topic Ynt: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!! in Fusion Manufacture Forum

Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

motoxprepper — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:44:04 GMT

I have a little winch drum that I am trying to make as a test piece to prove that it can be done. I know it is physically possible on a 2 axis cnc lathe, but I cannot figure out how to get Fusion to program the groove features, as its somewhat complex. This style of groove is called a "Lebus" groove. It is basically a straight groove for 270deg of the circumference, then it shifts over to the next groove in the other 90deg of circumference at a set pitch. So basically a threading program that only threads one quarter of a revolution of the spindle, and is stationary the other three quarters revolution. Any help would be appreciated, or even if you can help with coding this by hand, I am desperately trying to figure this out. I have hand coded some g32 lines, and that seems to be the way to do this, but can not get it to do what I want. (Fanuc)

Link to part model:

https://a360.co/3NllA3g

Video of it being successfully done:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oODOEYbdSSw&list=FLgf0zYgeQnvDRiMpykczWmQ&index=4

Re: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

a.laasW8M6T — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:57:02 GMT

You are correct, fusion cannot do this.

I'd be surprised if any cam software could.

That video does show the code and macro on how they do it in G code. why not just use that?

Re: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

motoxprepper — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:12:51 GMT

That is not a Fanuc control, so I was worried about compatibility issues. I
guess it would not hurt to try.

Re: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

a.laasW8M6T — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 20:23:43 GMT

If you understand the logic there should be no problem adapting the syntax to your particular control

Ynt: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

satinalmaM9UHS — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:01:24 GMT

This is not a motion that can be programmed with these G codes. If you manage to machine this by turning, let me know as well.

Fusion can do this, if you have a C axis lathe.

Ynt: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

satinalmaM9UHS — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:26:35 GMT

My advice would be to use 30 + 150 + 30 + 150 degrees instead of 90 + 270 degrees.

Re: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

programming2C78B — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:33:08 GMT

How do you model something like this?

Can you cheat it and do a 4th axis mill code but with a non-rotating Turning tool? Would probably have to be a round button insert if so.

Ynt: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

satinalmaM9UHS — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:42:40 GMT

I prefer to do the modeling in AutoCAD and add some auxiliary lines in the model to help me create the toolpath. However, instead of machining it by turning, I use live tooling and machine it with a ball-nose carbide end mill having the same diameter as the groove.
As for the design, it definitely needs to be revised. A steel wire rope cannot make such a sharp turn as you have drawn.

Ynt: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

motoxprepper — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:03:16 GMT

This was just going to be a test part anyways. But really, this would not even be close to the size we are planning to make for drums. We are planning for anywhere from 12" O.D. to 72" O.D, with lots of different wire rope sizes. possibly bigger in the future. I am working on a macro program for the double transition Lebus now. Will let you know once I get it ironed out.

Ynt: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

satinalmaM9UHS — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:22:35 GMT

I would appreciate it if you could share it with me as well. I had asked this same question on this forum before you. If you share your final design, I may be able to give some advice.
Most likely, the groove on the drum will continue inside a cover that you will place at the end of the drum. And in order to make this transition seamless, using live tooling with a programmed operation will be more practical for keeping the dimensions under control. I’m curious about the result.

Ynt: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

motoxprepper — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:47:39 GMT

We do not have any machines with live tooling here. I wish we did! It would
be much easier.

Re: Can Fusion Program this? I'm thinking no. Help!!

john.ning — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:59:08 GMT

If you could handwrite codes from the thread variables you are doing, then you can modify the post to do the same thing.