Steep and Shallow milling strategy
This feature is part of an extension. Extensions are a flexible way to access additional capabilities in Fusion. Learn more.
The Steep and Shallow toolpath can be used for semi finishing and finishing. It is a hybrid strategy that combines the styles of Scallop and Contour into a single operation.
This single toolpath strategy evaluates the surfaces of the model and divides them into areas that are nearly flat for the shallow passes, and areas that are nearly vertical for the steep passes.
Steep and Shallow toolpath on a 3D model.
There are individual cutting parameters for the steep and shallow surfaces. Controls exist for containing the toolpath to a specific area. You can use Machining Boundaries to contain the machining area in X & Y and the Heights parameters to contain the machining areas in Z, but as a default, it assumes you want to machine the entire model.
If you are cutting with a tool that is unsuitable for flat areas, such as a ball end mill, you can use the Avoid Flat Areas parameter so that no toolpath is generated over flat areas. In a future operation, you can finish the flat areas with a more suitable tool, such as a flat end mill.