Even better, it is free to download and use for educational and hobby purposes. The software we are highlighting today is Autodesk Fusion 360 for use with your CNC, a free Integrated CAD and CAM package, which conveniently lets you design your project and generate the gcode all in one place. Running G-Code: Taking the exported code from the last step, you run it either by your offline controller, or by CNC controller software on your computer, such as Candle.Generating Toolpaths: This is done by CAM (Computer Aided Machining) software, which takes the design you created and, via toolpaths, allows you to carve your project from a larger piece of 'Stock' material, and export these toolpaths in a form that your CNC can understand, called 'G-Code'.

Designing a Project: This is done primarily through CAD (Computer Aided Design) or 2D vector based software such as Adobe Illustrator, Aspire or InkScape.For this example, we will be using Inventables Easel but you could also use everything from Universal G Code sender to Mach 3.In response to the needs of the community, this guide was made as part of a response to one of the most frequently asked questions by new CNC users: What software do I use, and where do I get it?Īs an open source platform running GRBL, our CNC's can be used by a vast variety of different programs in combination in the following workflow: That GCode can then be brought into your control software. Home Online CAD & CAM Training Getting Started Fusion 360 About Us Help / Contact. Export G-Code To get from Fusion into your CNC control software we will be exporting the GCode of each tool path. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.Then we will create 4 different tool paths that will remove the material to create the plaque. We will create a setup to define our stock, CNC settings as well as a general orientation. The model is brought into Fusion as a mesh but you can also create your models directly in the program which gives you the added ability to keep them as parametric bodies.

This was created from photo scans of the real thing.

For this example, we will be downloading an STL from MyMiniFactory. Go from beginner to proficient with these courses on CAD modeling and CAM programming in Fusion 360 These courses offer a work-at-your-own-pace option for. Before getting deep into Fusion let's talk about the general workflow for this process.

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