but requires good machine rigidity. But what if we didn’t even have that much knowledge? Thankfully Fusion 360 included a brief explanation accompanying many settings, including the “Sideways Compensation” parameter relevant here. We’re not professional machinists, but we knew enough to know this is not a good way to go for this machine. Looking over parameters for tool path generation, the first item we noticed is the default of “Climb Milling”.

We now need to tell Fusion 360 how to be kinder to it. We know our project machine, built mostly out of salvaged parts, is not a CNC powerhouse. In parallel with investigating points of weakness within the physical structure, we’re also learning how to make Autodesk Fusion 360 CAM friendlier to hobbyist grade CNC mills.

Cam fusion 360