CNC machine programming software
Autodesk Fusion CNC machine software
Autodesk Fusion CNC machine software
Discover Fusion CNC machining software with integrated CAD/CAM tools. Program 2D, 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC machines efficiently with toolpath simulation, adaptive clearing, and multi-axis support.
Autodesk Fusion for CNC machining
Autodesk Fusion for CNC machining
Fusion is a CNC machine programming software that integrates CAD and CAM to keep design and manufacturing connected. Once your 3D model is ready, you can set up your CAM workspace in Fusion. This involves defining the stock material, the coordinate system, and the workholding setup.
Toolpaths are turned into G-code, which is used to control the machine movements and generate the finished product at the end of the process. The manufacturing workspace in Fusion is responsible for interpreting toolpaths and exporting them as G-code for usage by a CNC machine.
Fusion is a CNC machine programming software that integrates CAD and CAM to keep design and manufacturing connected. Once your 3D model is ready, you can set up your CAM workspace in Fusion. This involves defining the stock material, the coordinate system, and the workholding setup.
Toolpaths are turned into G-code, which is used to control the machine movements and generate the finished product at the end of the process. The manufacturing workspace in Fusion is responsible for interpreting toolpaths and exporting them as G-code for usage by a CNC machine.
Benefits of CNC machine software
CNC machine programming software, like Autodesk Fusion offers precise, automated, and efficient production of complex parts. It’s flexible, ensures consistent quality, and is ideal for rapid prototyping and small batches.
CNC machine programming software, like Autodesk Fusion offers precise, automated, and efficient production of complex parts. It’s flexible, ensures consistent quality, and is ideal for rapid prototyping and small batches.
Precision
CNC machining offers high levels of accuracy making it suitable for producing parts with intricate geometries and tight tolerances.
CNC machining offers high levels of accuracy making it suitable for producing parts with intricate geometries and tight tolerances.
Automation
Most CNC machines are primarily automated, reducing the need for manual work and minimizing the risk of human error.
Most CNC machines are primarily automated, reducing the need for manual work and minimizing the risk of human error.
Efficiency
CNC machine software allows for multiple machining operations that can be programmed and executed at the same time, thus allowing for faster production times compared to traditional methods.
CNC machine software allows for multiple machining operations that can be programmed and executed at the same time, thus allowing for faster production times compared to traditional methods.
Flexibility
CNC machines can be programmed to create a vast array of parts, making it versatile across various applications and industries.
CNC machines can be programmed to create a vast array of parts, making it versatile across various applications and industries.
Reproducibility
CNC machine programming software makes sure that quality is consistent across multiple parts, as the same CNC machine program can be used to produce identical pieces.
CNC machine programming software makes sure that quality is consistent across multiple parts, as the same CNC machine program can be used to produce identical pieces.
Prototyping
CNC machining offers quick setup and programming capabilities, thus making it well suited for rapid prototyping and small batch production.
CNC machining offers quick setup and programming capabilities, thus making it well suited for rapid prototyping and small batch production.
CNC machine programming software
Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing
Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing
Advanced CAD + CAM tools for manufacturers, machinists, engineers, and teams needing precise high-performance CAM solutions.
Includes a subscription to Fusion + advanced manufacturing capabilities:
Comprehensive 2D to 5-axis machining
Cutting, milling, turning, and turn-mill
Manufacturing automation
Part inspection and probing
Free and editable post-processors
Advanced CAD + CAM tools for manufacturers, machinists, engineers, and teams needing precise high-performance CAM solutions.
Includes a subscription to Fusion + advanced manufacturing capabilities:
Comprehensive 2D to 5-axis machining
Cutting, milling, turning, and turn-mill
Manufacturing automation
Part inspection and probing
Free and editable post-processors
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Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion
Integrated cloud CAM, CAM, CAE, PCB, and PDM core capabilities ideal for designers, engineers, machinists, and teams working across the product development lifecycle.
