• Fusion

Introduction to CAD and CAM for Milling and Turning

Walk through practical on-the-job skills in CAM for 2.5 axis milling and turning, needed for precision machining.


Course overview

Develop skills that open the door to new career opportunities. Learn practical on-the-job skills needed for precision machining, while preparing to complete the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Level 1 CAM Standard credential. Learn skills needed to read and understand detailed drawings, replicate 3D models, plan and create CNC toolpaths, and export G-code for final machining. Take the first step in advancing your knowledge of CAD and CAM, using Fusion.

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

  • Understand design intent from detailed drawings.
  • Create a process plan for machining parts.
  • Create 3D CAD files from 2D drawings.
  • Create CNC toolpaths.
  • Export supporting documentation and G-code.

Course downloads

These downloadable resources will be used to complete modules in this course:

Course outline

1 min.

Getting started

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

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


55 min.

Starter activity

Simulate and find a collision on the provided CAM program.

Simulate and find a collision on the provided CAM program.

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

  • Create a project.
  • Navigate workspaces.
  • Simulate a CNC toolpath.
  • Locate a tool collision.
  • Edit a tool.


1 hr. 30 min.

Process Planning – NIMS Duty 1.01

Plan toolpath strategies based on drawings and images of a part. Then, inspect the model’s parameters and identify tool sizes and restrictions.

Plan toolpath strategies based on drawings and images of a part. Then, inspect the model’s parameters and identify tool sizes and restrictions.  

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

  • Read a 2D drawing.
  • Identify GD&T notes.
  • Plan a tool list.
  • Identify toolpaths.
  • Create comments.

 


20 hr.

Modeling – NIMS Duty 1.02

Learn how to make parametric sketches and turn them into solid geometry using references from 2D drawings.

Learn how to make parametric sketches and turn them into solid geometry using references from 2D drawings.

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

  • Create a sketch.
  • Create dimensions and constraints.
  • Create solid features.


1 hr. 50 min.

Mill Toolpath Generation – NIMS Duty 1.03

Dive into toolpath creation for the mill part modeled in Duty 2.

Dive into toolpath creation for the mill part modeled in Duty 2.

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

  • Create a CAM setup.
  • Import a tool library.
  • Create 2D toolpaths.


1 hr. 30 min.

Lathe Toolpath Generation – NIMS 1.03

Dive into toolpath creation for the lathe part modeled in Duty 2.

Dive into toolpath creation for the lathe part modeled in Duty 2.

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

  • Create a CAM setup.
  • Import a tool library.
  • Create turning toolpaths.


55 min.

Program Verification – NIMS Duty 1.04

Learn how to create G-code from their toolpaths and make setup sheets need to convey program intent to a CAM operator.

Create G-code from their toolpaths and make setup sheets need to convey program intent to a CAM operator

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

  • Simulate a toolpath.


1 hr. 5 min.

Documentation – NIMS Duty 1.05

Explore how to create G-code from their toolpaths and make setup sheets need to convey program intent to a CAM operator.

Explore how to create G-code from their toolpaths and make setup sheets need to convey program intent to a CAM operator.

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

  • Generate NC code.
  • Create an NC Program.
  • Create a setup sheet.


20 min.

Course challenge exercise

Challenge exercise

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.


45 min.

Final test

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.