Machining an Epoxy-Filled Aluminum Sign in Fusion 360 with "Automatic" CAM!

Automation isn't just for large manufacturing companies. No matter your shop size or CNC machine, you can use model aware toolpaths in Fusion 360 to create an automated machining process! While we typically think efficiency means finishing a high quantity of parts quickly, we can use this strategy to free ourselves to work on other tasks!
Let's discuss how to use a template that requires no extra CAM programming, speeds and feeds, and how to fill in the lettering on this gorgeous sign using epoxy on the Tormach 24R!
00:00 Automation: A Template with NO Extra CAM Programming
00:30 A Different Type of Efficiency
01:00 Part Dimensions & Toolpaths
01:30 Fusion 360: 3D Contour
02:53 Tessellations and Tolerance: A Note on Larger Parts
04:00 Avoid Gouging the Part + Using Part Template
04:58 Setup & Workholding: Super Glue & MDF Sandwich
05:45 Tooling: LSC Variable 3-Flute
06:12 Double Checking Tool Height
06:30 Adaptive Roughing Speeds & Feeds
07:00 Machining the Cusp Option & Dust Boot
07:44 Fusion 360 Flat Toolpath Speeds & Feeds
08:27 Linking Tab: Leads & Transitions
08:58 3D Contour Speeds & Feeds
09:55 Smaller Tool for Lettering
10:26 3D Contour Speeds & Feeds
10:55 Chamfer Speeds & Feeds
11:26 Epoxy Backfilling with DR CRAFTY Resin
12:27 Finished Sign and Final Thoughts!
5 Reasons to Use a Fixture Plate on Your CNC Machine: bit.ly/3sNA4uH
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Links for this video
1/4" Variable 3 Flute End Mill for Aluminum ZrN
www.lakeshorecarbide.com/14va...
Amana Tool
www.toolstoday.com/v-11826-51...
Super Glue Fixturing: • CNC Super Glue Fixturi...
5-Axis Workflow: • 5-Axis is AMAZING! Sh...
Dual Spindle Lathe Programming: • Programming Dual Spind...
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Reach us / CNC Info:
Speeds & Feeds: provencut.com
Fusion 360 (Purchase, Support, Training): dsi.fyi/3yu7Mt0
Online Fusion 360 Training: bit.ly/LearnFusion360
SMW Products: saundersmachineworks.com/
CNC Resources: www.nyccnc.com

[@FriedrichKegel]

Explaining the tesselation related to CAM just explains everything about Fusion, thanks so much :)

[@hotfuzz1913]

AGREED awesome tip

[@cadcamdan]

I love this! This process is SO underrated for efficiency purposes but it's also great for training purposes. A couple years ago I had people very impressed with my 9th grade students programming and machining their own parts in my intro class but it was Fusion30 and this method that made it all possible. I gave them design constraints that fit the part I had already camed and they re-associate tool paths and send it.

[@lsorgule]

This is great! I’m a HS technology teacher and this will streamline the process of sign making when the students use our cnc router. Thanks for sharing!

[@nyccnc]

AWESOME!

[@cmdrcrimbo]

If you want to remove the tool path tracks from under the epoxy from being seen use an opaque epoxy dye rather than dark transparent dye and this would have been perfect, personally i think the black needs it. Great work guys!

[@bbrown1985]

Great video! This mindset geared at process reliability can be such a force multiplier!

[@CrashingCarbide]

Great video guys! It really shows how capable a small machine is.

[@piccilos]

I really enjoy the project videos, thank you for the good content.

[@alexdalton7290]

0:50 I know that’s my day today man usually cycle start… ok sounds good on to be productive

[@prodesign8189]

Great stuff as usual John. Hope you and yours are doing great!

[@nyccnc]

thanks!

[@bijeshj]

Thank you very informative. Is the dust boot connected to a standard dust collector OR shopvac? and is it ok for aluminum chips?

[@davecox900]

Good video guys still waiting on my video on the slant pro

[@kimber1958]

Thanks

[@Marlfox570]

As someone who programs using PowerMILL it's weird to see that many of the new fusion360 features are just old PowerMILL features that that been copied into fusion. Things like NC Programs, flat strategy, steep and shallow, etc...
In PowerMILL they have a great macro language that allowed me to create a macro that roughs, finishes straight walls and flats (and limited steep and shallow path) - drill, ream, tap, and counterbore holes for multiple sides of a part. I was wondering if fusion has anything similar to automate processes to that level?

[@chevyshea]

Do you think the epoxy will hold up outside with temperature changes? I have been wanting to the same type of thing for my shop sign, but figured different coefficient of expansions would cause the epoxy to flake off.

[@fusionsvt00]

Very similar to Alphacams "styles". Alphacam can program a part just as you do all automatically. 1 click cnc program

[@cmdrcrimbo]

Hate to tell you now after you made the part but you spelled works wrong Lol

[@Trancelebration]

Whats the point of using adaptive here and wasting all good alu ?

[@Diskus79]

Which CNC machine do you use for this project ??

[@ouhibibelhassen]

Tormach 24R

[@ikbendusan]

4:10 what if radial stock to leave is 0 hmmmmmm???????

[@ER-zv1nr]

Is everything ok ?

[@vintageludwig]

Looks like he got pepper sprayed. Or a good shot of coolant to the eyes.

[@alanparker1952]

@@vintageludwig He always looks like that🤷‍♂

[@MakeTechPtyLtd]

I sense a Porsche upgrade happening

[@JackFilmTube]

First