• Fusion

CNC Toolpaths for 3 Axis Milling

Get an introductory look at machining complex 3-axis geometry using Fusion.


Course overview

Get the knowledge you need to program 3-axis CNC Milling toolpaths.  Begin by analyzing a part for manufacture, identifying areas that require 3-axis toolpaths and identifying requirements to hold the part during final machining.  With the setup and process planning complete we’ll explore 3-axis tools to quickly remove unneeded material and move to finishing toolpaths required for rounded edges and angled faces.  Finally, we’ll validate the toolpaths with simulation and create the supporting documentation and coded needed to control a 3-axis CNC mill.  This will provide a firm understanding in the basics of 3-axis toolpath creation and validation in Fusion.

After this course, you'll be able to:

  • Process plan a 3-axis required part.
  • Create and manage a digital tool library.
  • Use 3-axis toolpaths to rough a part.
  • Use 3-axis finishing techniques to finish a part.
  • Use Simulation to validate stock removal.
  • Create required documentation and output.

Course outline

10 min.

Getting started

Discover what you will learn in this course and download the software and resources you will need.

Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you will need.


1 hr. 30 min.

Plan to machine a part

Learn to review a part and identify the types of tools and toolpaths required to machine it. Evaluate how to hold a part for all operations to completely machine a design from multiple directions.

In this module, you learn to review a part and identify the types of tools and toolpaths required to machine it.  You will also evaluate how to hold a part for all operations to completely machine a design from multiple directions.

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Review a 3D model.
  • Plane tools and toolpaths.
  • Create a digital tool library.
  • Import workholding.


1 hr. 55 min.

Learn to machine slopes and curves

In this module, you create a CAM setup for a 3-axis vertical milling center and begin to rough and finish operation 1 of the course part.  The first 3-axis geometry to tackle will be slopes and curves.  Isolate toolpaths to areas and faces to make the most efficient cuts possible.

In this module, you create a CAM setup for a 3-axis vertical milling center and begin to rough and finish operation 1 of the course part.  The first 3-axis geometry to tackle will be slopes and curves.  Isolate toolpaths to areas and faces to make the most efficient cuts possible.

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Create a CAM setup.
  • Rough a 3-axis part.
  • Create a 3-axis finishing toolpath on a specific face.
  • Create a 3-axis finishing toolpath in a specific boundary.
  • Identify critical toolpath settings for finishing.


1 hr. 30 min.

Learn to machine complex 3D shapes

In this module, you get to explore 3D toolpath creation for domes, bowls, and blended ribs.  Identifying toolpaths to use for finishing work on various geometry is key to efficient machining.  Some toolpaths will excel on specific geometry, and we will look at a few examples.  

In this module, you get to explore 3D toolpath creation for domes, bowls, and blended ribs.  Identifying toolpaths to use for finishing work on various geometry is key to efficient machining.  Some toolpaths will excel on specific geometry, and we will look at a few examples.  

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify complex 3D geometry.
  • Use 3D Scallop.
  • Use 3D Morphed Spiral.
  • Finish a complex part.


1 hr.

Learn toolpath simulation and documentation

In this module, you get to explore 3D toolpath creation for domes, bowls, and blended ribs.  Identifying toolpaths to use for finishing work on various geometry is key to efficient machining.  Some toolpaths will excel on specific geometry, and we will look at a few examples.  

In this module, you learn to evaluate toolpath movements with simulation.  Verifying digital tool movements before moving to a physical machine is a critical aspect of CAM.  Once toolpaths are verified you will create setup sheets and export the NC program to machine readable code.

After completing this module, you’ll be able to:

  • Use Simulation to validate toolpaths.
  • Create setup sheet documentation.
  • Create an NC program.
  •  Produce and review G-code.


1 hr.

Course challenge

Now that you've completed the learning material in this course, you can take the challenge exercise to measure your skills on the topics covered in this course. 

Now that you've completed the learning material in this course, you can take the challenge exercise to measure your skills on the topics covered in this course. Follow the assignment directions below or download the PDF to follow along at your own pace.


30 min.

Final test

Ready to test your knowledge? Pass this required test with a score of 75% or more to complete the course and earn a certificate of completion.  

Ready to test your knowledge? Pass this required test with a score of 75% or more to complete the course and earn a certificate of completion.  

You'll earn a certificate of completion each time you pass a skill-builder course. Find your recognitions on My Dashboard.


Teaching supplements

Teaching this course to students in the classroom?
Use this instructor guide to incorporate this course into your lesson plans. You can also send your students directly to the course as self-guided learning. They can learn at their own pace, track their own progress, and earn a certificate of completion when they get 75% or more on the final test.

Want to create custom learning playlists to share with your students? 
Share modules and courses using Lists. Once you create a List, share the URL with your students and they can sign into their Autodesk Account to access.

  • To create a List, select [+] ‘Add to list’.
  • To share a list with others, set the list visibility to Public and share the link.

Download the instructor guide

Machining best practices 
Machining best practices supports you in the CNC machining of the model engine cylinder. Review the process plan and cutting data for general guidelines to support you in this project. The sample setup sheet provides information about how the part was machined.

Download machining best practices

Announcements

The contents of this course have been updated as of November 2022. 

November 2022 updates include:  

  • Updated videos to reflect the latest Fusion user interface.  
  • New single practice part dataset using a standard 1x2 aluminum bar stock. 
  • New tutorials to explore 3-axis toolpath creation for common complex geometry.
  • Updated practice and challenge exercises.
  • New instructor guide to help educators and instructors teach this content in classroom.
  • Updated final test.  
  • Modules are now standalone, so you can pick and choose individual modules to add to your Playlist and share with others.