Linking External Dimensions

[edwardproj]

Hi,

I'm not entirely sure what this is called, so hopefully I can explain it better.

Lets say for example my business is making lots of different sized metal rings. The size of the ring and size of the material used will determine what tools are used. Also a couple of check boxes to state what the ring is used for, this will modify the dimensions say to make it a clearance or interference fit. Also check boxes to determine the type of material used, this will modify speeds, feeds and depths of cut.

I saw this done a long time ago in excel, where it did the input and calculations and then output dimensions linked to a model in the CAM software, it then automatically generated the G-code.

So my question is, is this possible in fusion 360 and if so, please send me lots of links and examples. 

Thanks 

[BrianEkins]

I believe what you've described should be possible.  You'll start by creating a parametric model of the ring that you can configure to be any of the desired shapes by modifying parameters and/or suppressing and unsuppressing features.  You also need to create all of the toolpaths that will be required.

The program will take the various settings as input, either from a dialog the user interacts with or by reading them from a file. The program will contain the logic to know which parameters values to change and which features to suppress or unsuppress based on the input values.  The API supports changing parameter values and suppressing and unsuppressing features but your logic will determine which parameters and what the new values need to be and which features need to be suppressed.

For the toolpaths, the API supports editing the settings associated with an existing operation and also supports suppressing or unsuppressing an operation.  Your program will need the logic of which operations need to change and what the new settings should be.