Learn Fusion for CAM in 90 minutes

Learn setup operations, toolpaths, simulation, and post processing with this introduction to Fusion for CAM. Dive into the essential features using an industry-standard workflow and learn to create a real-world project in the process. You'll find this dataset and all course resources by selecting Download resources in the course overview.

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

• Create a new setup and stock for a 2.5-Axis CAM project.
• Set up tools and associated feeds and speeds.
• Create roughing and 2D contour toolpaths.
• Create toolpaths for holes and cylindrical features.
• Create chamfers.
• Perform finishing operations.
• Perform simulations.
• Post process CNC code.

• Course overview
• Get the software

Learn how to set up a project and establish the size, orientation, and origin of the material you will use to create a CAM project.

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

• Set up a new project.
• Describe and use the Work Coordinate System (WCS).
• Change the WCS orientation on a part.  
• Establish the stock, the physical size of the material to be cut in the CNC mill.

• Set up for CAM
• Set the stock size
• Practice exercise

Learn the most common process for setting up tools in Fusion, both by accessing a premade tool library and by creating custom tools to satisfy machining requirements.

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

• Select tools from premade libraries and set them up for use on a project.
• Create new custom tools.
• Adjust feeds and speeds, add a tool holder, and apply different end mills.

• Use predefined cutting tools
• Set up custom cutting tools
• Practice exercise

Learn how to efficiently remove bulk material from the outside of a part with roughing passes and discover how to make straight line cuts. The process of rough cutting is what makes CAM toolpaths so efficient. Mastering how to use rough effectively to trim away most of a part’s excess material is a key skill in making parts quickly on a CNC machine.

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

• Use the Face toolpath to trim a piece of stock down to a desired level. 
• Use 2D and 3D contouring to roughly cut the silhouette of a part.
• Use contouring to cut closed loop lines.
• Use the Contour toolpath to cut open loops and line segments.

• Remove stock from the top surface layer
• Rough a model with 2D and 3D adaptive clearing
• Use linear cuts for roughing and finishing
• Practice exercise

Learn how to create drilled holes, tapped holes, and use the circular and bore toolpaths for holes, pockets, and bosses. 

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

• Use the Drill toolpath to create simple holes.
• Create tapping operations to generate inner-diameter threads.
• Use the Bore toolpath for holes and bosses.
• Perform a chamfering operation.

• Work with simple drilled hole toolpaths
• Create toolpaths for tapping and deep hole drilling
• Create custom hole sizes with the Bore toolpath
• Perform a chamfering operation
• Practice exercise

In this module, you’ll learn about a few of the toolpaths which can be used to finish complex features on a part. These toolpaths are used to cut a part to a smooth finish and accurate final size, and they are a critical part of the CAM process.

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

• Create operations using the Parallel toolpath.
• Create operations using the Flow toolpath.
• Identify resources for learning about new toolpaths. 

• Finish with the Parallel toolpath
• Apply the Flow toolpath for contoured and curved surfaces
• Apply the Flat toolpath for flat surfaces
• Practice exercise

In this module, you’ll learn how to simulate toolpaths and you’ll perform post-processing operations for export to a CNC machine.

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

• Locate and upload post processor files for local machines.
• Verify toolpaths using simulations.
• Create G- and M-code files for use on a CNC machine.

• Verify toolpaths using simulation
• Perform a post processing operation
• Practice exercise

Test your knowledge and apply what you learned in the course in this bonus challenge (not included in the overall course duration time). In this additional challenge, you will create the remaining operations for the tablet stand body (Tablet stand body challenge.f3d) by adding a second setup to the project. You will also extend the course material to create a new CAM project from start to finish for the tablet stand leg (Tablet stand leg challenge.f3d). The accompanying Fusion files are available in metric and imperial units and can be found in the Course Downloads section of the Course Overview.

• Course challenge

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.

• Start your final test