Includes:
Fully integrated CAD/CAM
Real-time team collaboration
PCB design alongside mechanical part creation
Drawing automation and design configurations
Integrated cloud CAM, CAM, CAE, PCB, and PDM core capabilities ideal for designers, engineers, machinists, and teams working across the product development lifecycle.
Includes:
Fully integrated CAD/CAM
Real-time team collaboration
PCB design alongside mechanical part creation
Drawing automation and design configurations
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Autodesk Fusion Manufacturing Extension
Autodesk Fusion Manufacturing Extension
Unlock additional capabilities for 3 to 5-axis CNC machining, sheet-based nesting and fabrication, and metals-based additive manufacturing.
Includes advanced manufacturing capabilities:
Comprehensive 2D to 5-axis machining
Cutting, milling, turning, and turn-mill
Manufacturing automation
Part inspection and probing
Free and editable post-processors
*Requires an Autodesk Fusion subscription
Unlock additional capabilities for 3 to 5-axis CNC machining, sheet-based nesting and fabrication, and metals-based additive manufacturing.
Includes advanced manufacturing capabilities:
Comprehensive 2D to 5-axis machining
Cutting, milling, turning, and turn-mill
Manufacturing automation
Part inspection and probing
Free and editable post-processors
*Requires an Autodesk Fusion subscription
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Autodesk Fusion for CNC machining
Integrated design & manufacturing
Integrated design & manufacturing
Fusion seamlessly integrates CAD, CAM, and CAE functionalities into a single platform. This means you can design your parts, generate toolpaths, simulate machining operations, and validate your designs—all within one software. This integration reduces the need for data transfers between different programs, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.
Fusion seamlessly integrates CAD, CAM, and CAE functionalities into a single platform. This means you can design your parts, generate toolpaths, simulate machining operations, and validate your designs—all within one software. This integration reduces the need for data transfers between different programs, saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.
Adaptive clearing for high-efficiency roughing in Autodesk Fusion
Adaptive clearing for high-efficiency roughing in Autodesk Fusion
Adaptive clearing in Fusion is a high-efficiency roughing strategy design to remove large amounts of material quickly and consistently. Â It uses a toolpath that flows smoothly, maintaining an optimal tool load by taking deeper, lighter passes at faster speeds.Â
Adaptive clearing dynamically adjusts to the part geometry, clearing cavities and open pockets with efficient arcs and smooth transitions, which helps minimize tool deflection and heat buildup. By optimizing cutting conditions and balancing chip load, this strategy enhances both material removal rates and tool life, making it ideal for roughing complex 3D models efficiently.
Adaptive clearing in Fusion is a high-efficiency roughing strategy design to remove large amounts of material quickly and consistently. Â It uses a toolpath that flows smoothly, maintaining an optimal tool load by taking deeper, lighter passes at faster speeds.Â
Adaptive clearing dynamically adjusts to the part geometry, clearing cavities and open pockets with efficient arcs and smooth transitions, which helps minimize tool deflection and heat buildup. By optimizing cutting conditions and balancing chip load, this strategy enhances both material removal rates and tool life, making it ideal for roughing complex 3D models efficiently.
Simulation and collision detection to reduce errors
Simulation and collision detection to reduce errors
The advanced simulation and collision detection capabilities in Fusion help reduce errors during CNC machining. By virtually simulating the entire machining process, Fusion helps manufacturers identify potential tool collisions, over-travel, and other programming mistakes before they occur on the shop floor.
This minimizes costly machine downtime, prevents part damage, and ensures toolpath accuracy. With real-time feedback and detailed visualization, Fusion enables precise verification of tool movements and machining operations.
The advanced simulation and collision detection capabilities in Fusion help reduce errors during CNC machining. By virtually simulating the entire machining process, Fusion helps manufacturers identify potential tool collisions, over-travel, and other programming mistakes before they occur on the shop floor.
This minimizes costly machine downtime, prevents part damage, and ensures toolpath accuracy. With real-time feedback and detailed visualization, Fusion enables precise verification of tool movements and machining operations.
