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AUTODESK FUSION 360

CNC programming software with G-code 

Programming a CNC machine is a complex and difficult undertaking. Never again will you need to develop your own CNC code by hand. Fusion 360 makes it easy to generate G-code and produce parts faster the first time around. On this page, using Fusion 360's free tools and tutorials, we'll examine the fundamentals of CNC programming to gain a deeper understanding of the ideas.

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What is CNC programming?

Simply described, CNC programming is the process of combining instructions to specify how a CNC machine moves and functions. The CNC machine will turn a raw material into a final product by following these instructions. The beauty of CNC programming is that it allows machines to perform repetitive jobs. Thus, less waste (both material and time), fewer operating expenses, and higher potential profit margins help businesses expand and prosper.

CNC programming can control routers, mills, lathes, mill-turn and turn-mill machines, multi-tasking centres, wire EDMs, and industrial robots. For any machine, the instructions are normally delivered in one of two ways: manually via a human interface incorporated into the CNC machine, or digitally using offline CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software.

8 Different Types of CNC Processes

CNC programmers write instructions for CNC machines, where a computer is connected to the mill, along with electrical drives and sensors for a complete system. This computer controls the movement of the machine axis.

  • CNC routers

    CNC routers are commonly used in woodworking and can range in size and style from a desktop 3-axis to a room-sized 5-axis configuration.

  • Plasma cutters

    CNC plasma cutters are used to cut conductive metals using a jet of hot plasma. These CNC machines offer high precision at low cost.

  • Laser cutters

    Laser cutters can be used to cut a variety of types and thicknesses of materials, even metal, depending on the power of the laser.

  • CNC lathes

    CNC lathes rotate the workpiece and apply a variety of cutting tools to create parts with a revolved profile. These are often programmed by hand.

  • Mill/turn machines

    Mill/turn machines combine milling and turning into a single machining center. These machines can create spun profiles like lathes.

    Image courtesy of Precinov

  • Milling machines

    Milling machines are extremely versatile and come in a variety of configurations from 2- to 5-axis milling configurations.

  • Multi-axis milling

    Multi-axis milling is the addition of up to two rotational axes to a 3-axis milling configuration. This allows access to more of the part.

  • Water jet cutters

    CNC water jet cutters combine high pressure water with an abrasive media to cut parts. These CNC machines can offer a low-cost solution.

What is a toolpath?

"Toolpath" is a term used in CAD/CAM that refers to a set of coordinates that a cutting tool will follow during the machining process. Watch the following top three learning resources to learn how Fusion 360 splits the toolpath strategies for milling into 2D, 3D, and multi-axis.

  • 2D milling

    Learn how to generate 2D toolpaths for your parts, from roughing to finishing, and then generating G-code.

    Watch video (14:33 min.)

  • 3D milling

    Get up to speed on generating 3D toolpaths and G-code for your parts.

    Watch video (16:33 min.)

  • Multi-axis milling

    Walk through the steps needed to generate multi-axis toolpaths and G-code for your parts.

    Watch video (10:01 min.)

CNC programming software with a focus on the included features

Improve the speed with which you produce high-quality components. A single, integrated platform, like Fusion 360 can help you save cycle times and enhance your bottom line.

Are your CAM software choices consistent with your aspirations for success?

Equip yourself with the necessary tools to realize endless opportunities for your business. Fusion 360 extensions enhance Fusion 360's functionality by enabling sophisticated machining, additive manufacturing, generative design, nesting, and fabrication capabilities. Explore Fusion 360 extensions.

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Beginner's guide to computer numerical control programming software

These Fusion 360 learning guides and quick tips can help you learn more about CNC programming and how to program your CNC machine.

  • Fundamentals of CNC machining

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

    Fundamentals of CNC machining

  • Getting started with G-code

    Review G-code basics to efficiently understand and write programs that product high quality products.

    Learn about G-code

  • CNC 101

    LWatch an Autodesk presentation on the overview of CNC machines, process, and CNC programming.

    CNC 101

Best CNC programming software

Simple setup and CNC programming enable you to produce parts more quickly. Fusion 360 supports post-NC programs, which enables you to create toolpaths twice as fast.

FOR COMMERCIAL USERS

For professional machinists. Fusion 360 makes it easy to program your CNC machine faster for a fraction of the price.

Learn why Fusion 360 is your solution

FOR COMMERCIAL USERS

For professional machinists. Fusion 360 makes it easy to program your CNC machine faster for a fraction of the price.

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Find CNC programming resources

  • Get tips and techniques to meet your CAM programming goals with greater consistency and efficiency.

  • The market place for job-shops is rapidly changing, with competition coming from all directions as everyone tightens their machining operations.

  • Get CAD and CAM in one software package. Watch a Fusion 360 demo to learn how to reduce cycle times, CNC machine high-quality parts, and bring products to market faster.

CNC programming FAQs

Autodesk provides a number of CAD/CAM software tools to help design (CAD) and manufacture (CAM) products. AutoCAD is a product that helps designers, engineers, and architects to produce 2D and 3D designs and drawings. While AutoCAD is a powerful design tool, it does not include the tools needed to efficiently produce NC programs for CNC machines. In these cases it may be better to use an alternative product, such as Autodesk Fusion 360. To learn more about Fusion 360, visit www.autodesk.com/fusion-360.

There is a wide choice of CAD/CAM software for CNC (computer numerically controlled) programming and machining. Autodesk offers a number of products, with different capabilities to serve the needs of different industries and applications.

