Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing is a comprehensive, cloud-based solution that integrates CAD, CAM, CAE, and PDM tools. Learn how this invaluable asset can help to streamline workflows, reduce costs, improve product quality, and foster innovation.

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, efficiency, precision, and innovation are paramount. In this article, we’re going to provide an overview of Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing. We’ll cover what it is, how it differs from other versions of Fusion, and the value it provides. 

What is Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing?

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Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing combines all of the powerful CAD and CAE tools that Fusion offers. It also includes all of the CAM tools that Fusion offers for advanced manufacturing. It’s a perfect fit for any organization with manufacturing engineers, CNC machinists, or machine operators who program and/or produce physical parts.  

Key benefits

Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing offers numerous benefits to manufacturing customers, making it a valuable tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency. Here are some of the key advantages: 

1. Streamlined workflow 

• Integrated solution: By combining CAD, CAM, and CAE tools into a single platform, you can eliminate the need for multiple software solutions, streamline workflows and reduce errors. 

• Collaboration: The cloud-based nature of Fusion for Manufacturing facilitates collaboration among team members, allowing them to work together in real-time, regardless of their location. 

• Intelligent CAM programming: Advanced strategies and process controls mean parts can be programmed using a smaller number of more efficient and capable toolpaths, reducing both programming and machining time.

2. Improve quality and cost savings 

• Precision manufacturing: Precise toolpath generation and post-processing capabilities ensure that the manufactured parts are accurate and meet the desired tolerances. 

• Optimized toolpaths: The CAM tools generate optimized toolpaths, minimizing material waste and reducing machining time. 

• Reduced rework: Simulation and analysis tools help identify and resolve issues early, helping avoid mistakes that can require costly rework.

What production processes does Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing support?

Fusion for Manufacturing includes a suite of tools to help engineers that use a variety of different manufacturing processes, including:

• CNC machining using 2D, 3-axis, 3+2, 4-axis, 5-axis hardware 

• CNC turning using lathes and more complex multi-tasking machines 

• CNC sheet-cutting using laser, water-jet, plasma, router cutting machines 

• Plastics-based 3D printing using fused deposition modeling, multi-jet fusion, stereolithography, binder jetting and more 

• Metals-based additive manufacturing using selective laser sintering, directed energy deposition, and more.

How does Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing differ to other Fusion offerings?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from customers and one that is easy to answer. Let’s compare the Fusion for Manufacturing offering against the core version of Fusion. 

Autodesk Fusion

The core version of Fusion provides a broad suite of tools to meet the diverse needs of industrial designers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing engineers. When it comes to the specifics of manufacturing teams, Fusion offers capabilities for businesses focused on creating CNC files (G-codes) to drive a range of manufacturing machinery and processes. 

• 3D printers that use a variety of different 3D printing technologies to produce prototype parts, fixtures, work-holding, spare parts and more in a variety of different types of plastic. 

• 3-axis CNC milling machines used to produce individual component parts. These may be produced in small volumes (prototyping) or larger numbers (mass production) in metals, woods, and other organics. 

• Simple lathes used to produce components that are usually cylindrical in shape. As with milling, these parts can vary in size and complexity and may be produced in large- or small-scale production runs. 

Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing

As your business starts to grow, it will likely invest in more complex, capable, and expensive machinery or production processes. In these cases, your business will likely require more advanced tools than those offered in the core version of Fusion. Here are some examples of how Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing can meet your software needs: 

You decide to invest in more capable 3-axis CNC machinery

Fusion for Manufacturing provides all of the 3-axis tools, strategies and optimization options needed to simplify machine setup, maximize spindle uptime, and shorten production times.”

You acquire multi-axis CNC machinery

You have invested in more capable 4- or 5-axis milling machines as these enable you to produce more complex shaped parts using fewer machine setups. Fusion for Manufacturing can program these machines safely and efficiently thanks to its specialist 4- and 5-axis options. For example, precisely controlling the motion of the rotary axes of the machine and ensuring there are no machine collisions or erratic motion that could result in damage to workpieces, fixturing, machines or the operators themselves.  

