Why does fusion rotate the tool for multi-axis toolpaths?

[Anonymous]

Hey, I am practicing programming for 4th axis machining, as i notice the tool rotates around the stock, as oppose to the A axis stock rotating while the Z and X move accordingly..

Why is this? is there a way i can make it work like a traditional 4th axis? its terrible to program and collision avoid like this.

Kind regards.

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

At the moment, it's a case of "use your imagination". In the not too distant future, we will be seeing more and more Machine Simulation, but that is not going to be around anytime soon, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Quite cataclysmic to me, im not used to seeing the head of my machine rapid around the stock, but if some more machine simulation is coming soon that sounds good, Thanks!

[seth.madore · Accepted solution]

Soon™ is a relative term and provides no guarantees as to the actual "when"

😄

[Anonymous]

Yeah sure, thats okay, its still a amazing software, i would like to see more 4th axis, and machine simulation stuff, just more cam stuff in general, as this software is so good.

And do you know why we have to pay extra for the cut tool and rotary and steep and shallow toolpath? 😑, that was a huge nail hammered into the tip of my toe.

[seth.madore]

Both of those were technology that was ported over from PowerMill, which became available to Autodesk after the acquisition of DelCam, which came at a somewhat hefty expense of approximately 286 million USD (LINK)

The value created by what's already in "core" Fusion is quite hefty, allowing many small shops to do everything they need to do over the course of their life. These added functions are there for the shops that do even more. 

The way I look at it (as a customer myself) is this: Base Fusion is sub-$500. EVEN IF I wanted to use the Extension all year, that would "only" cost me around $2400. While that sounds like a lot, keep in mind what a SW, MasterCAM, Esprit maintenance would cost. I pay (personally) $2750/yr for PC-DMIS maintenance, and that does nothing more than inspect my parts.