This guide teaches you how to generate a simple CNC model with Autodesk Fusion 360, and proceed to CNC cutting with your Snapmaker.
If you intend to follow this through, then you will need a cylindrical piece of material that can be CNC cut, with a minimum diameter of 85 millimeters (mm). Alternatively, you can practice modeling with this guide on Fusion 360, and design a project of your own. Happy making!
1. Configuration
1.1 Visit snapmaker, and download the Configuration Files & Tool Libraries .
1.2 Unzip the downloaded file snapmaker-fusion360-configuration-20200519 . Move the tool libraries (in .tools format) to Users > Username > AppData > Roaming > Autodesk > CAM 360 > libraries > Local . And move the post process file (in .cps format) to Users > Username > AppData > Roaming > Autodesk > Fusion 360 CAM > Post .
Note: This guide uses Windows OS as an example. As such, the filepath specified here might be slightly different from that on a mac OS.
2. Designing A Sketch
2.1 Launch Autodesk Fusion 360. In the DESIGN Workspace, click Create Sketch .
2.2 Select the TOP plane.
2.3 Create a circle.
Go to Create > Circle > Center Diameter Circle . Place the center point at the (0,0) coordinates. Put the diameter at 80 mm.
2.4 Add depth to the sketch.
Go to Solid , and click Extrude . Put the depth at 10 mm, and click OK .
2.5 Add text on the sketch.
2.5.1 Click Select , and click the top surface.
2.5.2 Go to Solid , and click Create Sketch to create another circle inside the previous one. Put the diameter at 50 mm.
2.5.3 Select the inner circle, and click CREATE > Text .
2.5.4 Type in the text you want to cut, place text below the path, and click OK .
2.5.5 Add depth to the text. Go to Solid > Extrude , select the text, put the Distance at -1 mm, and click OK .
3. CNC Modeling
3.1 Setup
3.1.1 Switch to the Manufacture Workspace. Go to MILLING > SETUP , and click New Setup .
3.1.2 Pivot the model to see if the Z Axis is facing up. If not, tick Flip Z Axis on the side panel.
3.1.3 On the side panel, go to Stock , put the Stock Side Offset and Stock Top Offset at 0 mm, and click OK .
3.2 2D Face Contour
3.2.1 Go to 2D , and click 2D Contour . On the side panel, go to Tool > Select > Local > Import . Import the Snapmaker tool library files. From Snapmaker 2.0 CNC Tool Library , select the 1.5mm Flat end mill .
3.2.2 On the side panel, go to Geometry > Contour Selection , and select the contour face. Tick the Tabs , and put the Tab Width , Tab Height , and Tab Distance at 3 mm, 1 mm, and 50 mm respectively. Click OK .
3.2.3 On the side panel, go to Passes , tick Multiple Depths , and click OK .
3.3 Text Engraving
3.3.1 Go to 2D > Engrave . On the side panel, click Select > Local > Snapmaker Original CNC Tool Library . Select the 3.175 V-Bit .
3.3.2 On the side panel, go to Geometry > Contour Selection . Select all the text.
3.3.3 On the side panel, go to Passes , tick Multiple Depths , and click OK .
3.3.4 Go to Actions , click Simulate > Start the Simulation .
3.4 Go to Actions > Post Process . Select the Generic Snapmaker (Marlin) / snapmaker as the post processor, change the filepath or file name as you need, and click Post and save the file to your output folder.
Note: If Generic Snapmaker (Marlin) / snapmaker does not appear on the list, go back to step 1.2 and try again.
4. Starting CNC Cutting
Copy the saved .cnc file to a USB drive, and insert the drive to the Controller of your Snapmaker Original or Snapmaker 2.0. You are now ready to go.