Grace Kang
Elevate your design and manufacturing processes with Autodesk Fusion
To get an accurate representation of the toolpaths you create, you can simulate them by driving a model of your machine. This article gives you an overview of how you can use Machine Definitions and the Machine Builder functionality to create your custom machines.
Overview of machine builder in Autodesk Fusion
It’s good to be aware of the extensive number of machines available in Autodesk Fusion. Check out your library to see what is available to you.
There are 3 types of 5-axis machines. A head-table machine consists of the three main orthogonal axes with two additional rotary components, one on the spindle and one on the table. A head-head machine consists of three main orthogonal axes. Both rotational components are located on the spindle. The third type is the table-table machine, in which both rotational components are located on the table. This tutorial will be using a table-table machine.
You should label your components before getting started so your model is better organized.
Setting up the machine definition
Once the model is organized and labeled, you can begin working on machine definition. There are two ways to access machine definition. For the first option, make sure you’re in the manufacturing workspace. Select the milling tab. Then, go to the machine library icon. The second option is to go to utilities and then access the machine icon library from there.
Note that if you have a Machine Builder button in your toolbar it no longer has a function outside of explaining how you can access it. This button will be removed shortly.
Now, how do we set up machine definition after opening the machine library dialogue? Click on the local folder. Find a large plus sign to add a new machine. Label the machine accordingly and give it a proper description for future ease of use. Adding a picture of the machine is an optional step.
Configuring kinematics
Kinematics is very important to machine definition because it defines how machine axes traverse and rotate within the individual axis limits. Make sure the rotation of your A and C axes is set correctly. To do this, adjust the orientation. Open up the table to add axes if needed. Specify the correct range.
Once you complete these steps, your kinematic chain is complete. It’s time to move on to the post-processing item.
Setting up the post processor
Machine definition requires a post-processor because toolpath information is passed through the post before being displayed. The selected post-processor must have machine simulation capabilities. You can use filters to find the correct post. You can choose a vendor as well. If your post processor isn’t simulation-ready, this needs to be adjusted.
Configuring the machine model
We are moving on to the model selection in our machine definition. Select your desired machine. Next, click on a button labeled Machine Builder, shown below.
The first step is to make sure the Z-axis is correctly aligned in the Fusion coordinate system. You can verify this by clicking View Cube and selecting Front. If the machine isn’t oriented correctly, use the Move Components tool to fix this.
The next step is to define or link the components of the machine model that should move with each of the various axes. To do this, press the Set Up Machine Model button. Supply the attach point for the tool, You can do this by selecting the center point of the spindle face. Make sure to select a circle that is at the correct Z height.
And finally, you must supply the Z-axis. You don’t have to select the graphic- just one of the components in the browser. You should do this with the A, C, X, and Y axes. Note that rotary axes have an additional point needed.
Previewing machine movements
When you’re satisfied with the configuration, close the Preview Machine Movements dialog, then hit the large green checkmark to close the machine builder. That will bring us back to the machine library page where we can click OK to close it. Save the file and take a look at your machine simulation.
Visit the Autodesk Fusion Youtube Channel to find more video tutorials.