Vacuum table CAM problem

[greenwoodmike]

Hello all,

Im trying to design a vacuum table in fusion 360. I have two files, one for the top and one for the base. I have the base file drawn, but when I try to create the tool paths for the slots, the program takes a very long time (10min +) to render, if it does at all, and the paths are incomplete. In other words not all of the slots are milled. I have tried adaptive clearing, pocket, and slot CAM operations with no success.

You would think that this would be a very simple drawing and design, but for me its proving to be impossible to get it completed successfully. I have spent so much time on this drawing, I could have made about 20 of these by hand using a router and a straight edge.

I'm hoping that someone here might be able to share with me "the error of may ways", so to speak.

This should be the link to the file.

https://a360.co/2IQI7iV

Thanks,

Mike

[etfrench]

Here are two similar ways of doing it in the attached file:

One uses a pattern of each block.  It will be rather slow as it will recut two sides of each block.

The second uses a pattern based on a new sketch.

@jeff_straterFusion 360 crashed twice while creating these toolpaths: CER_167417702 and CER_167418877

[etfrench]

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@greenwoodmike wrote:

You would think that this would be a very simple drawing and design, but for me its proving to be impossible to get it completed successfully. I have spent so much time on this drawing, I could have made about 20 of these by hand using a router and a straight edge.

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With a little more practice, you won't even be able to get the router out of its storage, before you have the model done

Try to use patterns on faces and features as much as possible.  Fusion 360 doesn't like large patterns in sketches.

[greenwoodmike · Accepted solution]

WOW! First let me start by saying thank you for the quick response.

After taking some time to review all the information you provided, and re creating the drawing based on your tips, I now have a very efficient drawing and CAM file to work with. I have to admit, while I was familiar with patterning, as you pointed out, I was doing it at the sketch level then extruding all the individual blocks, which was really bogging down the program. I didn't know you can use patterning as part of the extrusion process. Also, I had no idea that you can also use patterning for the CAM cutting operations. Needless to say, your tips were very enlightening!

Thank you so much for taking the time to put the screencast video together and providing an updated 360 file showing the approach you took to getting the file to work efficiently.

It really is great to know that we have resources like yourself available to help.

Thanks again!!

Mike