Threadmilling fustration

[Anonymous]

I need some guidence on Threadmilling.  I have read the dozen or so posts regarding this issue with Fusion360, however, I havent found a solution I understand.  By this last statement, you can infer that I am new to CAD/CAM and Fusion360.  I am attempting to thread 6x32 holes in 56 HRC (and harder) steel, which requires the use of a threadmill vs. tap.  I have managed to get all the CAD and 90% of the CAM completed (and working) just to find out that there's no Threadmilling on Fusion 360.  From what I understand is that you can threadmill using the EM tool applicatoin and then tell it which way to rotate, pitch, etc.....but where are those command functions?  I guess I need a little more "Hand holding" or detailed walk through.  Unfortunately, I am running up (and now virtually through) my deadline.

Any and all help is greatly appriciated.

[HughesTooling]

How far have you got with the design and setting up the CAM for it, can you export a test file as an f3d so we can help.

Also have you read through the help on thread milling. Help

Is your problem setting up the thread mill op or with the control and postprocessor?

Mark

[jeff.walters · Accepted solution]

Setting up a thread mill is fairly straight forward.  You will find the operation under the 2D ops.

attached is a sample file that might help.

[Anonymous]

Of course, hiding in plain sight!  Sorry about that. But this prompts a secondary question.  I dont notice Single point threadmill in the tool profiles.  This is something I will need to create?

[Anonymous]

Well Jeff had pointed out the obvious which was posted below.  Basically, threadmilling was under 2D Ops, Thread.  Now that I have that particular issue solved, onto the next.  While 360 does seem to have the threadmilling operations, it does not have any Single Point Threadmill(s) in the tool library or catalog.  So, I can greatly use the help to configure/create this particular tool. I am using a Harvey Tool #6 single form cutter, but so far I am having trouble plugging in the right dimentional components into the right places.  Since they dont have a threadmill drop down, I was trying to use an End Mill, but the configuration is sligthly different regarding what I need to put in for shoulder length, flute length etc....

[HughesTooling]

I don't think you can setup a thread mill at the moment in Fusion. What you can do is set up a slot drill with the right diameter but make the cutter length very short like this. The sim will not look right but the toolpath will be OK.

Mark

[Anonymous]

Thanks.  I was just playing around with that.  I am just a little timid because these cutters are $75 each.  Not a lot of $$$ room for error here. I will most likely cut this weekend.  

[jeff.walters]

As it’s been said we don’t currently has a tread mill tool type. Nor do we support form tools just yet either. The thing to remember when it comes to thread milling the only advantage to using an actual thread mill will be simulation. The code output will be exactly the same if you use a flat bottom mill and a thread mill.

I'm not trying to minimize the importance of the simulation just pointing out it won’t effect you program.

[skrubol]

You've probably already run your part by now (and hopefully not consumed too many thread mills,) but you may want to do a test run on some super soft materials before cutting the steel.  My only time running a thread mill I started with styrofoam, then plastic, then finally the actual steel part just so I could watch a 'real' simulation.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately time was of the essence and I kinda just dove right in.  I started with small, undersized cuts which you could imagine took forever but I rather go slow and get it done then fast and delayed (again).  Maggi from Harvey Tools was awesome with getting me dialed in on speeds/feeds and DOC.  After our brief conversation, I recalculated the CAM routine and it was off to the races.  Fusion360 really made it easey once I got over the fear of braking things.  Now once they get the threadmilling options upgraded and 4th Axis included, all will be right in my small corner of the world.

[Anonymous]

PLEASE tell me that Fusion finally accepts full form thread mills by now!? Having a nice solid carbide, full form, thread mill for doing a bunch of 3/4"-10 holes through a 3/4" thick plate is great; a single revolution and you've formed the thread from top to bottom....and it is fast!.......Unless you're attempting to drive this tool with fusion 360; it wants to treat it like a single point tool regardless of what I try. This is a HUGE waste of cycle time; in this case it'll be far better hand written.

 Why can't we get FULL FORM thread milling in Fusion 360?????????????? Anybody????????

                                                   Mike Ward

[LibertyMachine]

You can actually. Hole Top/Top Height = Hole Bottom -1.5 pitch, Hole Bottom = Hole Bottom

So, Hole is .500 deep. Thread size is 1/4-20. Select Hole Bottom and give it an offset .075. For the bottom depth, tell it "Hole Bottom" unless you are in a blind hole, in which case you can/should give it a small offset so it's not rubbing on the floor.

Simulation is another story altogether. Just use an endmill of the appropriate size. The code will be good

[Anonymous]

Thanks dude; that was sweet! Worked like a charm too.

                         Mike Ward.