User Parameters in CAM

[Cbyrdtopper]

This has idea has been recently archived, but I feel that the Fusion team should seriously consider making User Parameters available across multiple work environments.  This would allow Fusion to become even more fully parametric if this function was available. 

I have a few instances where the ability to use parameters inside cam would allow me to make a parametric change to my model and immediately get back into CAM and simply regenerate my tool path and get to cutting. 

Here are two examples.

The first example . As you can see there are 3 instances of my pattern, however, sometimes we use 2 or 4 instances.  On another product line we range from 2-8 instances.  If I could use my User Parameter in the Patten --> Number of Instances box I wouldn't have to go in and change it after I update my model, I could simply regenerate my toolpath and start cutting. 

The second example, (see PocketDepth picture).  I would like to have my tool take two roughing cuts, half of the cut on each cut.  I would like to have this formula in my Multiple Depths box.  (PocketDepth/2)  When we change the Pocket Depth on our model this would automatically update the Adaptive Clearing Max Depth per pass. 

[Cbyrdtopper]

Going through my simulation I noticed that My nested patterns (I have a linear pattern inside a circular pattern) were not ordering by tool correctly.  To fix this, I had to pattern each tool individually.  No problems there, but this makes it more imperative that CAM parameters be available.  I now have to change my circular pattern, and 3 separate instances of my linear pattern (See Picture).  Being able to put a parameter in the Number of Instances will save me a lot of headache when we kick this into full production using Fusion 360.  

[H2omatt]

I slot holes in PVC pipes on a VMC and the width and spacing changes often. because of the slot shape I have to use a trace tool path then linear pattern the hole sets.  It would be great if we could use parameters in ALL environments. 

[scottmoyse]

Just to aggregate these ideas a bit. I created an idea about this a while back, with @ArjanDijk having created the first idea relating to this back in 2016, but that one got archived:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-ideas/access-inventor-parameters-in-inventor-hsm-operation/idc-p/...

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-ideas/allow-cad-parameters-to-be-used-in-tool-amp-toolpath-expres...

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-ideastation/please-add-parameters-for-cam/idi-p/6884918

[ArjanDijk]

I replied also to this topic: Curious about the progress

Thanks @scottmoyse or bringing this up. Hoped that the HSM API would fly after releasing, but there is a standstill. I think Autodesk should release the option to edit the parameters from the API and access Inventor parameters from an operation together.

But if you look at the timeline:

January 2016: Introduction Fusion CAM API, not changed since then

August 2016: Opening Ideastation and this and this idea's

November 2017: After a customer that was promised an API within 2 years complained @al.whatmough created an idea about the HSM API

April 2018: HSM API had a first basic implementation

• Post operation
• Regenerate operation
• Suppress/Unsuppress operation
• Change operation name
• Read parameters

I read the API DLL and it seam that you only need to change "GET" to "SET"

So @jeff.pek . In 2017 you said "But, we'd definitely like to have as complete and useful API in Inventor as possible.". This seems like a nice step. Add SET to GET and read Inventor parameters from operations.

It would make HSM so much more powerfull?

[jeff.pek]

This is on our near-term roadmap. Still need to work out precise details.

Will try to reach out to people who have posted here for feedback when we finalize an approach.

[ArjanDijk]

@jeff.pek Thanks for the quick response. I have a Fusion API project now and would like to show you in a screen sharing session what limitations I'm facing now. (maybe I oversee a easy solution). It might give you some ideas on how to approach improvements.  Is that possible?

[Cbyrdtopper]

@jeff.pek thanks! 

This is awesome, I can't wait for this to be implemented.  Looking forward to answering any questions you have .

[jeff.pek]

Hi @ArjanDijk : I probably don't have time for a session today, but can probably do that next week. I have a sense of what would be useful. Can you start with a mail/post here? And then we can do a follow-up if there's something surprising or that we don't understand?

Thanks for your interest in these things!

Jeff

[Cbyrdtopper]

@jeff.pek,

If the Autodesk Team is going to look into parameters, could you mention this idea as well.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-ideastation/re-ordering-for-user-parameters/idi-p/7252878

Re-order parameters.

Thanks!

[wsmoy]

Bump.

I'm having a bug where patterning features or faces crashes Fusion. Patterning in CAM would have been a workaround for me, but I was disappointed to find out this was *still* not implemented...

[Cbyrdtopper]

1. @wsmoy 
2. In the recent update to Fusion's roadmap there was a mention of this topic.   Hopefully that means it will be implemented soon. 
3.  

[SGoldthwaite]

Finger's crossed.  This would be a nice feature.

[c60nils]

Any status on this.   It really should be included, you can access parameters from everywhere else.   I mean fusion 360 is really all about parametric modelling yet the last mile of actually manufacturing something is left out.   Especially with the ever increasing cost of fusion 360 these sort of "details" become more necessary. 

[ArjanDijk]

Is on the near Fusion roadmap. Hope it comes to Inventor CAM too

[byrdtoolcorp]

@ArjanDijk Looking forward to it!!

[scottmoyse]

Agreed I also hope it comes across to Inventor CAM... but I suspect not.
Kind Regards
Scott Moyse
Manufacturing Technical Specialist Autodesk Expert Elite
P: +64 9 302 4028 M: +64 21 055 7775
scott.m@cadpro.co.nz

CADPRO Systems Ltd
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