topic Re: Need help with 3D Toolpaths in Fusion Manufacture Forum

Need help with 3D Toolpaths

djlunty — Fri, 08 May 2026 02:39:31 GMT

In the attached file I have created 3D toolpaths but I am not sure they a the best way to cut out the object. There are also a couple of problems:

- the 3D Adaptive has lots of collisions and I don't know why.

- when all the tool paths are finished there are small ridges along the inside edges (Photo attached). Not sure why the contour toolpath did not get rid of these.

This will be cut from wood on a 3 axis CNC

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated - this the first time I have used 3D toolpaths.

Doug

Re: Need help with 3D Toolpaths

matty.fuller — Fri, 08 May 2026 08:27:52 GMT

Your collisions in the Adaptive are because you've set the stock to Silhouette for some reason, so it is pluging into what it thinks is air at rapid speed... this should be "Remaining Stock" which is the default. If you want to limit the area machined you should be using a boundary instead.

The little bumps you're seeing are there because of the combination of finishing strategies and tools you've chosen not hitting those areas. It's technically impossible to finish this part with a 3 axis machine, but you can get closer.

I would definitely not be using Parallel for this part and probably not Contour either. Steep & Shallow gets you pretty much there in one shot, even with a flat endmill (try a ball as well):

Pencil is also helpful to get into the corners on the to clean up the results you highlighted, but as you can see doesn't do much for the floor of the ramp.

Re: Need help with 3D Toolpaths

djlunty — Fri, 08 May 2026 16:39:00 GMT

@matty.fuller

Thank you for the reply. I got the 3D Adaptive to work. I do not have the Manufacturing extension so Steep and Shallow is not available to me. What would be the next best tool paths to use.

Doug

Re: Need help with 3D Toolpaths

matty.fuller — Mon, 11 May 2026 09:01:18 GMT

Steep & Shallow is kinda like using Parallel and Contour at the same time, but limiting each to a Slope value of 0-45 and 45-90. You can try that, or use Avoid/Touch Surfaces to control which each will target.

For a simpler and similar start just try Scallop.