Post-processing and g-code generation for CNC machines
Post-processing and g-code generation for CNC machines
Autodesk Fusion makes post-processing and G-code generation easy providing highly customizable post processors tailored to a wide range of CNC machines and controllers. After creating precise toolpaths, Fusion converts them into machine-readable G-code, for compatibility with popular controllers. This seamless integration eliminates manual coding errors and accelerates the transition from design to manufacturing.
With the post-processing tools in Fusion, users can automate the generation of optimized, collision-free NC programs that precisely control machine movements, enhancing production efficiency and part accuracy across diverse machining operations.
Autodesk Fusion makes post-processing and G-code generation easy providing highly customizable post processors tailored to a wide range of CNC machines and controllers. After creating precise toolpaths, Fusion converts them into machine-readable G-code, for compatibility with popular controllers. This seamless integration eliminates manual coding errors and accelerates the transition from design to manufacturing.
With the post-processing tools in Fusion, users can automate the generation of optimized, collision-free NC programs that precisely control machine movements, enhancing production efficiency and part accuracy across diverse machining operations.
Common CNC machining methods
2-axis vs 3-axis milling
2-axis vs 3-axis milling
Learn how 2-axis milling compares to 3-axis, and the advantages that 3-axis CNC machining has to offer.
Learn how 2-axis milling compares to 3-axis, and the advantages that 3-axis CNC machining has to offer.
Adaptive clearing
Adaptive clearing
The first step in many CNC machining operations is to remove as much material as possible. See how 'Adaptive Clearing' helps.
The first step in many CNC machining operations is to remove as much material as possible. See how 'Adaptive Clearing' helps.
3+2-axis machining
3+2-axis machining
Positional 5-axis or 3+2, can offer advantages of simultaneous 5-axis without the additional complexity or high cost.
Positional 5-axis or 3+2, can offer advantages of simultaneous 5-axis without the additional complexity or high cost.
Turning
Turning
Turning, while still CNC machining, is different from milling. Learn about the five subfeatures of turning in Autodesk Fusion.
Turning, while still CNC machining, is different from milling. Learn about the five subfeatures of turning in Autodesk Fusion.
Multi-axis machining: 2D, 3D, 4-axis, and 5-axis cnc machines
2.5-axis
2.5-axis
2.5-axis milling creates prismatic features at distinct Z levels. Even though the machine is only moving in two axes simultaneously, the CAM software is still used as the shapes created can be complex and high precision.
2.5-axis milling creates prismatic features at distinct Z levels. Even though the machine is only moving in two axes simultaneously, the CAM software is still used as the shapes created can be complex and high precision.
3-axis
3-axis
3-axis milling uses all three axes simultaneously. Software is used to generate these toolpaths since the surfaces are often complex.
3-axis milling uses all three axes simultaneously. Software is used to generate these toolpaths since the surfaces are often complex.
4-axis
4-axis
4-axis milling adds one rotational axis to 3-axis milling. This is useful when parts are near cylindrical and can be used to create complex geometry or access multiple parts around workholding like a tombstone.
4-axis milling adds one rotational axis to 3-axis milling. This is useful when parts are near cylindrical and can be used to create complex geometry or access multiple parts around workholding like a tombstone.
5-axis
5-axis
Simultaneous 5-axis machining uses all five axes at the same time to allow milling of complex shapes at high precision. CAM software is all but required to program these CNC machines, as the motion is complex.
Simultaneous 5-axis machining uses all five axes at the same time to allow milling of complex shapes at high precision. CAM software is all but required to program these CNC machines, as the motion is complex.
How customers use Fusion as their CNC machining software solution
BBi Autosport
BBi Autosport
BBi Autosport explains how Fusion enabled them to design the Hoonipigasus, “a car that can do nearly anything."
BBi Autosport explains how Fusion enabled them to design the Hoonipigasus, “a car that can do nearly anything."
Brown & Holmes
Brown & Holmes
Check out how UK-based company Brown & Holmes doubled shop floor revenue with the Autodesk Fusion Manufacturing Extension.
