Generating a 5-axis toolpath with collision avoidance

Fusion Manufacturing Extension

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

Note: Currently, 5-axis capability with Collision Avoidance is available only for Steep and Shallow, Parallel, Scallop, Pencil, Spiral, Radial, Morphed Spiral, Morph, and Project. The Lead and Lean option is currently available only for Steep and Shallow. The tools currently supported are ball-end and lollipop or slot (when defined as spheres) mills.

You can enhance a 3D toolpath to use 5-axis machining and collision avoidance. 5-axis controls define the orientation of the tool so that you can machine the part in the most efficient way.

Collision avoidance lets you tilt the tool axis to avoid collisions between the shaft or holder and the part. As collisions are avoided, you are able to reach more areas of a part and machine more complex parts.

Machining using 5-axis can benefit you by:

Reducing the number of Setups required - you can machine an entire part in a single setup using 5-axis machining. Machining without using multiple setups results in a reduced likelihood of errors related to setups.
Being able to use shorter cutting tools - Shorter cutting tools have less likelihood of deflection during machining, providing you with a better surface finish on your part.

Use the options on the Multi-Axis tab (5th tab) of a strategy dialog to:

Define the tool axis for multi-axis machining.
Automatically tilt the tool to avoid collisions. Ensure that any resulting tilting motion is smooth.
Specify what happens when a tool exceeds the specified minimum and maximum tilting limits.

Watch this video to see an overview and examples of the 5-axis settings.

Note: If the tool orientation is oriented for 3-axis machining and you do not change any options in the Multi-Axis tab, the output remains as a 3-axis toolpath. It remains as a 3-axis toolpath because the Primary Mode tool-axis setting is set to Vertical by default, which aligns the tool axis to your specified tool orientation.