Embedded Files
CAM Setup
CAM Setup
The important thing to understand when using CAM is that the part/workholding setup in the software has to EXACTLY match the physical, real-world setup on the CNC
With proper post-processors and modern CNC machines, the CNC machine will move and perform actions EXACTLY as you can see simulated in CAM software
Tool Library Creation
Tool Library Creation
Just like with proper part/workholding setup, tool setup in CAM has to EXACTLY match the physical, real-world setup on the CNC.
What this means is that if all variables and geometry of simulated tools in CAM are identical to those in the real world, the CNC machine will exactly match
When creating tool libraries, you want to prioritize using tools from the following libraries, in the order shown below:
Shop-wide tool libraries
Machine-specific tool libraries
Job/Part-Specific tool libraries
Aside from exact dimensions and geometry, you can also input cutting parameters like Speed, Feed, Depth of Cut (DOC)/Stepdown and Width of Cut (WOC)/Stepover, and more
Importing these parameters when you create your tool library will save you from having to manually adjust these parameters every time you use each tool
NOTE: When using Fusion 360, it is recommended to enable Cloud Libraries in your preference, that way any tool libraries you create will translate
Toolpath Generation
Toolpath Generation
After setting up your workpieces, workholding devices, and tools within CAM, the next step is to generate toolpaths
There are many kinds of toolpaths out there that serve different purposes and are better or worse than others for machining certain features/geometry of your parts
Modern strategy for generating and organizing toolpaths include:
Roughing & Finishing: Roughing means to remove material as efficiently as possible, without regard to surface finish of the part. When roughing, you want to leave a minor amount of material remaining on the part (AKA "Stock to Leave") to clean-up with a Finishing Pass, which typically removes the minimum amount of material, and may use different speeds/feeds to achieve desired surface finishes on parts
Pro-Tip: Use the "2D Adaptive" toolpath for Roughing passes, and the "2D Contour" toolpath for Finish passes
Bottom-Up Machining: When finding out where to start removing material, the most efficient strategy is to remove material as far down the part as possible, and working your way up layer by layer until you get to geometry/features at or close to the top of the part
3.2✔ CHECKPOINT
3.2✔ CHECKPOINT
Rose Index Tool Library
Rose Index Tool Library
In the Manufacturing environment within Fusion 360 create a cloud tool library for the tools listed.
In the Manufacturing environment:
Go to the Manage drop-down menu (top, right corner).
Select Tool Library.
Create new library under the "Cloud" section (left hand side)
Create "Cutting Data" presets for each tool as you go with the following information:
Name: Mild Steel (Low Carbon)
Surface Speed:
Carbide: 670 SFPM
HSS: 95 SFPM
Feed Per Tooth (Chip Load): .003"
Name Corner Radius Diameter Flute Length Overall Length Type
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