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Manufacturing extension required for 4th axis?

jphalip
Enthusiast

Manufacturing extension required for 4th axis?

jphalip
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi,

 

I'm looking to add a 4th rotary axis to my CNC router. I already have a paid Fusion 360 license, but it looks like to access the 4th axis functionality I'd need to upgrade to the Machining extension. Is that correct?

 

If so, unfortunately the cost for the extension would be a little too steep as a hobbyist :slightly_smiling_face:  so I'd have to look for an alternative tool.

 

Thanks.

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AdamKunzo
Collaborator
Collaborator

You can use indexingtoolpath (3+1 axis) and wrapped 2 axis toolpath without the extension.

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jphalip
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

@AdamKunzo Thanks for your reply. I assume you're referring to the "Wrap toolpath" option in the 2D adaptive clearing/procket/contour (see: https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/?guid=GUID-7FF25192-AED7-4230-92DC-E22ADF15D498), is that right?

 

I just gave that a try, but it looks like I can only select flat geometries. If I select other geometries, then Fusion 360 doesn't create any toolpaths for those.

 

Basically what I'm trying to do is carve a wooden figurine, say for example a chess piece. Similar to what this Youtuber does using VCarve Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xH6NT6mFX8

 

1) Start with a stock.

2) Round the stock to make it cylindrical

3) Do a rough pass to take most of the material out in a stairs-like shape.

4) Do a finish pass with a small ball nose bit to carve out the details.

 

I hope that makes sense. Please let me know what you think or if I've missed something.

 

Thanks!

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seth.madore
Community Manager
Community Manager

No, features like that would most certainly require the use of the Machining Extension, sorry to say.


Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
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jphalip
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

@seth.madore I've found this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frr8m9uILfk) which shows a functionality that used to be available behind a hidden feature flag. I assume the feature is now only available in the Machining extension, is that correct?

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seth.madore
Community Manager
Community Manager
Accepted solution

That's correct. It was released for all to use while it was in development. Once it was properly matured, it was limited to the Extension, and you can see that intent here (taken from that video)

2024-01-27_07h51_38.png


Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
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jphalip
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

@seth.madore I just wanted to clarify something. What I'm after is the ability to use a 4th axis by lock Y in a given position, and then program toolpaths on X, Z, and the rotary axis. So technically I assume you could call it a 3-axis operation, where Y is locked in one position.

 

This is very easy to do with a tool like VCarve Pro.

In F360 I understand that there's the ability to use "Wrapped toolpath". But then you'd have to lock both Z and Y in given positions and then be limited to program toolpaths just on X and the rotary axis. Is that correct?

 

This is very easy to do with a tool like VCarve Pro. It'd be great if a similar feature could be made available in the regular F360 license. I presume it is something that a lot of hobbyists would be interested in.

 

Thanks!

 

 

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seth.madore
Community Manager
Community Manager

I don't believe there are any plans to create a non-Extension toolpath such as what you are looking for, sorry.


Seth Madore
Customer Advocacy Manager - Manufacturing
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