You innovate with metals-based additive manufacturing

You may have experience using 3D printing to produce plastic components or you may have invested in metals-based printing machinery, like selective laser sintering or SLM, to produce new parts not possible with traditional processes. Additionally, you may want to combine 3D printing with CNC machining to enable “Hybrid Manufacturing” for producing new parts or repairing components.

You have a problem with waste, non-conformance and low productivity

You may have identified high waste, scrap rates, or costly non-conformance impacting productivity and profit margins in your manufacturing processes. For example, as a fabricator cutting components from sheet-stock, you may have relied on manual processes to fit parts into each sheet. You need to reduce levels of waste, but your current (manual) process can’t deliver.  

In all the cases above, Fusion for Manufacturing is for you. 

What advanced manufacturing functionality is in Fusion for Manufacturing?

Fusion for Manufacturing significantly enhances the capabilities of Fusion by providing additional, advanced CAM programming tools, including: 

1. 2D, 2.5-axis, 3-axis machining:  Fusion for Manufacturing contains a vast array of different machining strategies to rough and finish component parts safely, efficiently, and completely. 

2. Automated hole recognition and drilling: These intelligent workflows can automatically identify all holes on 3D models then use configurable templates to consistently produce the high-quality toolpaths needed to machine them. 

3. Whole part machining strategies: Fusion for Manufacturing includes a growing suite of intelligent toolpaths (for example Steep and Shallow, Debur, and Corner) that can efficiently machine entire parts, reducing CAM programming times, improving surface finish, and shortening project delivery times. 

4. Positional 5-axis machining (3+2): Tool axis controls reorient the cutting tool relative to the workpiece. This kind of 3+2 machining allows the production of complex parts with fewer machine setups. It also allows difficult to reach features to be machined with shorter, more rigid cutting tools. 

5. Simultaneous 4- and 5-axis machining: Fusion for Manufacturing includes a suite of specialist strategies (such as advanced swarf) and toolaxis controls (lead/lean, to/from a point/curve) to allow the creation of efficient, collision free 4- and 5-axis machine motion.

6. Toolpath modifications: Fusion for Manufacturing allows toolpaths to be modified after calculation. These edits can be used to limit to a plane, delete segments, modify leads and links, and replace the cutting tool (and more) all without the need to recalculate the toolpath. This ultimately saves time and provides greater levels of programming flexibility. 

7. Process simulations: Fusion for Manufacturing provides a variety of simulation tools to validate manufacturing processes. For CNC machining, accurate 3D models of the machine can be used to identify collisions, axis over-travel and other problems. For additive manufacturing, simulations can help identify print failures. Simulations can help find and repair problems in a virtual world before they become costly mistakes in the real world.  

8. In-cycle probing and part alignment: Fusion for Manufacturing includes a variety of inspection routines that can be used to a) help setup machine datums, b) measure the accuracy of parts during/after machining, c) automate the setup of parts that are large, heavy or non-prismatic in shape. 

9. Sheet-based fabrication: Automatically nest multiple component parts into sheet-stock, helping to maximize material utilization.  

10. Additive manufacturing (plastics and metals): Fusion for Manufacturing provides powerful tools to support the production of components using both plastics and metals-based 3D printing hardware and processes. Automatic part orientation, associative support structures, and materials-based process parameters help simplify programming.   

How to access

Accessing Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing is straightforward. Here are the steps to get started: 

1. Subscription: Users can subscribe to Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing through the Autodesk website. Various subscription plans are available with options for 1- or 3-year options to suit different needs and budgets. 

2. Installation: Once subscribed, users can download and install the software on their computers. The installation process is user-friendly and guided by detailed instructions. 

3. Cloud access: Cloud-based access allows users to access their projects from anywhere with an internet connection. This feature enhances collaboration and ensures that the latest version of the project is always available. 

If you have questions and would like to connect with an expert to determine how Fusion for Manufacturing can best suit your company’s needs, please reach out to an expert here.

Conclusion

Autodesk Fusion for Manufacturing is a powerful and comprehensive solution that supports and revolutionizes the manufacturing process. By integrating CAD, CAM, and CAE tools into a single solution, it streamlines workflows, reduces costs, improves product quality, and fosters innovation. Fusion for Manufacturing further enhances these capabilities by providing advanced CAM programming tools. It’s an invaluable asset for any manufacturing organization looking to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness.