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What students have to say about this class :

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What students have to say about this class :

  • "I wish this guy had more classes. Clear, concise, knowledgable, and offers a ton of additional information. I'm more interested in this subject with every lesson I watch. Thank you. "

  • "Even though I am experienced in CAM, I've had a career break and needed a refresher course before starting my new job. This course is perfect for my needs and the instructor has a clear idea on what he is teaching which makes it really valuable. Keep up the good work and Thank you. "

  • "Clear and concises, I learned what I expected to and can now operate a CNC mill with confidence."

  • "So far this course is showin me the things I was wanting to learn, finding in it very intuitive and methodical in the approach"

  • "That course is perfect for absolute CAM beginners who want to know how to wisely operate a CNC Router ."

In this class you'll learn to control your CNC router with the help of Fusion 360. The process of creating toolpaths is what's called CAM (Computer-aided manufacturing).

We will use a real world example which you can follow along and recreate at your own pace. Each section is designed to teach you how to create a specific toolpath while also discussing important concepts that will deepen your understanding of machining

More precisely, here are the chapters and what you can expect to learn :

  1. Introduction - we'll go over the project we are tackling and what you can expect.

  2. Workflow of CAM, vocabulary and g-code - This lecture is about the general workflow followed in CAM. We get accustomed to the vocabulary and take a look at a g-code to understand what it's all about

  3. Previewing the end result and importing a part - We'll learn to import parts and preview the end result of the class (so you know where we're going)

  4. Creating your first toolpath - In this first toolpath we keep things simple. We first define our stock and WCS, then we create a tool with the relevant speeds and we go through the steps to create a toolpath.

  5. Creating a 2D pocket operation - The main goal is to take a deeper look at the different parameters of a toolpath, especially feeds and speeds.

  6. 3D toolpaths - We explore 3D toolpaths and have a discussion about the order of operations

  7. Drilling operation - We learn to create a drilling operation and discuss the different speeds associated with drilling

  8. Cutting away the shape with 2D contour - We learn to cut away a shape with 2D contour and discuss tabs and tool length

  9. Exporting g-codes and discussing tool offsets - We export g-codes, discuss post-processor and how to manage different tool lengths on your CNC

  10. Planning tests and creating toolpaths from 2D drawings - We create toolpaths from a 2D drawing and discuss the importance of preliminary tests on your CNC

  11. Double sided machining - We discuss the intricacies of double sided machining and provide an easy solution for it

  12. Final thoughts - We take a look back at what we've learned and emphasize on the important stuff you should takeaway

  13. EXTRA : Tool Selection Guide - This section covers end mills in details, from the geometry to the material in order to help you choose the appropriate end mill.

Do you have a CNC and don’t know how to use it? Do you feel like you know how to use it but are really just guessing? Does your local maker space has a CNC and you’re intimidated by it? Do you already know CAM but want to improve your understanding of it?Do you want a machine to do all the hard work and make money for you? (Of course you do. )If you see yourself in any of these statements then this class is for you. I’ve made this class for anyone who wants to learn CAM through Fusion 360. CAM stands for Computer-aided manufacturing so in this class we’ll be creating toolpaths that a CNC can follow to machine different kinds of material and shapes. In other words, we’ll be doing the prep work and the CNC will be doing the heavy and precise lifting for us. My main motivation with building this class was this : Fusion has made it too easy to create toolpaths for a CNC router. With a few clicks you’ll have a set of instructions for your CNC and as much as this is great, it’s also terrifying. We’re not dealing with a small 3D printer here, we have a spinning tool moving at a rapid pace that is very dangerous if not tamed properly. So for this reason, I wanted to not only show people how to use Fusion, but more importantly provide you with the knowledge you’ll need to make smart decisions and learn to program your CNC safely and efficiently. With hobbyist CNCs becoming more affordable and accessible (which is great. ) I believe that it’s important to educate people as much as possible to the world of CAM. And with Fusion 360 offering a great and free CAM solution, the timing has never been this good for us to dive into this wonderful subject together. This class covers everything from importing parts to exporting a g-code with everything in between, including 2D and 3D toolpaths, calculating feeds and speeds, running tests, double sided machining and much more. So I want to welcome you and thank you for joining my class. Feedback is appreciated, and remember to stay safe.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), which is standard in the industry
Uses Fusion 360, which is a popular and well-respected software for CAM
Explores 2D and 3D toolpaths, providing a comprehensive understanding of CAM
Covers the entire workflow of CAM, from importing parts to exporting g-codes, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced learners
Provides a detailed Tool Selection Guide, helping learners choose the appropriate end mills for their projects
Emphasizes safety and provides guidance on how to use a CNC machine safely and efficiently

