CNC Toolpaths for Multi-Axis Milling
Take your tool paths to the next level by controlling simultaneous motion in 5 axes at once.
Course overview
Computer numerical controlled machines, or CNC for short, can have a nearly endless number of options. Most machines today control tool motion in 3-axes, X, Y and Z, but can be upgraded to include a 4th or 5th axis as well, A and B.
Additionally, there are many machines on the market that are already 5-axis capable. The good news is that Fusion has you covered if you need to control multi-axis positioning or simultaneous motion in all 5 axes at once.
After this course, you'll be able to:
- Recognize multi-axis geometry.
- Identify 3+2 vs. Simultaneous machining.
- Practice the application of multi-axis toolpaths.
Course downloads
These downloadable resources will be used to complete modules in this course:
Course outline
Getting started
Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you'll need.
Module outline
Discover what you'll learn in this course and download the software and resources you'll need.
Project setup and 3-axis machining
Learn to set up a multi-axis part by using 2.5 and 3- axis operations to rough away material.
Module outline
Most machined parts will start with some basic 2.5 or 3-axis operations to rough away material and get ready for multi-axis positioning or simultaneous multi-axis finishing operations. Learn how to set up a multi-axis part by using 2.5 and 3- axis operations to rough away material.
After this module, you'll learn how to:
- Create a new CAM setup.
- Create 2.5 and 3 axis roughing operations.
Multi-axis positioning for drilling and tapping holes
Learn how to position a part and use canned drill cycles and toolpath patterns to cut geometry.
Module outline
A common use for a 3+2 or multi-axis position machine setup is to drill and tap holes at various oriented locations on a part. Learn how to position a part and use canned drill cycles and toolpath patterns to cut geometry.
After this module, you'll be able to:
- Create a pattern of a toolpath.
- Create a multi-axis positioning operation.
Multi-axis positioning for milling operations
Learn to use traditional 2 and 3 axis pocketing in a 3+2 positioning operation.
Module outline
A common application of 3+2 machining is to machine flat surfaces or pockets around a part. Explore how to use traditional 2 and 3 axis pocketing in a 3+2 positioning operation.
After this module, you'll learn how to:
- Use 3+2 positioning to create 2D pocket toolpaths in different tool orientations.
- Create a multi-axis pattern of a toolpath.
Using multi-axis contour
Learn how to use multi-axis contour.
Module outline
Multi-axis contour is a machining strategy used to machine a contact curve with the tip of a tool. There are various parameters we can control such as a lead or lag angle of the tool and compensation direction. Explore using multi-axis contour.
After this module, you'll be able to:
- Create a multi-axis contour operation.
- Identify toolpath parameters.
Creating and understanding multi-axis swarf
Learn how to use and understand what a swarf toolpath can do.
Module outline
The swarf toolpath is one of the most easily applied and commonly used simultaneous multi-axis toolpaths. The multi-axis swarf allows us to manually control tilt angle of a tool with a contour selection, or have it done automatically for us with a surface selection. Learn how to use and understand what a swarf toolpath can do.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Describe the usage of a swarf toolpath.
- Create a multi-axis swarf toolpath.
Using multi-axis Flow
Learn to apply the flow toolpath in both 3 and 5 axis settings to understand what the options change and how it can be utilized on complex parts.
Module outline
The Flow toolpath strategy follows UV iso vectors normal to a select surface and typically is used to machine things such as large external fillets on parts. Flow can be used with both 3-axis and multi-axis strategies. Learn to apply the flow toolpath in both 3 and 5 axis settings to understand what the options change and how it can be utilized on complex parts.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Describe the flow toolpath
- Create a 3-axis flow toolpath
- Create a 5-axis flow toolpath
Setting up a soft jaw
Explore some of the workflow and fixturing needed for multi-axis parts.
Module outline
Holding a multi-axis part is often as complicated as machining it. Explore some of the workflow and fixturing needed for multi-axis parts.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Create a distributed design.
- Create a soft jaw model.
- Add geometry for a probe.
Roughing and finishing a basic part
Start exploring multiple setups by first creating a single setup and program to machine a contour and pocket on a simple part.
Module outline
Start exploring multiple setups by first creating a single setup and program to machine a contour and pocket on a simple part.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Create a setup for milling.
- Identify tools needed.
- Create roughing and finishing toolpaths.
Create a second setup
Learn how to create a second setup for the same machine to cut the back side of a part.
Module outline
A second setup in Fusion could be on the same machine or a different machine entirely. Learn how to create a second setup for the same machine to cut the back side of a part. This involves understanding the location of the coordinate system, reuse of tools, and how to export the NC file.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Describe the usage of multiple setups.
- Create a second setup in Fusion.
- Create finishing toolpaths.
Machining a part to be held in a fixture
Prepare a part to be machined on a multi-axis mill by machining and finish geometry specifically to be bolted down to a 5-axis machine.
Module outline
Multi-axis parts are often held in different types of clamping fixtures. Prepare a part to be machined on a multi-axis mill by machining and finish geometry specifically to be bolted down to a 5-axis machine.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Create a CNC Mill setup
- Practice roughing and finishing toolpaths
Preparing a multi-axis setup
Learn to setup and machine a set of soft jaws to hold a multi-axis part for final machining on a 3-axis machine using a probe to locate its WCS.
Module outline
Creating and machining fixturing to hold a multi-axis part for final machining can often be a challenge. Learn to setup and machine a set of soft jaws to hold a multi-axis part for final machining on a 3-axis machine using a probe to locate its WCS.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate how to create a CAM setup.
- Create a probe operation.
- Rough and finish a part.
Finish multi-axis positioning toolpaths
Learn to use folders to help organize a browser, understand the benefits of using NC programs over post processing, and create documentation for the setups.
Module outline
When a design contains multiple setups or setups with dozens of operations, it can be helpful to know how to organize them. Learn to use folders to help organize a browser, understand the benefits of using NC programs over post processing, and create documentation for the setups.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Organize operations in a browser.
- Create an NC program.
- Create machining setup sheets.
- View toolpaths on the web.
Surfacing tools for machining
Learn about some common tools that might be used when preparing to machine a part.
Module outline
When preparing a model for machining, sometimes you must create surfaces or manipulate geometry for ease of manufacture. Learn about some common tools that might be used when preparing to machine a part.
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Create surfaces to patch geometry.
- Use direct modeling to modify a design.
Course challenge
Course challenge exercise
Module outline
Now that you've completed the learning material in this course, you can take the challenge exercise to measure your skills on the topics covered in this course. Follow the assignment directions below or download the PDF to follow along at your own pace.
Final test
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.
Module outline
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.
You'll earn a certificate of completion each time you pass a skill-builder course. Find your recognitions on My Dashboard.
