Mashup of toolpath generation ("5D Swarf" and "Cutting")

[fungus_among_us]

Hello,

I need a reality check, and I apologize if I'm out of line by asking this question.

I have adapted a FANUC 6-axis robot for plasma cutting, and I have created a post-processor to generate the "code" which is loaded to the robot (very similar to normal CNC operation).

I have a "hack" in place right now where I use the 5D "swarf" lead-in and lead-out motion commands to trigger the "plasma on" and "plasma off" commands. It works, but the whole thing is messy. Most of what I'm doing is flat, so standard "cutting" operations are fine, but occasionally it is very nice to utilize the full 5D capability.

I would _like_ a "swarf" type 5D tool for "cutting" operations, but this does not yet exist.

Could someone with experience in the CAM API lend some wisdom regarding whether or not this goal is even achievable with CAM API or some other method (perhaps a custom plugin?)
I do not yet posess the requisite skills to modify this, but I didn't have the skills to build a custom post either. I'm always up for a challenge, I would just like to know if I'm "barking up the wrong tree" from folks more experienced than I am.

[fungus_among_us]

It's been a couple of days, so I thought I might encourage some responses 🙂
If this is an incredibly stupid question, please tell me why.
I am looking for wisdom from those with experience whether or not what I am attempting to do is fruitless.

Guidance is appreciated on whether or not I can use the API to create a tool that combines the power of the "cutting" tool and the 5D "swarf" tool.
Thank you!

[kandennti · Accepted solution]

Hi @fungus_among_us .

I've only tried a few things so I don't know the details.

I've tried the sample program in the documentation in the past.

https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/?guid=GUID-AEF0708D-B657-4E9F-9032-4535E0D1C417 

As you can see in this sample, the current API does not allow you to call the toolpaths provided by Fusion360, but rather calls a template file to create the toolpaths.

Perhaps this is the limit.
I don't think it's possible to create a new feature like "5DSwarf" even with the API.

[fungus_among_us]

Thank you @kandennti , that's the advice I needed.

In my specific situation, I am using a 1mm diameter "imaginary" tool, setting a depth of cut such that the tool has the proper arc gap, and on the post processor side I process the toolpath to make it compatible with the robot/plasma operation. It's a little funky on piercing operations, lead in and such, but it seems workable.

For anyone else in a similar boat, templates are a decent compromise.