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Programming parts in any CAM software often feels like a disjointed process. What you see on the screen can be quite different from what happens on the actual machine. Autodesk Fusion bridges this gap by allowing you to watch your programmed toolpaths as they drive a model of your machine. This visual simulation helps you avoid mistakes and create better programs.

Simulating toolpaths on your machine tool is highly beneficial; once you experience it, you won’t want to program without it. This guide focuses on using pre-configured machines from Fusion’s extensive library for simulation.

Utilizing Fusion’s machine library for toolpath simulation

Fusion’s library features a diverse array of machines from various manufacturers, along with some generic Autodesk models. This guide demonstrates how to simulate toolpaths using pre-configured machines from Fusion’s extensive library to understand what will happen when they run on the machine tool.

Specifying the machine for simulation

Accessing the setup dialog:

1. Open the setup dialog by either creating a new setup or editing an existing one. Right-click on a setup and choose “Edit,” or double-click on the small folder icon to the left of the setup name.
2. In the “Setup” tab, click the button to select the machine.

Selecting the machine:

1. This button opens the machine library dialog, listing machines used in various documents and locations throughout Fusion. It also provides access to Fusion’s online library of machines.
2. Use the filters on the right side of the dialog to find the desired machine more easily. For example, enable filters for milling and simulation-ready machines and set the vendor filter to Haas.
3. Machines ready for simulation and post-processing are indicated by a small cube-shaped icon.

Customizing the machine:

1. Copy the desired machine to your local folder for customization. Even if the machine’s name matches yours, review and adjust its settings to ensure accuracy.
2. Access the machine definition settings and controls via the pencil icon. Pay special attention to the kinematic settings, as they are crucial.

Ensuring NC code accuracy:

1. Make sure the NC code produced with any machine and post combination is correct and safe for your machine. For instance, using a Haas VF machine with a tilting rotary table, which comes equipped with a post processor and is marked as simulation-ready by the cube icon, can be beneficial.

Positioning the part

Once the machine is selected, an additional tab appears in the setup dialog for positioning the part on the machine. This part position dialog allows you to specify two points: one on the part and one on the table. Adjust the part’s position using distance fields for fine-tuning.

Running the simulation

After selecting the machine and adjusting the part’s location, click “OK” to dismiss the setup dialog. The machine’s name will now appear in the browser tree, allowing you to control its visibility.

Controlling and viewing the simulation

1. The “Simulate with Machine” dialog offers various controls over the machine’s visibility.
2. Pause the simulation and use the timeline to view specific parts of the simulation in detail.
3. To simulate the entire setup, click the appropriate button and select “Simulate with Machine.”

Fusion’s simulation capabilities transform CAM programming by visualizing toolpaths before they reach the machine, reducing errors, and improving efficiency. Using Fusion’s extensive machine library, you can easily select and customize machines, ensuring accurate and safe NC code. Explore Fusion’s powerful tools to maximize your programming potential and streamline your workflow.