Something out of the norm started this morning

[Anonymous]

NC creation. Got this error and here is the code and message.

Error: This post configuration has not been customized for 5-axis simultaneous toolpath.
Error at line: 805
Error in operation: 'Steep and Shallow1'

(Bold item is the line 805 called out in the log)
G2 X-2.315 I-2 J0.752
G1 Y12.63
G2 X-2.08 Y12.865 I-2.08 J12.63

My run is setup for 3 axis (all 2D), not 5 axis. Never had a problem until today.

I have ran this part many times with zero errors. 

[seth.madore]

Are you using a Steep and Shallow toolpath? The free entitlement to the MFG Extension drew to a close at the end of the month (June), and with that, access to Steep and Shallow, which is part of the powerful (but optional) Manufacturing Extension.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. New to CAD all together. Chose F360 because of the features and ease of use. Time to find a new software. 

One way to eliminate future sales is to remove functionality. 

[seth.madore]

Woah woah, let's set this straight:

The MFG Extension was always an additional cost, that was never hidden. All the tools in the Extension are optional and serve little purpose to most smaller shops with 3 axis machines. When the global pandemic hit, a lot of programmers were forced to work from home (or furloughed). The decision by Autodesk to open it up for a limited time for free was clearly stated as having a firm cut-off point, which was July 1st. 

Steep and Shallow is nice, right? But, it's essentially just combining two toolpaths; 3d contour and Scallop (or Parallel). The resulting toolpath can easily be done with what's already in Fusion, S&S just made it a lot more streamlined.

But hey, good luck finding comparable value in other CAM packages. 😉

[Anonymous]

• Seth, great point about the two different tool paths. Being new to all of this, I have yet to see that in all the videos I have watched. 
  
  
• by far 360 has been awesome!  I will not deny that. From the ease of use, videos and support I am sure I will not find anything compatible. 
  
  
• it was just a huge shock to see that this morning. I really appreciate your info and will look at a different method to create my pathing. 

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

For sure!

So yeah, Steep and Shallow is awesome, no doubt. My explanation is an oversimplification and I'm sure the dev's would kinda be put off by my comparing S&S to "just Contour and Scallop being slapped together". But essentially, that's what they are.

Now, S&S does have some cool tools in it that aren't in Contour, Scallop and Parallel; even point spacing, multi-axis applications among a couple items. But, for the last 6 years, we got along pretty well without S&S by combining multiple toolpaths to "get the job done"

When you run into snags, hit us up, we're always glad to help!