Getting started with a CNC Plasma (Langmuir Crossfire Pro)

[manoweb]

Hello, so far I feel confident in the 3D modeling in Fusion 360. I have made relatively complex designs.

I am about to setup a CNC Plasma table. Assuming that part is taken care of, meaning the cutting process and the machine are tuned in and provide satisfactory results with test cuts, I would like to learn the "state of the art" CAM workflow in Fusion360 for this application.

In particular, my 3D models may be made of components that are positioned in space (in particular, not placed on any of their "XY, XZ, YZ" planes) but when seen from a certain angle, flat with a thickness equivalent to the stock material. What is the right way to take a component placed in an arbitrary position and make it ready for CAM?

I ask this because if I want to get a 2D DXF output of each part, I have to create a named view perpendicular to a face and then use that for the drawing. This seems tedious, so maybe there is a better way.

If necessary, I can come up with a sample file that shows my situation, but I'd like to understand the best practices over spoon feeding.

Also, I follow a number of Youtubers that have great tutorials about design but they don't do much CAM at all, so suggestions on who to follow for this part are welcome, thanks!

[seth.madore]

For the YouTube content, try these two gents:

Lars’ Youtube

NYC_CNC YouTube

For your first question:
It doesn't matter one little bit where the parts are in the Modeling environment. When you create your Setup (which is the first step anyone should do), you are going to want to select "Select Z and X axis" in the Setup dialog and then define what face is going to be perpindicular to the Z axis (usually the top flat face on a part) and an edge that will be running along the X axis to define...well, your X axis.

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

Also, this video may be of interest to you: Arrange in Fusion 360

[manoweb]

Thanks for the video, it seems to be very useful for my case.

[manoweb]

I have looked at that and other videos and I have found many clarifications. However let's think about this scenario:

I have a part that is 6ft long. My machine can only cut up to 4ft.

What I could do is to take that component, modify it in a way so it's divided into two parts that I can cut independently and then weld.

However, I woudn't want to mess with the component in the design, because the cut/weld operation is just a manufacturing detail. What is the correct workflow in this case?