Autodesk Fusion 360 CAM 101

Enroll In Course

Course Description

This 3-day class covers the fundamentals of using Autodesk Fusion for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Through hands-on, practice-intensive instruction, students learn to prepare parts for CNC machining, define machining setups, select cutting tools, create 2D and 3D toolpaths, simulate machining operations, and generate NC code using an appropriate post-processor.

Course Benefits

Understand the Fusion Manufacture workspace and the CNC programming workflow.
Create machining setups by defining stock, work coordinate systems, model orientation, and machining boundaries.
Select cutting tools and configure feeds, speeds, stepdowns, and stepovers.
Create 2D machining operations, including facing, adaptive clearing, pocketing, contouring, and drilling.
Generate 3D roughing and finishing toolpaths for parts with complex surfaces.
Simulate machining operations to inspect material removal and identify potential programming issues.
Optimize toolpaths to improve machining efficiency and surface finish.
Generate machine-specific NC code using appropriate post-processors.
Create setup documentation and tool lists to support CNC machining workflows.

Suggested Prerequisites

Basic computer skills are required.
Familiarity with 3D modeling and CAD concepts is recommended but not required.
No prior CAM programming experience is required.
Students should have Autodesk Fusion installed and access to the Manufacture workspace.
Experience with CNC milling is helpful but not required.

View Full Schedule

Course Outline

Introduction to Fusion CAM and 2D Machining

Understanding the Fusion Manufacture workspace
Understanding the CNC machining workflow and basic CAM terminology
Creating machining setups and defining work coordinate systems
Defining stock dimensions, model orientation, and machining boundaries
Understanding cutting tools, tool libraries, and tool holders
Configuring spindle speeds, feed rates, stepdowns, and stepovers
Creating facing operations
Creating 2D Adaptive Clearing operations
Creating 2D Pocket and Slot operations
Creating 2D Contour operations
Understanding cutting heights, lead-ins, lead-outs, and linking moves
Generating and reviewing basic toolpaths

Drilling, Advanced 2D Operations, and 3D Machining

Reviewing and refining existing toolpaths
Creating drilling operations and configuring drilling cycles
Machining holes, pockets, slots, and complex profiles
Exploring boring, chamfering, and other applicable machining strategies
Understanding 3D machining concepts and toolpath selection
Creating 3D Adaptive Clearing operations
Creating 3D finishing toolpaths for curved surfaces
Understanding machining boundaries, rest machining, and material removal
Optimizing cutting parameters and toolpath efficiency
Reviewing machining order and tool changes
Completing a multi-feature CNC machining exercise

Simulation, Post-Processing, and CNC Program Output

Creating and managing multiple machining setups
Understanding workholding, part orientation, and work offsets
Organizing machining operations and tool changes
Simulating complete machining operations
Verifying stock removal and reviewing potential collisions
Troubleshooting and refining toolpaths
Understanding post-processors and CNC controller compatibility
Generating machine-specific NC code
Reviewing G-code fundamentals and program output
Creating setup sheets and tool lists
Completing a final CAM programming project
Reviewing the complete CAD-to-CAM-to-NC workflow