4th axis - support needed for continuous non-cylindrical 4th axis tool paths

[gerry_kmack]

The current implementation of non-indexed 4th axis in CAM is pretty limited:

--it only supports 2d adaptive, pocket & Contour 

--it only works on a cylindrical surface.

I'd like to see Autodesk expand its capabilities, to allow the generation of 4th axis toolpaths for shapes that are non-cylindrical and/or asymmetric.

For example, I need to make a part that has a helix that spirals outward. That's a perfect application for a full 4 axis CAM toolpath.

I just checked out the current roadmap & there is no mention of any 4th axis improvements... 😞

[cj.abraham]

We do want to add support for more 4th axis toolpaths, but it is not in the immediate future.

[Trintignant]

This, so much this.... I am a FabLab instructor and technician, and developing better interface and tools for 4axis machining would enable ALOT of labs to do cool stuff with their 4axis machines. Good vector based 4axis cam is rare and usually super expensive and is therefore a big limiter for the labs. Btw. Autodesk (wink wink) there is almost 1200 FabLabs worldwide now (fablabs.io)... also a cool estimate is that there is almost 4 times as many makerspaces, hacklabs etc. 

[kristjanpg06]

I'm just waiting for this option - 4th axis toolpaths for shapes that are non-cylindrical and/or asymmetric.

I'm making a lot of parts out of wood that I currently need to make indexed pockets to cut. Being able to make a rounding pocket and parellel toolpaths for shapes that are non-cylindrical would not only make the cutting process faster but also make the finish better.

[marcus]

Can't wait for this to happen.

Currently using a second CAM program just for this type of work (organic shapes on 4th axis)

while only evaluating Fusion360 for 3 axis, technical objects (part that have parallel, flat surfaces, holes and symmetries).

[Max_Marz]

Begging for more 4th axis support. I want to replicate this toolpath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2fOnqqBEC8

[Anonymous]

And Autodesk just stopped ArtCAM witch did the job.

It seems it's not a big task to add "wrap toolpath" to the 3D parallel. Basicaly just replace X (or Y) with A (and some scaling)

I hope the "future consideration" of Fusion team will not be too far.

[darran]

I'm relatively new to CAD/CAM (but thankfully have years of experience in 3D modelling). I have spent the last 3 months intensively learning Fusion 360 and this – continuous 4th axis toolpaths for non-cylindrical parts – is the first time I've run up against a Fusion limitation. Please keep pushing on this front.

[michaelthompson83]

If you added this feature it would show off how much of a powerful tool Fusion 360 is.  Just imagine all of the video's that will be produced on social media from people like myself showing off our companies capabilities and how much of an effect this will have on promoting Fusion. 

Even a swarf milling option that can be used for 4th axis simulatanious machining for finishing walls on oil & gass parts such as J slot held in the 4th axis on a 3 axis vertical with a 4th axis unit added. Rather than having to program the J end detail as a 3+1. At the moment i believe this is limited to 5 axis machines in Fusion.

[Madcow2]

Please add this feature.  No reason not to.

Thanks

Erik 

[mlangN8XKB]

Adding real 4th machining would be a game changer.

[steveWSQS4]

Please add 4th axis only flow tool paths, kind of amazed that it will do 5-axis but skipped this simple step.

Thanks

Steve

[johnptc314159]

The 4th axis cam missing from fusion really needs to be solved.

There are lots of bells and whistles that took development time, but this is really basic.   Do we really need more generative design when such basic functions are missing.  see also thread dimensions in 2d and closing open loops in a sketch......

Try to stay in the present and not worry so much what fusion and inventor may do down the road.