CAM API - Create Setups?

[pat.callahan1]

 In a video or forum comment Brian Eakins explained that scripting is not seen as a way to create a complete model, but rather a way to support creation of a model with additional UI functionality.  Knowing that, I proceed to create the basic outline of my model in Python using scripting.   My project has a number of simple flat panels with various openings. I was surprised how far I got in the CAD portion of my project using just a few API calls. 

Here's what I found most useful in the CAD space:

From a few simple python dictionaries and arrays, I was able to create 20 separate panels as individual components.  I was able to populate each panel with a series of openings. 

When I came to the CAM side, I found information from early 2016, that indicated that the CAM API does not contain API methods to create Cam setup objects. 

It seems kind of basic that an API for an object would expose a method to create one.  Am I missing something?

[ekinsb]

I don't remember everything I said in the past but it should be possible to build most parts entirely by using the API.  Most of the modeling features are supported by the API and it's great that you've had the success you've had.

However, as you've also found, the capabilities exposed through the CAM API are currently very limited.  Mostly what the current CAM API lets you do is update and export what's already been manually created.  I agree that it would be very useful to be able to automate creating tool paths.  It's a matter of priorities for the CAM team.  I don't know when more functionality will be exposed.

[pat.callahan1]

How do we lobby for better scripting support?

[ekinsb]

Post your request in the Idea Station (https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/ideastation-request-a-feature-or/idb-p/125).  You'll certainly get my vote.

[daveprecise]

Hi Brian- 

Just read the CAM API page. Is there any way to retain the setup (the "only" difference" would be the lofted surface to machine and toolpaths) in my file or do I have to create a new set up for each lofted surface created through the API script you helped me with? 

Thanks!

David

[ekinsb]

I'm not sure I fully understand your question but if you're just modifying existing geometry you should be able to automate the modification and then force the existing toolpaths to recomputed.  If you're adding any new geometry there isn't currently any way to modify an existing path to edit what it's supposed to cut.

[daveprecise]

Hi Brian-

I was trying to avoid having to set up cam everytime I created a new curve/loft. Now I understand that it is in fact a new model everytime a dataset via the API is used to create said surface.

So, this begs the next question (but I suppose this take me away from the API side) - once the curves are created, how can I use a formula/expression to modify coordinates once inside Fusion?

See pic. Thanks!

[ekinsb]

The easiest way to edit an existing model is to edit the parameters controlling it.  In your case you would create dimension constraints to the points on the curve you want to modify and then you can edit the parameters controlling those dimensions.  It's also possible to directly modify the point positions through the API but it's more difficult because you have to find the correct point.  Here's an example of editing parameters.

http://modthemachine.typepad.com/my_weblog/2016/04/fusion-meetups-and-melting-butter.html

[tdcambridge]

So there is no way to control the stock size via the API?    This was "promised" in phase 2 of the API.  Thanks 

[ekinsb]

The CAM API has been stagnant since the initial realese.  Phase 2 hasn't happened yet and is not currently scheduled.  It's up to the CAM team to prioritize this in relation to their other tasks.  It would be best to post a request in the IdeaStation so more people are aware of the need and others can also express their interest by voting on it.

[tdcambridge]

Ok thanks!

[tdcambridge]

Hi what about importing  CAM setups and fixturing via the API ?  

[ekinsb]

I'm not sure that CAM supports that in the UI but even if it does, the API does not expose this capability.

[tdcambridge]

Thanks what about using this method?   https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/ideastation-request-a-feature-or/cam-fixture-model-import/idi-p/54005...

Is there a place I can see this explained further?   It's not exactly an API but I guess allows an externally specified fixture be imported into a cam workspace?  

[ekinsb]

I looked at the comments for the idea you linked to.  It was referring to being able to create fixture models and re-use them in your CAM designs.  They say that this was solved with the introduction of external references in Fusion.  In my tests tool path data is not referenced when you create an external reference so I believe this only solves the issue of re-using geometry.

[tdcambridge]

Thanks for your clarification on this.  What about the API for Inventor or HSM ?  Do they have a way of loading externally dictated fixtures and stock sizes?   Thanks 

[ekinsb]

Just to clarify one thing, if it's just re-use of a model as a fixture then you can do that through the API today because the API does support inserting an external file into a design.  That really doesn't have anything to do with CAM but is just a modeling operation.

As far as Inventor or HSM itself, there's no API for the Inventor integration and I don't know about HSM.

[erik]

I know this is an old thread but I just wanted to say that I posted a request in the Idea Station for creating setups using code.

Link: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-ideastation-request-a/create-stock-setup-through-api/idi-p...

[corry.daus]

Any movement on the CAM API Phase-2?

[erik]

I just wrote a post in the CAM forum where @balsmen answered and said they are working on something a he would see if he could find a more up to date CAM roadmap.

Post: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-computer-aided/the-future-for-the-cam/m-p/7792273#M43735

Though, I haven't heard anything the last couple of days in regard to my last post.

- Erik