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fusion 360 for CNC - The best guide for beginners with these activities:
Review Basic Geometry and 3D Modeling Principles
Refreshing these fundamental concepts will enhance learners' ability to understand 3D models, design toolpaths, and visualize machining operations.
Browse courses on Geometry
Show steps
  • Review basic geometric shapes and their properties
  • Practice creating simple 3D models using Fusion 360
  • Visualize and understand the relationships between different geometric features
Organize and Review Course Materials
Organizing and reviewing course materials will help learners reinforce their understanding, identify areas needing attention, and prepare for future reference.
Show steps
  • Organize notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
  • Review key concepts and summarize important ideas
  • Identify areas where further clarification or practice is needed
Join a Study Group or Online Forum
Engaging with peers in discussion forums or study groups provides opportunities to share knowledge, ask questions, and gain insights into different approaches to CAM.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Join an online forum or discussion group related to Fusion 360 or CAM
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions
  • Offer your own knowledge and help others
  • Collaborate with others on practice projects
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Create a 3D Model and Generate Toolpaths
This project will allow learners to apply their knowledge of Fusion 360 CAM to a practical scenario and reinforce their understanding of the complete workflow.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Design a 3D model using Fusion 360
  • Select appropriate cutting tools and materials
  • Generate toolpaths for different operations (e.g., roughing, finishing)
  • Simulate the toolpaths to check for errors
  • Export the G-code and transfer it to your CNC machine

Career center

Learners who complete Fusion 360 for CNC - The best guide for beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
CAM Programmer
CAM Programmers are responsible for creating the toolpaths that CNC machines use. This course provides a comprehensive overview of CAM, including the different types of toolpaths, how to calculate feeds and speeds, and how to troubleshoot common problems. With this knowledge, CAM Programmers can create efficient and accurate toolpaths that will produce high-quality parts.
CNC Operator
CNC Operators operate CNC machines to produce parts. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can help CNC Operators understand the toolpaths that they are running. By understanding the principles of CAM, CNC Operators can operate CNC machines more efficiently and produce high-quality parts.
CNC Machinist
CNC Machinists operate computer-controlled machines to create a wide range of metal parts. This course provides a solid foundation in CAM (Computer-aided Manufacturing,) which is essential for creating the toolpaths that CNC machines use. By understanding the principles of CAM, CNC Machinists can optimize their machine's performance and produce high-quality parts efficiently.
Tool and Die Maker
Tool and Die Makers create the tools and dies used in manufacturing processes. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to create complex toolpaths for CNC machines. By understanding the principles of CAM, Tool and Die Makers can design and create tools and dies that are accurate and efficient.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design and improve production systems. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to optimize CNC machining processes. By understanding the principles of CAM, Industrial Engineers can design systems that are efficient and produce high-quality parts.
Automation Engineer
Automation Engineers design and build automated systems. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to design and create automated CNC machining systems. By understanding the principles of CAM, Automation Engineers can design systems that are efficient and produce high-quality parts.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers design and improve production processes. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to optimize CNC machining processes. By understanding the principles of CAM, Manufacturing Engineers can design processes that are efficient and produce high-quality parts.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design and build robots. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to design and create robotic CNC machining systems. By understanding the principles of CAM, Robotics Engineers can design robots that are efficient and produce high-quality parts.
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineers design and build systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to design and create mechatronic CNC machining systems. By understanding the principles of CAM, Mechatronics Engineers can design systems that are efficient and produce high-quality parts.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and systems. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to design and create CNC machines and systems. By understanding the principles of CAM, Mechanical Engineers can design machines and systems that are efficient and produce high-quality products.
Production Manager
Production Managers oversee production processes. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to optimize CNC machining processes. By understanding the principles of CAM, Production Managers can make informed decisions about how to improve production efficiency and quality.
Product Design Engineer
Product Design Engineers design and develop new products. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to design and create prototypes of new products. By understanding the principles of CAM, Product Design Engineers can design products that are efficient and can be manufactured using CNC machining.
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technicians maintain and repair CNC machines. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can help Maintenance Technicians understand the operation of CNC machines. By understanding the principles of CAM, Maintenance Technicians can troubleshoot and repair CNC machines more effectively.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers develop and test new materials. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to create prototypes of new materials. By understanding the principles of CAM, Materials Engineers can develop materials that are suitable for CNC machining.
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Control Inspectors ensure that products meet specifications. This course provides a foundation in CAM, which can be used to create inspection plans for CNC machined parts. By understanding the principles of CAM, Quality Control Inspectors can develop effective inspection plans that will ensure that parts meet the required quality standards.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fusion 360 for CNC - The best guide for beginners.
An advanced textbook, this book covers the entire CAD/CAM spectrum, and is well-regarded as one of the more in-depth books on the subject. Includes discussion on advanced machining techniques, such as robotics.
Offers an excellent overview of CAD/CAM principles and applications, and covers material from mathematical background for CAD/CAM to advanced topics like solid modeling and virtual manufacturing.
Another textbook, this book introduces the fundamental principles of CNC, and provides in-depth exploration of various topics including G-code programming, CNC machine setup and operation, and troubleshooting CNC programs.
Provides a tutorial on CNC programming, covering topics such as G-code, tool selection, and fixturing. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about CNC programming.
Provides a comprehensive overview of CAM, covering topics such as toolpath generation, simulation, and optimization. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about CAM.
Comprehensive guide to CNC programming, covering all the major concepts and techniques. It's a great reference for anyone who wants to learn more about CAM and CNC programming.
Textbook on machining and CNC technology. It covers the basics of machining, CNC programming, and CAM.
Provides a practical introduction to CNC milling for makers, covering topics such as machine setup, tool selection, and fixturing. It valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about CNC milling.

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