Introduction and Overview

Owned by Kevin Strider (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Oct 25, 2024 by Geoffrey Brennan
4 min read

Introduction

Before you can use the Cutting Parameters Add-on, you must first use CAM Assist to compute a toolpath strategy (see Getting Started with CAM Assist).

CloudNC Cutting Parameters is the engine behind CAM Assist’s computation of toolpath strategies. The Cutting Parameters add-on exposes that engine in the form of a graphical user interface (UI) that can be used to examine or fine-tune a set of inputs (including the cutting parameters) for a selected operation toolpath.

The Cutting Parameters add-on enables you to amend the inputs and dynamically produces recommendations for the selected operation. The inputs originally come from the Fusion Browser that was populated by CAM Assist computation’s of a selected toolpath strategy for the associated part.

The Cutting Parameters add-on provides you with an area for experimentation without affecting the operation in Fusion.

image-20240719-145622.png

Overview

The diagram below shows an overview of a typical workflow:

  1. Open the Part - open the part in Fusion.

  2. Compute a Toolpath Strategy - use CAM Assist to compute a toolpath strategy (see Getting Started with CAM Assist).

  3. Select an Operation Toolpath - from the Fusion Browser that was populated by CAM Assist’s computed toolpath strategy

  4. Open the Cutting Parameters Add-on - via a right-click on the selected operation toolpath (see Opening the Cutting Parameters Add-on).

  5. Amend the Inputs - use the features of the Cutting Parameter Add-on’s UI to amend the inputs associated with the selected operation toolpath (which includes its cutting parameters).

    • As you amend the inputs, the Cutting Parameters add-on makes dynamic recommendations.

  6. Save Operation - when you are happy with the recommendations, you can save them, which updates the selected operation toolpath in Fusion.

intro_and_overview.png
Cutting Parameters add-on - amending an operation toolpath

Scope

The Cutting Parameters add-on makes recommendations for the following operations and tool types:

  • Roughing

    • Flat end mill

    • Radius end mill

    • Ball end mill

  • Finishing

    • Flat end mill

    • Radius end mill

    • Ball end mill

  • Holemaking

    • Drill

    • Spot drill

  • Threadforming

    • Tap

  • Chamfer/Deburring

    • Chamfer Cutters

For more introductory information on the features used by the Cutting Parameters add-on, see Inputs and Recommendations.