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CNC stands for computer numerical control. There are many types of CNC machines and this is often the main step in the process of creating a component or part through material removal. Once a part has been designed in CAD software, CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software is used to generate toolpaths, plans that tell a CNC machine how to move.
Packages like Fusion 360 integrate CAD and CAM to keep these processes more connected. Then the CNC machine is prepared by loading in stock material, the piece to be cut, as well as any tools that might be used during the machining process. Finally, the toolpaths are converted into code that controls the machine motion and creates the final part.
The first step in many CNC machining operations is to remove as much material as possible. See how Autodesk's Adaptive Clearing helps.
Learn how 2-axis milling compares to 3 axis and the advantages that 3-axis CNC machining has to offer.
Positional 5-axis, or 3+2, can offer many of the advantages of simultaneous 5-axis without the additional complexity or high cost.
Turning, while still CNC machining, is quite different from milling. Find out how.
CNC machines are broadly classified by the number of axes involved and how they move.
2.5-axis milling creates prismatic features at distinct Z levels. Even though the machine is only moving in 2 axes simultaneously, the CAM software is still used as the shapes created can be complex and high precision.
3-axis milling uses all three axes simultaneously. Software is used to generate these toolpaths since the surfaces are often complex.
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.
Simultaneous 5-axis machining uses all 5 axes at the same time to allow milling of complex shapes at high precision. CAM software is all but required to programme these CNC machines, as the motion is very complicated.
Bridge the gap between your technical education and what you need to know to begin using CNC machine tools.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about types of parts, materials and CNC machining operations that engineers, innovators and niche manufacturers often use.
Learn more about various CNC machine designs in our Types of CNC Mill Buyer’s eBook. This eBook also includes descriptions of CNC machine components & programming and non-milling machines.
Autodesk Fusion 360 software for CNC machining and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
Smarter machining with powerful easy-to-use software. Go from concept to design and from design to CNC machined part faster.
MJK Performance designs and manufactures high-quality, precision CNC machined motorcycle parts.
Matsuura is winning the profit game, gaining a competitive advantage by using generative design to automatically create customised workpiece-holding fixtures and printing them in high-strength polymer overnight.
Saunders Machine Works uses Fusion 360 and specialises in CNC metal machining, prototype machining, fabrication and design-for-manufacturing consulting.
Manufacturing has changed, and so should your tools. Modernise your manufacturing workflows with the only truly unified CAD/CAM software for a fraction of the price.
For professional designers, engineers and machinists. Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering and manufacturing into a single platform.
Get started with CNC machining with these tutorials, guides, tips and tricks.
Get quick answers to common manufacturing questions. Learn the fundamentals of milling and how to create 3+2 toolpaths.
This course teaches you how to save common, recurring toolpaths and recall them as needed for similar projects.
Learn how to take a part from an assembly into the CAM workspace and prepare it for multi-axis operations.
This lecture covers how to use WCS probing to reduce set-up time while accurately locating the stock in the CNC machine.
Advanced manufacturing extension in Fusion 360 delivers a bundle of sophisticated Autodesk manufacturing technologies.
Read this article for a complete introduction to CNC programming using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
Find answers to frequently asked questions about CNC machining software.
| How much does CNC machining cost? |
Typically, one of the largest costs associated with CNC machining is the CNC machine itself. Entry-level machines start around $5,000 with high-end machines reaching upwards of $500,000. The cost depends on factors such as size, power, spindle speed, multi-axis capabilities and accuracy. Once you have a machine, you will need to purchase cutting tools to machine parts. To generate the instructions required for CNC machining, it’s common to subscribe to it’s common to subscribe to computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software as well. So, while there’s no one size fits all answer, CNC machining requires some up-front investment to get started.
| What is the difference between CNC machining and milling? |
Milling is one style of CNC machining. CNC machining is any process where a part is manufactured by a machine that is controlled by a computer. In milling, a cutting tool spins at high speeds and advances into or across the work piece to remove material. Other types of CNC machining include turning, routeing, plasma cutting and water jetting. Turning and milling can be combined into a single machine, as can additive and subtractive operations, creating even more complex styles of CNC machining.
| How is CNC machining different from 3D printing? |
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the process of depositing layers of material to build up the desired geometry. Generally speaking, CNC machining is used to refer to subtractive processes, where material is removed from the work piece, resulting in the desired geometry. While 3D printing processes can create more complex geometry such as internal latticing parts must also be supported during the printing process to prevent failure. CNC machining generally produces more accurate parts and can be significantly faster, especially when manufacturing single parts.
| How does CNC machining work? |
CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which means that a computer controls what the machine does,including but not limited to the spindle speed, feed rate and position in order to programme the computer, often called a control, a person can use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. CAM software generates a series of instructions called toolpaths and then generally uses a post processor to translate that toolpath data into code the machine can read. Then a person would transfer that code onto the machine and run it to produce their final part.
| Can I use Fusion 360 to CNC? |
Yes! Fusion 360 includes a powerful and easy-to-use CAM solution that can control a wide variety of CNC machines including mills, lathes, routers, mill/turn machines, plasma cutters, water jets and lasers. Fusion 360 also integrates CAD, CAE and ECAD along with CAM into a single solution to reduce data loss and improve process reliability for CNC machining and other downstream processes.
| How much does Fusion 360 cost? |
Fusion 360 costs —/year. A Fusion 360 licence gives you access to integrated 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, PCB, collaboration and data management tools in a single platform. Fusion 360 subscriptions also include EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant and access to generative design, cloud simulation and cloud rendering.
