CAD/CAM Training

Computer Aided Design & Computer Aided Machining (#computer-aided-design on Slack)

This class teaches the basics of computer aided manufacturing using Fusion360. Fusion 360 for personal use is basically the only all-in-one design and manufacturing suite so we use it extensively. This class is a heavily recommended but technically optional prerequisite to the CNC Router Authorization class. If you’ve never used a CNC machine before then please take this class first.

Fusion 360 for Personal Use

Homework Videos (Watch before signing up for class)

1. What is a CNC machine, and what is gcode
2. Intro to Fusion, Timeline, Environment Tree, User Preferences
3. Modeling

Training Checklist

1. What is CAD/CAM/CNC?
   1. How smart are CNC machines
2. What we’re trying to achieve <Video>
3. Design a square with ‘denhac’ cut into it
   1. Measure your stock first!
   2. How to use Calipers: Outer Measure, Inner Measure, Depth Measure, and Stepdown Measurement
   3. Use a relative or fixed size box to define the stock
   4. When cutting all the way through your part, you only want to mill 1 or 2 millimeters into the spoil board to avoid onion skin, milling too far into the spoil board can wear down the machine though (please, PLEASE do not hit the aluminum if you can help it)
4. Tool library walkthrough & End Mill considerations
5. Toolpath generation
   1. Talk about feeds, speeds, and climb vs conventional cutting
   2. Spindle speed 18k rpm
   3. If you’re using the included Fusion 1/8″ tools, they default to 3 flute endmills with a small chip load. Set your number of flutes correctly and you’ll see the chip load change
6. Simulate, Simulate, Simulate
7. Export your gcode
   1. Put it on the NAS
   2. You can use the design PC in the fishbowl to export your gcode, since it has the pro license your travel moves will be faster and you can use more features