Cold Mold -CAM Programming using an ATC - in Fusion 360

This is part of a collection of Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Machining, CAD and CAM, exercises to support AutoDesk Fusion 360 instruction. License-free examples are a resource for instructors who can customize the presentation or Fusion 360 files to suit. Presentations are delivered as MicroSoft Powerpoint’s“ppt” files.CAD/CAM files are delivered in Fusion 360’s “f3d” format. The value of the Fusion 360 files is that they contain the design steps or history and machining information when opened with Fusion 360. The exercises are useful in multiple industries, advanced manufacturing, art and engineering. In CNC machining, CAM projects require programming to turn a Workpiece into a Part defined by the CAD model. The intent of this exercise is to introduce Fusion’s CAM features to employ different tools on a machine with an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). The strategy with this presentation is to follow a simple model, a Cold Mold half, being cut with 5 tools, using six tool paths, and two Setups. This fits a three axis mill. These exercises have a designation at the end of their name, BEG, MID, and END, indicating when they may be appropriate during the class term. A MID requires skills learned earlier in the class. An END designation would be for learning a Fusion tool that is not akey to machining needs, but would be part of AutoDesk CAD certification exam. “Direct Modeling” or “free-form” design modes would be more appropriate for art or industrial design. This ColdMold CAM exercise is a MID exercise as it requires some prior experience with Fusion 360’s CAD features.