Workflow for Nesting and Re-using Toolpaths

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am fairly new to Fusion 360 and currently using it to generate tool paths for a CNC router cutting aluminium plate. I am looking for an effective workflow to re-use tool paths when cutting multiple (but likely different combinations) profiles in one go.

So for example, lets say yesterday we had a piece of stock needed to machine components 1, 2 and 3. To do this I set a stock size matching the sheet, brought the bodies in (imported STEP files from IV) and positioned them in a 'nested' configuration and generated toolpaths. From this we cut the sheet. Then I realised I needed component 4 but I had some space left on this sheet - so I suppress the existing tool paths, add component 4 into the nest and repeat the process. Sheet 1 is now used up.

But today we have sheet 2 to cut components 1, 4 and 5. For component 5 I repeat the above process as we do not have any tool paths existing. However I do not want to have to re-generate the toolpaths for component 1 and 4. Is there a way to copy the bodies AND applicable toolpaths into my new setup?

I could do a 'save as' of the original sheet, delete components 2 and 3, re-arrange and add in component 5. This is ok as long as all of your desired existing tool paths and bodies exist in one previous file. But ultimately we are going to end up with multiple previous sheet files, from which we need to pull the odd part and its toolpaths....

I hope this makes sense and look forward to any advice. The lack of effective workflow here is the only thing hindering me in using this fantastic tool!

[jeff.pek]

Hi -

Can you share a representative model?

Offhand, I think the typical way to do this would be to use a single 2d profile strategy for the whole sheet, and go ahead and do the regeneration if you change what's on it. The toolpaths for the individual components may not, in all cases, be completely independent, so at least in some scenarios, having them all in a single operation may make the most sense, so that the toolpath generator can consider them all together, rather than having separate operations for each.

Jeff

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Having put more thought into this and reading on this forum I am considering using a 'template' for the 2D profiling. My main objective is to eliminate the need for repeatedly inputting feeds, speeds, tools, passes etc each time we lay down a profile (placing the parts is easy so I am happy to let my trainee do this - but having to repeat the 'programming' is likely to introduce costly errors) to be cut. If he could simply place profiles into a sheet as and when needed, apply a template for the profiling and hole boring (that is all we do really) then that would be great.

However having saved a 2d profile template, if I try to use this in a new file as soon as I load the template by right clicking on setup - create from template I am presented with 'no valid toopath' and 'unable to process selected operations'. It does not matter how many times I hit OK these messages just repeatedly pop up anytime I go near the browser with the cursor, so I am prevented from being able to edit the operation, setup etc.

Below is hopefully a shared model....

http://a360.co/2kqZdsP