Fusion 360 / Tormach 4th Axis

[osdtechnical]

This is probably a two part question, I have enabled Mill / Turn in the cps but I see no reference to the A axis in the workpiece setup and The Z axis is defaulting to the wrong orientation and no matter what I do I cannot seem to change it... This is probably user error that could be corrected with some documentation. 

So, am I trying to do something that requires a further plugin beyond the capabilities of the standard package

or

Is there any current documentation or tutorials on using the rotary tables in F360 (I have found some but it all appears to be for much older software)

[engineguy]

@osdtechnical 

See images below for selection/setting areas using the Tormach Post Processor.

If you wish to do an operation on for example the front of a part that is at say 90 degrees to the top face then you just use the "Tool Orientation" facility and at the machine the G Code will have an A90 command that will turn A Axis so that the part is then correctly aligned with the Spindle so the operation can be performed.

If you are wanting to do full continuous rotation operations the if you do not already have it you will need to purchase the "Machining Extension".

 

[serge.quiblier]

Hi @osdtechnical 

If this is a milling machine, there is not need to change the post into a turn mill post.

As @engineguy pointed, you just need to define the kinematic in the post.

Regarding training resources, take a look at these links:

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/resources

https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/courses/

Regards.

[osdtechnical]

Engineguy - Can you step through how you got to those screenshots, I've had a look and cannot find those settings anywhere in F360 ? There is an A axis setting in Kinematics but there seems no further options than simply enabling it .. See screenshot

[serge.quiblier]

What you are showing is the machine kinematic definition in the machine file.

I have a doubt about the definition of your rotary axis.

The rotary axis is either changing the tool orientation or changing the part orientation when used.

If it is changing the tool orientation, it should be defined in the "head" branch of the kinematic.

If it's moving the part, then it must be in the table "branch".

Your definition put it in the static branch. It's incorrect.

Second point, what @engineguyshowed you, is in the post option dialog when creating the gcode.

As the tormach post may not have been updated to grab the kinematic definition from a machine configuration file, it's not a necessity for this post, now, to have that file.

But as a kinematic may be required, the post processor is exposing parameters in the Nc program dialog when posting.

Regards.

______________________________________________________________

If my post answers your question, please click the "Accept Solution" button. This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[osdtechnical]

I've downloaded and opened the .cps file for the machine and there appears to be no area in the text as shown by engine guy. I attach the file. BTW - I'm not looking for functions that would require the extension to F360, simply rotating the work so that holes can be drilled at various points in a tube.

[engineguy]

@osdtechnical 

That Post Processor is for a Lathe, not a Mill so the area of PP that I showed in my previous post does not exist.

I think that we need to get right back to basics and get you producing the correct code for your CNC before you start trying to use a Machine Simulation, it is not required (although nice to have) in order to create parts on your Tormach CNC, I will try and do a short video that may help you with the basics as soon as possible. 🙂

It would be very helpful if you could upload a photo of the machine so we can see exactly how you have your 4th axis unit orientated on the CNC bed, eg, does it lie paralell with the X axis or the Y axis, is the unit to the Right or Left if it is on the X axis, is it to the Rear or the Front if on the Y axis ??

[engineguy]

@osdtechnical 

OK, as promised, some video that may or may not be of some help to you, if you still have any questions then please feel free to post them and someone will I am sure have an answer for you 🙂

Tormach Post Processor used is also attached.

[engineguy]

@osdtechnical 

A more complex file attached for you to play around with 🙂

[engineguy]

@osdtechnical 

Original file did not appear to have uploaded correctly, here ir is again 🙂