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Autodesk Fusion 360

SOFTWARE FOR CNC MACHINING

Traditional CNC machining is old. Manufacturing has changed so should your tools. Stop struggling with broken processes and data management in your CNC software – do what you do best.

cnc machining

What is CNC machining?

CNC stands for computer numerical control. There are many types of CNC machines, and this is often the main step in the process of creating a component or part through material removal. Once a part has been designed in CAD software, CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software is used to generate toolpaths, plans that tell a CNC machine how to move.

cnc machining

Fusion 360 for CNC machining

Packages like Fusion 360 integrate CAD and CAM to keep these processes more connected. Then the CNC machine is prepared by loading in stock material, the piece to be cut, as well as any tools that might be used during the machining process. Finally, the toolpaths are converted into code that controls the machine motion and creates the final part.

Types of CNC machining

ROUGHING

The first step in many CNC machining operations is to remove as much material as possible. See how Autodesk's Adaptive Clearing helps.

2 AXIS VS 3 AXIS MILLING

Learn how 2 axis milling compares to 3 axis, and the advantages that 3 axis CNC machining has to offer. 

3+2 AXIS MACHINING

Positional 5-axis, or 3+2, can offer many of the advantages of simultaneous 5-axis without the additional complexity or high cost.

TURNING

Turning, while still CNC machining, is quite different from milling. Find out how.

CNC machining milling styles

CNC machines are broadly classified by the number of axes involved and how they move.

  • 2.5 axis cnc machine

    2.5 AXIS

    2.5-axis milling creates prismatic features at distinct Z levels. Even though the machine is only moving in 2 axes simultaneously, the CAM software is still used as the shapes created can be complex and high precision.

  • 3 axis cnc machine

    3 AXIS

    3-axis milling uses all three axes simultaneously. Software is used to generate these toolpaths since the surfaces are often complex.

  • 4 axis cnc machine

    4 AXIS

    4-axis milling adds one rotational axis to 3-axis milling. This is useful when parts are near cylindrical and can be used to create complex geometry or access multiple parts around workholding like a tombstone.

  • 5 axis cnc machine

    5 AXIS

    Simultaneous 5-axis machining uses all 5 axes at the same time to allow milling of complex shapes at high precision. CAM software is all but required to program these CNC machines, as the motion is very complicated.

CNC machining for beginners

Bridge the gap between your technical education and what you need to know to begin using CNC machine tools.

Fundamentals of CNC machining practical guide

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about types of parts, materials, and CNC machining operations that engineers, innovators and niche manufacturers often use.

CNC mill buyer’s guide

Learn more about various CNC machine designs in our Types of CNC Mill Buyer’s eBook. This eBook also includes descriptions of CNC machine components & programming and non-milling machines.

types of cnc machines ebook

Types of CNC machines

CNC machine design will vary greatly. On some machines, the part will move or rotate while the spindle and tool remain stationary. In other machines, the part is stationary while the spindle moves. Some machines are a combination of both these designs.

To learn more about various CNC machine designs, you can read our Types of CNC eBook. This eBook also includes descriptions of CNC machine components & programming and non-milling machines.

Featured CAM software for CNC

Autodesk Fusion 360 software for CNC machining and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

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Design to CNC Machining Faster

Smarter machining with powerful easy-to-use software. Get from concept to design, and from design to CNC machined part faster.

How software for CNC machining is used

MJK Performance customer story video

MJK Performance

MJK Performance designs and manufactures high quality, precision CNC machined motorcycle parts.

Matsuura customer story video

Matsuura

Matsuura is winning the profit game, gaining competitive advantage by using generative design to automatically create custom workpiece-holding fixtures, and printing them in high-strength polymer overnight.

Saunders Machine Works customer story video

Saunders Machine Works

Saunders Machine Works uses Fusion 360 and specializes in CNC metal machining, prototype machining, fabrication, and design-for-manufacturing consulting.

Best CNC software free download

Manufacturing has changed so should your tools. Modernize your manufacturing workflows with the only truly unified CAD/CAM software for a fraction of the price.

FOR COMMERCIAL USERS

For professional designers, engineers and machinists. Fusion 360 unifies design, engineering and manufacturing into a single platform.

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Resources for CNC machining

Get started with CNC machining with these tutorials, guides, tips, and tricks.

  • Get quick answers to common manufacturing questions. Learn the fundamentals of milling, and how to create 3+2 toolpaths.

  • This course teaches you how to save common, recurring toolpaths and recall them as needed for similar projects.

  • Learn how to take a part from an assembly into the CAM workspace, and prepare it for multi-axis operations.

  • This lecture covers how to use WCS probing to reduce setup time while accurately locating the stock in the CNC machine.

  • Advanced manufacturing extension in Fusion 360 delivers a bundle of sophisticated Autodesk manufacturing technologies.

  • Read this article for a complete introduction to CNC programming using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

FAQs on CNC Machining

Find answers to frequently asked questions about CNC machining software.

  • How much does CNC machining cost?

    Typically, one of the largest costs associated with CNC machining is the CNC machine itself. Entry level machines start around $5,000 with high end machines reaching upwards of $500,000. The cost depends on factors like size, power, spindle speed, multi-axis capabilities, and accuracy. Once you have a machine, you will need to purchase cutting tools to machine parts. To generate the instructions required for CNC machining, it’s common to subscribe to a computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software as well. So, while there’s no one size fits all answer, CNC machining requires some up-front investment to get started.

  • What is the difference between CNC machining and milling?

    Milling is one style of CNC machining. CNC machining is any process where a part is manufactured by a machine that is controlled by a computer. In milling, a cutting tool spins at high speeds and advances into or across the work piece to remove material. Other types of CNC machining include turning, routing, plasma cutting, and water jetting. Turning and milling can be combined into a single machine, as can additive and subtractive operations, creating even more complex styles of CNC machining.

  • How is CNC machining different from 3d printing?

    3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the process of depositing layers of material to build up the desired geometry. Generally speaking, CNC machining is used to refer to subtractive processes, where material is removed from the work piece, resulting in the desired geometry. While 3D printing processes can create more complex geometry like internal latticing, parts must also be supported during the printing process to prevent failure. CNC machining generally produces more accurate parts and can be significantly faster, especially when manufacturing single parts.

  • How does CNC machining work?

    CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which means that a computer controls what the machine does, including but not limited to the spindle speed, feed rate, position. In order to program the computer, often called a control, a person can use computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software. CAM software generates a series of instructions called toolpaths and then generally uses a post processor to translate that toolpath data into code the machine can read. Then a person would transfer that code onto the machine and run it to produce their final part.

  • Can I use Fusion 360 to CNC?

    Yes! Fusion 360 includes a powerful and easy to use CAM solution that can control a wide variety of CNC machines including mills, lathes, routers, mill/turn machines, plasma cutters, water jets, and lasers. Fusion 360 also integrates CAD, CAE, and ECAD along with CAM into a single solution to reduce data loss and improve process reliability for CNC machining and other downstream processes.

  • How much does Fusion 360 cost?

    Fusion 360 costs /year. A Fusion 360 license gives you access to integrated 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, PCB, collaboration, and data management tools in a single platform. Fusion 360 subscriptions also include EAGLE Premium, HSMWorks, Team Participant, and access to generative design, cloud simulation, and cloud rendering.