Missing toolpath option? HSMWorks versus Fusion 360.

[BrianM_12]

I have just spent a lot of time trying to duplicate a successful 3D Contour operation I carried out about a year ago in HSMWorks by performing it in Fusion360 (I also tried HSMWorks/Inventor). Failing to duplicate the operation I used an old copy of HSMWorks to compare with Fusion 360. (Background, I was hoping to convert from SW/HSMWorks to Fusion 360.)

I found out the difference between the two programs. I now need to know whether this feature was deliberately removed from the HSMWorks program on conversion to Fusion 360 CAM, whether the feature was eliminated in error, or am I just not finding the correct key strokes to carry out the operation. There may be a way of working around the difference explained below but I have not found it. If there is one I would be pleased to hear about it.

Here is the situation.

The first steps in setting up the cutting operation I need are the same in both HSMWorks and Fusion360:
Load model.
Select "New Operation".
Select "3D milling".
Set the tool as required.
Select "Geometry".
Select "Machining Boundary" to " Selection".
Select "Tool outside boundary".

NOW, HERE IS THE DIFFERENCE AND IN MY APPLICATION IT IS CRITICAL.

In HSMWorks you can select an individual model face (surface) simply by clicking on it, in Fusion360 I can find no way of doing this.

The result is that in HSMWorks I can independently machine any selected surface on the model - which is a very useful option. In Fusion360 this does not appear to be possible. In the HSMWorks tool path the cutter starts outside of the model, makes a cut, and then exits away from the model again as you would expect, in Fusion360 the tool paths created cut through the model.

Could one of the experts try this and tell me whether thiis very useful operation no longer exists or am I just not pressing the right keys.

[HughesTooling]

Can you export an example so we can see how you're selecting the surfaces. It sounds like you've selected the face under Model and that's not what it should be used for. You should select Avoid\Touch Surfaces and tick the Touch option leave the Model option unchecked. Also make sure the whole model is selected in the setup

 Mark

[BrianM_12]

Mark,

The actual work piece is pretty complicated but I will try to make up an example.

I see your point about using "Model" under Fusion360. I am not selecting under "Model". The sequence of actions I gave is accurate.

Under my version of HSMWorks under "3D Contour/Geometry" you can select from the following options;

"Machining Boundary

Slope

Rest Machining

Model

Check surfaces"

I select "Machining Boundary"

Under "Machining Boundary" the first drop down box allows you to select from:

"Bounding Box

Silhouette

Selection"

I select "Selection"

When "Selection" activates you are presented with a blue selection box. It is then possible to select individual faces from the displayed model by simply clicking on the required face. I can find no way of selecting individual faces in this selection routine under Fusion360.

This ability to select individual faces for 3D treatment can be very useful. For example, it allows you to use 2D cutting on some faces of the model and use 3D cuts on other faces. I can find no way of doing this under Fusion360. Importantly HSMWorks seems to understand that you will be machining the individual surfaces so it plans the entries accordingly without cutting into the model.

Brian

[HughesTooling]

I think I understand now and no it's not available at the movement. I think what you're after is face selection instead of just boundary selection, it is in the beta mode at the moment. One of my PCs that had Fusion installed when the whole CAM system was in beta still has the beta mode enabled and does exactly what you're describing so it's on the way, don't know when though.

Mark

[HughesTooling]

Here's a thread about face selecting, on the last page there's a bit about the beta mode, might be worth contacting Al.

Mark

[BrianM_12]

Thanks Mark. My question is being dealt with directly by the team.

Thank you,

Brian