topic Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL in Fusion Manufacture Forum

Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

louis_walmsley — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:15:00 GMT

Development ticket reference: CAM-71256

Seems like it should be a rather standard feature for this type of Z-level toolpath to allow constant tool engagement at every Z level during stepdown.

Most capable CAM applications have this feature.

Re: Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

kacper.suchomski — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:18:37 GMT

Have you read about the Ramp strategy?

Re: Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

louis_walmsley — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:23:35 GMT

I know about Ramp - however, I want to machine shallow areas with a finer stepdown value. So basically a complete toolpath - see example from Powermill below...

Using Steep and Shallow in Fusion looks OK from afar, but a close look shows that the initial stages of shallow machining produce kinks from using the Scallop style.

Therefore - to get the toolpath I want, I either have to not spiral the toolpath OR create multiple toolpaths for each of the regions.

Louis W

Re: Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

Laurens-3DTechDraw — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 09:09:23 GMT

Have you tried using the Smoothing -> Evenly Spaced points in the Steep and Shallow toolpath? That should help with your scallop issues.

Re: Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

louis_walmsley — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:55:22 GMT

I did, yes. Tried it from 0.5 down to 0.002. It didn't make much difference at all. In some areas, it looked worse.

Re: Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

oleg.tikhomirov — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:58:33 GMT

Hi @louis_walmsley

Thank you for the feedback. I think it should be possible to add support for Machine Shallow Area in Ramp strategy. The option is availble in Contour strategy, but not in Ramp. Is it what you need?

Re: Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

louis_walmsley — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:30:07 GMT

Hi Oleg.

Yes, either include Machine Shallow Areas within the Ramp Strategy

include a Spiral option within Contour.

Meaning the tool can have a large stepdown for the vertical section of a part like that. Once it reaches the Radius, continue the same toolpath with a smaller stepdown, without the tool ever losing contact with the material.

Is this likely to be included in a Fusion update within the coming months?

Re: Feature Request : Allow 3D Contour toolpath to be able to SPIRAL

oleg.tikhomirov — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:53:16 GMT

Thank you. I've created CAM-71336 (Support Machine shallow areas in Ramp)