Fusion 360 – is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAM, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing. It provides integrated CAD and CAM, CNC programming tools for 2D, 2.5D, 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis machining applications. A range of subscription options exist, including a free option for personal use, a commercial subscription ($495 per year), and a range of Extensions to unlock additional technology to meet the needs of more advanced applications (for example, generative design, or multi-axis CNC machining). 

Autodesk offers alternative CAM software products for other industries and applications, including: 

* Fusion 360 with PowerMill – part of the Fusion family of products, PowerMill is expert high-speed and 5-axis CAM software for manufacturers of molds, tools, and dies, needing to get the very best performance from their CNC milling machines and industrial robots. Learn more at https://www.autodesk.com/products/powermill/overview 
* Fusion 360 with FeautureCAM – part of the Fusion family of products, FeatureCAM is automated CAM software that replaces manual data input (MDI) with fully automatic CAM programming using intelligent machining templates for milling machines, lathes, turn-mill, wire EDM, and Swiss-lathes. Learn more at https://www.autodesk.com/products/featurecam/overview

In simple terms, computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine programming is a process whereby instructions are combined together to define how a CNC machine will move and function. By carrying out these instructions, the CNC machine will convert some form of raw material into a finished product. CNC programming can be used to drive a wide variety of different machine types, including; routers, mills, lathes, mill-turn and turn-mill machines, multi-tasking centers, wire EDMs (electrical discharge machining), and industrial robots. 

Learn more about CNC machining at https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/computer-aided-manufacturing-beginners/.

Regardless of the type of machine being used, the instructions are typically provided in one of two ways, either; 1) via manual data input (MDI) using some kind of human interface built into the CNC machine, or 2) by producing a digital file using offline CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software. 

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in part complexity. This, combined with an increasing pressure to improve part quality and increase overall operations effectiveness (OOE) has resulted in the majority of manufacturers moving away from manual (MDI) CNC programming and investing in CAM software. 

CAM software, such as Autodesk Fusion 360, is used to create a digital file (NC program) that contains all of the instructions necessary to control how the machine will function. The CAM software is used to define the entire machining process and often uses a digital twin of the machine, cutting tools, and work-holding that will be used. This "offline" programming allows the machining process to be developed away from the physical machine – meaning problems can be simulated and avoided long before they're run on the actual machine. The use of CAM software plays a major part in helping manufacturers to make better use of their CNC machinery, and to avoid costly machine down-time that would otherwise be caused by unnecessary data input. 

Learn more about CNC machining at https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/computer-aided-manufacturing-beginners/. Learn more about the CNC programming with Autodesk Fusion 360, visit www.autodesk.com/fusion-360.  

There are 3 basic means of CNC programming:

1) Manual data input (MDI) – where a skilled operator will manually enter the various M-codes and G-codes to define the NC program. This kind of programming is best suited to simple parts.
2) using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) – where dedicated CAM software is used to produce one or more toolpaths that will be used to machine the part. CAM software has the ability to export these toolpaths into NC programs that contain M-code and G-codes suited to run on a specific CNC machine. CAM software is best suited to more complicated geometry or applications – such as programming simultaneous 5-axis machines.
3) Conversational programming – whereby a machine operator uses pre-defined routines to carry out simple machining operations (for example using a wizard to automatically program a simple rectangular pocket). This kind of programming is best suited for simple parts.

There are many online courses where you can learn the basics of CNC programming. Including this handy article on CAM programming for beginners (https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/computer-aided-manufacturing-beginners). It’s also incredibly easy to get started with CAM software. For example, Autodesk provides free access to a library of self-paced courses that can show you how to use Fusion 360 for CAD and CAM programming. Check these out at

 A NC program typically combines G-codes and M-codes together to form a set of instructions that a CNC machine will carry out.

G-codes (or geometric codes) typically control how and where a machine should move (for example moving a linear/rotary axis from one position to another).
M-codes (or machine codes) are used to control different modes or functions within the machine (for example turning coolant on, loading a cutter into the spindle, activating the spindle and turning it clockwise, or controlling whether the machine should position itself using absolute or incremental mode).

There is a wide choice of CAD/CAM software for CNC (computer numerically controlled) programming and machining. Autodesk offers a number of products, with different capabilities to serve the needs of different industries and applications.

Fusion 360 – is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAM, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing. It provides integrated CAD and CAM, CNC programming tools for 2D, 2.5D, 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis machining applications. A range of subscription options exist, including a free option for personal use, a commercial subscription ($495 per year), and a range of Extensions to unlock additional technology to meet the needs of more advanced applications (for example, generative design, or multi-axis CNC machining). 

Autodesk offers alternative CAM software products for other industries and applications, including:

* Fusion 360 with PowerMill – part of the Fusion family of products, PowerMill is expert high-speed and 5-axis CAM software for manufacturers of molds, tools, and dies, needing to get the very best performance from their CNC milling machines and industrial robots. Learn more at https://www.autodesk.com/products/powermill/overview 
* Fusion 360 with FeatureCAM – part of the Fusion family of products, FeatureCAM is automated CAM software that replaces manual data input (MDI) with fully automatic CAM programming using intelligent machining templates for milling machines, lathes, turn-mill, wire EDM, and Swiss-lathes. Learn more at https://www.autodesk.com/products/featurecam/overview

The length of a CNC program will vary depending on the component that is being machined. As an example, a simple program that drills a few holes into a component may only be a few lines of code, it may be a few kilobytes in size, and will probably take a few seconds to generate within your chosen CAM software. As the size and complexity of a part increases, the CNC program needed to make it will correspondingly increase in size and the time needed to both calculate it and execute it on a CNC machine.

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