Amplify your Fusion 360 CAM capabilities 

The Fusion 360 Machining Extension is a cost-option that, when purchased, unlocks additional functionality to boost the CAM programming capabilities that are already included in Fusion 360. Extensions provide a flexible, cost-effective way for you to access more advanced technology in line with your changing business needs. 

A 14-day, free trial is available for the Machining Extension, Product Design Extension, Simulation Extension, Nesting & Fabrication Extension, Additive Build Extension, and Generative Design Extension. Click here to download a free trial.

The Fusion 360 Machining Extension unlocks advanced CAM programming tools that can help simplify the machining of complex, feature-rich parts, including:

• Programming automation (multi-axis hole drilling)
• 4- & 5-axis simultaneous machining (swarf, multi-axis contour, advanced tool axis controls, automatic collision avoidance)
• Toolpath modifications (limiting, deleting passes, replace tool)
• Part inspection (2D geometry, 3D surfaces, part alignment)

The Fusion 360 Machining Extension can be accessed using different payment methods to suit your business needs, including daily, monthly, and yearly options. Learn more about purchasing Fusion 360 extensions

Many complex parts can be produced using 3-axis CNC machining, however there are limits. 3-axis machines are less suitable for parts with undercuts or features that aren’t aligned with the machines’ Z-axis. Multi-axis machining, such as “3+2” and “5-axis”, can allow these more challenging parts to be machined with fewer setups, shorter tools, and more aggressive feeds and speeds, ultimately enabling higher value parts to be machined more accurately and easily.

3+2 and 5-axis machining allows CAM programmers to change the toolaxis orientation relative to the workpiece. This can help machine hard to reach features but also enables the use of shorter tools (to reduce cutter push-off and improve part quality), increased feeds and speeds (for shorter cycle times), and more efficient machining (e.g. milling inclined planar surfaces with flat-bottomed cutting tools and large stepovers).

Learn more about tool orientation

Steep & Shallow is a machining strategy offered inside the Fusion 360 – Machining Extension. It combines four different strategies into one, and automates the machining of complex, feature-rich parts. It identifies steep and shallow areas of the 3D model and produces highly efficient toolpaths to machine them. Additional automation options include top down ordering, excluding flat areas, varying raster angle selection, scallop removal, and automatic 5-axis collision avoidance.

Learn more about Steep & Shallow

Setting up the stock on a CNC machine is typically a manual process carried out by skilled workers using dials and gages. This is simple when the stock is prismatic in shape, but not when it is large/heavy/organic in shape. The Fusion 360 Machining Extension includes strategies that use a spindle mounted probe to measure the stock on the machine and “best fit” the CAM data to match, automating setup, shortening setup times, and reducing scrap rates.

Learn more about automated part setup

The Fusion 360 Machining Extension provides additional CAM programming tools to help you make better use of your CNC machinery. The extension, developed by Autodesk, offers flex access to unlock professional grade tools as and when you need them. By comparison, add-ins tend to be point solutions, developed by 3rd parties, that connect to the Fusion 360 API to solve a specific problem. Add-ins are less powerful and more likely to become obsolete if the 3rd party fails to update them.