Check out how UK-based company Brown & Holmes doubled shop floor revenue with the Autodesk Fusion Manufacturing Extension.
Nerc Precision
Nerc Precision
See how aerospace and defense contractor Nerc Precision Engineering uses the Fusion Manufacturing Extension to increase business opportunities and output.
See how aerospace and defense contractor Nerc Precision Engineering uses the Fusion Manufacturing Extension to increase business opportunities and output.
Unleash the future of manufacturing with Autodesk Fusion
Get started with Fusion for CNC software
Get started with Fusion for CNC software
Installation and Setup: Download and install Fusion and set up your account. Explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the software's navigation.
Designing Your Part: Use the robust 3D modeling tools in Fusion to create your part's geometry. Parametric modeling tools can help you iterate and refine your design as needed.
CAM Toolpath Creation: Dive into the CAM environment to generate toolpaths that suit your machining needs. Experiment with various strategies and optimize your toolpaths for efficiency and quality.
Simulation and Verification: Before hitting "start," simulate your machining operations to identify and resolve any issues. Make sure that your tools, stock & toolpaths are well-defined and error-free.
Post-Processing and G-Code Generation: Generate accurate G-code for your CNC machine. Fusion supports a wide range of CNC controllers that are compatible with your equipment.
Installation and Setup: Download and install Fusion and set up your account. Explore the interface and familiarize yourself with the software's navigation.
Designing Your Part: Use the robust 3D modeling tools in Fusion to create your part's geometry. Parametric modeling tools can help you iterate and refine your design as needed.
CAM Toolpath Creation: Dive into the CAM environment to generate toolpaths that suit your machining needs. Experiment with various strategies and optimize your toolpaths for efficiency and quality.
Simulation and Verification: Before hitting "start," simulate your machining operations to identify and resolve any issues. Make sure that your tools, stock & toolpaths are well-defined and error-free.
Post-Processing and G-Code Generation: Generate accurate G-code for your CNC machine. Fusion supports a wide range of CNC controllers that are compatible with your equipment.
CNC machining software resources
Autodesk Fusion Basics: Manufacturing
Learn important tools, best practices, and things to be aware of as you get up to speed with the manufacture workspace in Fusion.
Learn important tools, best practices, and things to be aware of as you get up to speed with the manufacture workspace in Fusion.
2D, 3D, and Multi-axis Toolpaths in Autodesk Fusion
Learn the differences between 2D, 3D, and multi-axis toolpaths and when’s the right time to use them.
Learn the differences between 2D, 3D, and multi-axis toolpaths and when’s the right time to use them.
Top 8 Milling Tools for CNC Cutting
Learn about the top 8 milling tools that every CNC Machinist needs to know about including end mills, face mills, fly cutters, center spot drills, and more.
Learn about the top 8 milling tools that every CNC Machinist needs to know about including end mills, face mills, fly cutters, center spot drills, and more.
Unlocking Automation in Fusion CAM
These automation tools in Autodesk Fusion CAM will help you improve productivity when machining your next part.
These automation tools in Autodesk Fusion CAM will help you improve productivity when machining your next part.
Benefits of 4-Axis Machining with Autodesk Fusion
Discover the benefits of 4-axis machining with Fusion, including enhanced precision, reduced tool deflection, fewer setups, and more.
Discover the benefits of 4-axis machining with Fusion, including enhanced precision, reduced tool deflection, fewer setups, and more.
Machining Fundamentals: Introduction to NC-Code
NC-code is a CNC machine's language. Learn how to make your machine move using NC-code.
NC-code is a CNC machine's language. Learn how to make your machine move using NC-code.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on CNC machining software
Yes, the simulation capabilities in Autodesk Fusion extend to intricate machining processes, including multi-axis milling and turning. Users can visualize and analyze the entire machining workflow.
Yes, Autodesk Fusion is built on the cloud thus enabling seamless collaboration among team members, making CNC machining projects more efficient, and collaborative.