Fusion 360 post processor output to UCCNC headaches

[Anonymous]

First, I must state that I have spent hours researching this problem before finally deciding to register and post on this forum. I don't wish to upset anyone with a nagging problem that has previously been addressed. I have read every post related to my problem, but no real solution is available.

My machine is a Stepcraft 840 that I purchased last month. It is interfaced with the UC100 dongle device and controlled by the UCCNC software supplied with the purchase. It took me about one week of assembly time to completely build the machine from kit. I did find plenty of errors in the assembly manual. However, the Youtube assembly support videos certainly are helpful.

Before my purchase, I was expecting to use Fusion 360 as my CAD program of preference. As an electrical engineer, I rely on Fusion 360 for all projects. In short, it is a fabulous piece of software for all professional engineers. I have used Fusion 360 for about one year to successfully generate the g-code to control my other CNC machine.  The workflow is smooth and painless.

Sadly, though, Fusion 360 and its list of post processors are not enough to adequately control my Stepcraft 840 model. To date, the only piece that I have been able to machine is the Stepcraft logo provided as a sample file to test the machine following its construction. That file had been previously generated by some software other than Fusion 360. Aside from that first test job, my 840 has been useless. I have read about problems that other users experienced. They are the same problems that trouble me, but I have made some progress, as a result of this forum. I thank those members who have posted their results under this section of the forum.

After building my CAD model in Fusion 360 and selecting Mach3 as the post processor, I loaded the g-code into UCCNC only to be surprised by a list of arc error alerts and a toolpath preview that is pitifully inaccurate. I read about another Stepcraft member who posted a UCCNC post processor provided by Autodesk for use in controlling a 4th axis. I tried that processor and the arc errors went away, but now I am left with a toolpath job that extends beyond the 840 machine's Y-axis softlimits, according to the UCCNC warning. In the preview window, my model is, indeed, exaggerated in the Y direction with a ridiculously long toolpath travel that stretches far into infinity.  The actual pocket routing toolpath appears decent, though.

At this point, I am out of further suggestions after exhausting my research efforts. I am really frustrated with my Stepcraft 840. It has not served me well and has only robbed me of valuable engineering time. I wish to be among the group of satisfied Stepcraft members who have achieved success with control of their machines via Fusion 360. I have even a UK professionally produced Youtube video with step-by-step instructions for machining carbon fiber material using Fusion 360 and a Stepcraft 840 machine--the exact same setup as mine.

Please pardon my plea for help with a problem that has been previously presented on this forum. Can anybody provide a few tips?

[LibertyMachine]

For starters, please share the sample file that came with your stepcraft, it will help immensely in getting you sorted out

Don't despair and throw in the towel. The posts are very customizable (that's a word?) and it can be made to work.

By chance, did you reach out to the individual in UK to see what he was using for the post?

I

[Anonymous]

Thank you, Gearsoup, for reading my post.  I will attempt to attach my sample g-code file later today, as you recommended.  Yes, I did post my question in the Youtube comments field, but I never received a response.  Early today, I directly contacted the UK company that uploaded the video.  I was informed that the person who could help me with my predicament was on holiday leave, and that my concern would be addressed upon that person's return.

[Anonymous]

Did you ever find out how to solve the reason your file was coming out extending past the softlimts and zoomed out in in the view window? I'm having the same problem.

[LibertyMachine]

@Anonymous my best suggestion for you:
Start a new thread and provide as much detail as possible. Also provide your part file and what post processor you are using, along with any and all results and error messages

To share your part file: File > Export > Save to local folder. Attach the .f3d file in your forum post

[AchimN]

Hi all,

there is also a specific stepcraft UCCNC post on the library:

http://cam.autodesk.com/posts/?p=stepcraft_uccnc

[LibertyMachine]

@AchimN I know you have no say in the matter, but why is it not at all uncommon for the Online Post Library to have more updated versions of the posts, over what is shipped with Fusion? You'd think that every update to Fusion would include the latest generic posts, across the board..