Tool library: Feeds/speeds confusion

[Anonymous]

I'm new to Fusion 360 CAM and CNC machining in general, so this may be a dumb question.

I'm looking at the default tools and how to add my own.  It seems fairly easy to add a tool, but one thing that confuses me is how it seems like Fusion 360 stores feeds/speeds along with each tool's definitions.  This seems weird to me - it looks like I have to have a separate definition for each type of material I want to cut with the same bit.  Wouldn't it make more sense to store feeds/speeds separately, and have the user select a material and a bit separately?

Am I misunderstanding something?  Maybe this is just a standard thing with CNC tool libraries?

Thanks for any help!

[Steinwerks · Accepted solution]

In my experience, yes, this is pretty standard. What I've done is create a library for each material type and keep my tools set for each one in there. You can also change cutting parameters per toolpath. The tool library is also still under development and in beta mode there are a few hints with where it's going (IE cutting conditions all kept under each tool) but it's not implemented yet.

The larger issue is that feeds and speeds are more than just material dependent. There are instances in which feed must go up or down, surface speed must be adjusted, all sorts of considerations. While I agree that storing a single set of parameters per each tool definition is not the most efficient, it's what is available right now. Although there are hints as to where it's going in beta mode, I wouldn't suggest turning it on just to see as there is no functionality there yet.

[sahart2]

@Steinwerks Hello!  I am new to toolpathing and was wondering if you have a tool library with feeds and speeds programmed that you are willing to share?  I understand feeds and speeds may vary with every operation but it would be super helpful to have a starting point!

I mostly work with plywood, mdf, and acrylic!

Let me know 🙂 Thanks!

[Steinwerks]

Unfortunately I do not have a tool library that I would be able to share. As I also do not cut any of those materials (the closest being acrylic perhaps) it may not be of much use either.

I'd really recommend looking into a program like HSMAdvisor if you're struggling for starting feeds and speeds though as they can be a huge help in overcoming those issues.

[cj.abraham]

Multiple feeds and speeds for a single tool definition is in the works. A feed and speed profile will also include other parameters like stepover, stepdown, coolant mode, etc.

[Anonymous]

I work with all of those materials daily. Onsrud.com Their catalog has great tooling and recommended chip load for the materials. Just plug that into the "Feed per tooth" box , how many teeth it has, what your spindle speed is. done