Error: Contour(s) cannot be machined. Warning: No passes to link.

[Anonymous]

In this particular design (https://a360.co/2YF7fjX), I am unable to create some slot tool paths to CNC my parts.  See the error in the title.  I've gone through the troubleshooting tips and other forum posts.  No luck. 

I was able to design and CNC very similar test parts using Fusion 360 CAM.  I compared settings between the two designs and I can't see any difference.  

The projects is publicly linked above and is downloadable.  Please feel free to have look and let me know if you spot the problem.

[seth.madore]

Truthfully, Slot is such a lousy toolpath in what is and is not permitted to work. I just cut that toolpath out completely and use 2D contour. 5 years running and I still have yet to say "man, I wish I could get Slot to work"

[Anonymous]

Seth,

Thank a bunch for the response.  Honestly, don't know enough about CNC to know when to use slot vs contour.  So I'm fine switching over to a contour.  Yeah, it cuts with the smaller 1/16" endmill, but it's the 2mm that I really want to use so that is can cut in one pass.  When I switch the contour to use the 2mm bit, it gives more errors.

Warning: A contour was not machined because the given lead parameters would cause a collision!

Warning: No passes to link.

Generation completed with 2 warning(s) in 190.2ms.

Warning: Empty toolpath.

There doesn't seem to be any collisions.  The "slot" is 2mm wide all the way around.  Any idea why this won't work?

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

If you are trying to use the same size tool as the slot size, it's not going to work. You will need to either lie to the tool library and define the tool as slightly smaller, or use negative Stock to Leave to accomplish what you need.

Be wary of lead-in/out moves, as they may gouge.

In the sample you shared, you were using a 1mm tool, no?

[Anonymous]

The 1mm tool is one that I created just to try to get the tool path to generate.  I don't actually have a 1mm tool.  

So by using your tricks, lie about tool size or negative stock to leave, the contour path is created but it cuts in a circumference around the slot, cutting more material than desired.  Also, it means the tool will cut that inner tab loose before making another pass around.  In my testing, this tends to bend or tear the parts, or throw them across the room.

When I had the slot path working on my test parts, it cut in one center path.  Is there no way to get that centered path without slot tool paths?

[Anonymous]

Seth,

No end of headache here.  I've been working with the design trying to get some solution to work.  At the point, I can't even select a tool path.  For example, if I create a new operation, contour or slot, it won't allow me to select any path to cut.  My only option is to cancel the operation.

Please advise.

[dylan_smith]

If putting in false tool values and changing the stock to leave value to negative is giving you undesired results, maybe the best alternative is to maybe source a smaller tool? 

[Anonymous]

Dylan,  I'm willing to accept that compromise.    However, the CAM tooling in Fusion 360 has frozen up on me.  It won't allow me to select any contour paths or slot paths.  I'm stuck.  Please check it out and let me know what you think.

https://a360.co/2YF7fjX

[Anonymous]

I tried this solution: No dice.  Basically I exported the component, uploaded it as a new design.  Still can't select contours.  I also tried creating a component with just the bodies I want to CNC, exported it, uploaded it; still can't select contours.  

I also tried to roll back my history to a point where I was previously able to select contours.  That didn't work.

I must be doing something really silly, a noob mistake.  But this is soooo frustrating.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

In a last ditch effort, I tried uninstalling Fusion 360, and reinstalling it.  It worked.  I'm once again able to select contour paths.  It had nothing to do with my model.  

Truly disappointing.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Furthermore, I was able to get the slot to work.  It was a matter of fillet-ing my sketch so that all the corners of the slot have the same radius as the tool.  

[dylan_smith]

@Anonymous Great stuff!