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3 min read
Leads and links modifications enhance machining efficiency by allowing users to adjust toolpath leads and links without requiring a complete recalculation, reducing programming time and streamlining the process.
When it comes to machining and manufacturing, every second counts. Autodesk Fusion’s leads and links modifications are game-changers, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in toolpath adjustments. This feature allows users to make critical changes without the need for a complete toolpath recalculation. Ultimately, reducing programming time and accelerating the machining process.
The leads and links in a toolpath dictate how the cutting tool moves into and out of each cutting segment, as well as the transitions between them. Effective leads and links are crucial for tool safety and maintaining a high-quality surface finish. However, traditionally in CAM programming, making adjustments to these elements required a complete recalculation of the toolpath. This is often time-consuming drawing out the manufacturing timeline due to programming inefficiencies.
Autodesk Fusion’s innovative feature allows users to modify leads and links with greater ease. Whether you need to update all leads and links or just a select few, Fusion gives you the tools to do so without reprocessing the entire toolpath. From the form you have two criteria, what you want to change and how you would like to change it. The parameters for clearance, linking, and the leads can be updated for a single segment, a group of segments, or all the segments in the toolpath.
Let’s delve into some practical scenarios to see how this feature can streamline your workflow.
In one instance, while creating a toolpath for a section of a mold core, it was evident that the leads were not fully applied to the toolpath due to clearance spacing issues. Using the leads and links modification tool, we selected all moves and enabled the “trim segments” option then increased the surface normal arc size to 1mm. In addition to this we added a 3mm extension to the leads for a smoother entry. This change was applied swiftly, trimming the toolpath and ensuring the leads fit perfectly.
Before – Toolpath has areas where leads have not been applied
After -Updated toolpath with all leads applied
In another example, the rapid clearance moves were inefficient, retracting to a plane above the part. We modified the clearance geometry to a cylinder plane, defined the direction of it to be along the X axis, and set the plane clearance distance. We also minimized the retraction in the links tab. These adjustments made the rapid moves more efficient, moving in a cylindrical motion over the part.
Before -Inefficient toolpath transitions
After – Efficient cylindrical transitions
In a 5-axis machining scenario, the initial toolpath simulation showed that the lead-out did not position the tool safely for retraction. Instead of changing all leads in the toolpath settings and recalculating, in the leads modification we selected the final lead-out move individually and applied a 10mm radius surface normal arc and enabled the trim segment option. This adjustment updated only the final lead out selected and ensured the tool moved safely into position for retraction, verified by a subsequent toolpath simulation.
Before – Tool collides with wall during retraction
After – Tool safely retracts from undercut area
One of the standout features of Fusion’s leads and links modifications is their integration into the toolpath timeline. These modifications are associative, meaning they will apply to any recalculated toolpath. This functionality allows for easy edits or deletions, making the programming process more fluid and responsive to changes.
See the entire process in motion here:
Autodesk Fusion’s leads and links modifications provide an advanced level of control and efficiency in machining processes. By allowing adjustments to be made to clearance geometry and heights, start and end positions, rapid links, transitions, and leads without the need for complete toolpath recalculations, this feature significantly reduces programming time and helps resolve complex issues, ensuring smoother and faster operations. By embracing this tool, you can enhance efficiency and customization enabling faster machining and improved productivity.
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