{"id":34105,"date":"2022-09-05T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-05T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/?p=34105"},"modified":"2025-02-11T11:09:07","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T19:09:07","slug":"5-axis-machining-fusion-360-part-2-selecting-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodesk.com\/products\/fusion-360\/blog\/5-axis-machining-fusion-360-part-2-selecting-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"5-Axis Machining With Fusion 360 Part 1: Selecting a Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this article, we\u2019ll do a deep dive on how 5-axis machining works in Fusion 360 \u2014 from 5-axis use cases to selecting a strategy<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Using simultaneous 5-axis to machine motorsport part.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t seen Fusion 360 in the last 6 months, prepare to be impressed. Fusion 360 recently underwent a major 5-axis programming upgrade<\/a>. In this two-part series, we take a deep dive into how 5-axis programming<\/a> works in Fusion 360.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s roll up our sleeves and get into when to use 5-axis machining versus 3+2 axis machining and the different strategies you can choose from in Fusion 360.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

How is 5-axis programming in Fusion 360 different? <\/h2>\n\n\n

The answer here is \u201cpowerful simplicity.\u201d In our view, 5-axis programming should be as easy as 3-axis machining. Sure, those additional two axes add a layer of complexity, but that shouldn\u2019t mean programming them is like trying to solve a Rubik\u2019s Cube with your eyes shut (yep, I\u2019m old enough to remember). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fusion 360 team has focused on providing tools and automated workflows to make 5-axis programming simple. But simplicity alone isn\u2019t enough without the power and flexibility to create the machining files you need. And it\u2019s here where Fusion 360 packs a surprising punch by offering advanced tool axis controls to help machine your parts how you want to.  <\/p>\n\n\n

When should I use 5-axis machining? <\/h2>\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start with a reality check. Simultaneous 5-axis machining is great, but it isn\u2019t always the best solution for every machining job. There \u2013 I said it.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019ve bolted a second-hand rotary table onto a 3-axis machine or bought a million-dollar 5-axis mill-turn machine, our advice would be to use simultaneous 5-axis milling only when it\u2019s needed and when 3+2 machining isn\u2019t up to the task. The reason? Well, it\u2019s all down to machine construction, the machine\u2019s kinematic accuracy, and whether it has software to compensate for any mechanical errors.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a general rule of thumb: Any time you move all five axes of the machine at the same time, you increase the likelihood of imperfections appearing on the machined surface. Why? Well, all machines have a degree of mechanical inaccuracy (yes, even that million-dollar model). When the machine is moving, any mechanical errors, axis backlash, axis misalignment, or poor thermal stability, can all impact your machine\u2019s ability to accurately position the cutting tool in your workpiece.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simultaneous 5-axis movement can cause subtle variations in cutting tool forces, which can lead to witness lines, dig-ins, or other blemishes in the part. Removing these defects relies on additional processes, such as polishing, that take time, cost money, and aren\u2019t always well controlled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, even if you\u2019ve bought a shiny new 5-axis machine with all the bells and whistles, consider 3+2 machining first. It\u2019s a great choice for accessing undercuts and hard-to-reach features, enabling the use of shorter tools, and machining parts with fewer setups. Fusion 360 base users get access to the majority of 3+2 programming tools, including accessibility shading, interactive tool axis alignment, and so much more.  <\/p>\n\n\n

How to Select a 5-axis strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

So, you’ve determined that 5-axis machining is the right method for your project. The first step to 5-axis machining is choosing a strategy that will machine a part that fits your specific needs. As you might expect, Fusion 360 has a library of different strategies to choose from \u2013 the vast majority of which support 5-axis machining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some example scenarios with a suggested Fusion 360 3D finishing strategy: <\/p>\n\n\n

Scenario 1 <\/h3>\n\n\n

You\u2019re machining a part containing multiple nested features and dread spending hours creating dozens of separate toolpaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution<\/strong>: Choose \u201cSteep and Shallow,\u201d as this can safely and efficiently machine these kinds of complex part with a single toolpath with cool options such as separate controls for the steep and shallow regions, automatic overlap, wall clearance, and cusp-removal. <\/p>\n\n\n

Scenario 2<\/h3>\n\n\n

You\u2019re machining individual features on a part and need to achieve optimum surface finish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution<\/strong>: Choose \u201cMorph\u201d, \u201cFlow\u201d, or \u201cBlend\u201d as these produce toolpaths with shapes that are derived from the feature being machined \u2013 resulting in constant surface stepover and exceptional surface finish.  <\/p>\n\n\n

Scenario 3<\/h3>\n\n\n

You\u2019re machining parts that contain pockets\/upstands with straight sided pockets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solution: <\/strong>“Choose Swarf\u201d as this uses the side of the cutting tool to machine the entire sidewall of the pocket in a single pass \u2014 a much faster option than scanning across the part with a ball nose tool and a small 3D stepover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexibility is the key here. Fusion 360 offers a range of strategies, ensuring that you\u2019ll never hit a brick wall where there\u2019s nothing that works for you.  <\/p>\n\n\n

Assess your tool axis options<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n

Okay, so we\u2019ve picked the appropriate strategy to machine your part. We now need to consider the different methods of defining and controlling the 5-axis motion. Fusion 360 offers a range of Primary Tool Axis<\/a> modes: <\/p>\n\n\n\n