The steps to generate subtractive toolpaths with CAM software are generally:
- Define setup
- Define toolpaths
- Post process
These instructions mirror those found in the Basic CNC milling Tutorial.
Define Setup
In the recommended CAM software, Fusion360, start a new setup from within the Manufacture tab:
Usually (and in these instructions), you will have some stock of known size and location. Choose the orientation origin in the Setup tab of the Setup menu. Under Stock tab, use a Relative size box (if you have something modelled) or define a Fixed size box. In Post Process tab, pay attention to the WCS Offset value (0 and 1 correspond to G54, then they increment up from there. So 2 corresponds to G55). See 6.3 Setting Workpiece Offsets (WCS) for more information on setting WCS.
Define Toolpaths
After the setup is complete, generate a "2D Pocket":
Define the specifications of the toolpath as below. These are appropriate settings for plastic stock such as ABS or Acetal. For other materials refer to 6.6 Raw Material Selection.
Some of the important settings:
- Tool
- #1 - must match Spindle 1 (#2 would be Spindle 2)
- 3.175mm (1/8") Flat Endmill
- Flood on if you plan to run compressed air on this operation
- 10,000RPM
- 300mm/min feedrate (keeping tool loads down for now)
- Geometry
- Select the edge or bottom surface of the hole
- Heights
- Bottom height -5mm from top surface (same as our manual plunge)
- Passes
- Multiple depths
- Limit roughing pass to 1mm depth
- Lead-in
- Ramp = plunge
The resulting toolpath:
Post Process
Now we will post-process the toolpath for use with the H-Series machine. (First install the H-Series Post Processor. ) Then select the setup you want and click the "NC Program" icon in the upper-left. This will open the NC Program dialog. Make sure you have the HSeriesPost1.1 selected, and click "Post". After your first time doing this operation, the NC Program will show up under "NC Programs" in the left-side menu. You can easily re-post after updating toolpaths.
This will generate a 1001.g file, which can be saved anywhere. Run this toolpath on the H-Series by uploading it from the web control:
