Workflow: Performing a live part alignment using probing

Fusion Manufacturing Extension

This feature is part of an extension. Extensions are a flexible way to access additional capabilities in Fusion. Learn more.

The Live Part Alignment part alignment icon feature enables you to use surface inspection results to optimize the setup of complex, free-form parts on a CNC machine. Use it to reduce any alignment imperfections, so that the part can then be machined accurately. Inspection results are imported, and the part alignment is calculated, in real-time using a live connection between Fusion and the CNC machine.

Note: When this video was created, the functionality was available as a preview. For the previous video about live connection using Machine Connector applications, see Work with a Machine Connector application for inspection.

Steps

  1. Ensure that you have the correct Machine Connector application installed for the machine you are using.

  2. Create a milling setup and the manufacturing operations for machining the part.

  3. Specify the type of transformation that Fusion uses to calculate the part alignment. This determines the number of axes available to translate the part so that it can be aligned.

    translation

    The type of transformation must be supported by the CNC machine and the post processor.

    Note: Transformation for live part alignment is currently restricted to translation in three or fewer axes.

  4. Generate an Inspect Surface operation to specify which points to probe on the part's surface. The surface inspection results will be used to calculate the part alignment.

    inspect surface operation

  5. Post process all the operations to create NC code, and then transfer the NC code to the CNC machine.

    nc program

  6. Import the inspection results in real-time as the NC code runs on the CNC machine.

    before and after example

    When all the inspection results have been imported, Fusion calculates the part alignment, and you must decide whether to approve or reject it.

    If you approve the part alignment, the NC code is automatically updated using the calculated part alignment. The work coordinate system (WCS) on the machine controller is adjusted so that the part can be machined accurately.

    If you reject the part alignment, the CNC machine stops running the NC code.

Parent page: Live part alignment using probing