【CNC Milling Tutorial】Snapmaker with Fusion 360: 3D Model Engraving!
Easy 3D CNC engraving! Complete with cutter head configurations, suitable for beginners! Not only 2D flat engraving, but Snapmaker combined with Fusion 360 CAD modeling software allows for industrial-grade precision design and engraving of parts, much simpler than you imagine! Full basic operation tutorial:
Among the functions of the Snapmaker 3-in-1 (3D Printing / Laser Engraving / CNC Milling), CNC is mostly used for 2D flat engraving; wait! The Snapmaker is capable of more than that. With professional Fusion 360 CAD modeling software, from 2D flat sketches to generating 3D models, learn the basic functions immediately:
I. Download Fusion 360 CAD Software (Click here for free download)
Import the Snapmaker tool profiles into Fusion 360's Tool Library (Manage > Tool Library). Pre-existing configurations in the tool library can be used, saving a lot of production time compared to adding and setting them up manually.
Tool Library > Local > Library > Import Tool Library, and import the corresponding file based on the cutter head used.
II. Fusion 360 CAD SoftwareBasic Operations
1. Draw 2D Sketch
Draw the desired shape. If the final product is a hexagonal object, first create a rough outline. Click "Create Sketch," select the XY-axis plane as the reference, and add a new sketch.
．Drawing Tool Function
Create dropdown menu > Polygon > Circumscribed Polygon
．Circle Tool: Center Diameter Circle
When drawing with the mouse, the system will display the dimensions in real-time. Enter the actual desired diameter.
．Line Tangency Alignment: Tangent
Simply click on the two edges of the objects to be tangent, and they will align precisely.
．Mirror Tool: Mirror
Most industrial parts have symmetrical shapes. After completing the design for one side, using the mirror tool can eliminate repetitive operations and speed up work efficiency.
．Trim Tool: Trim
After creating tangent shapes between graphics to achieve the desired form, use the trim tool to directly delete unnecessary edges.
For custom engraved shapes, ready-made designs cannot be obtained with a single click in the software. Basic shapes need to be combined to create the desired object shape.
2. Generate 3D Model
Select the planar shape of the object in the sketch, click the "Extrude" tool, and enter the actual thickness of the processing material (Tip: To ensure perfect material cutting, you can enter a value slightly larger than the actual material thickness; using "Extrude" with the same principle, other planar shapes can be drawn on the 3D object and extended or indented to form 3D structures.)
3. Insert Tool Configuration File
Import the corresponding file based on the cutter head used (Tool Library > Local > Library > Import Tool Library)
4. Set Coordinates / Origin
．Add Setup > New Setup
．In the right-hand menu, Orientation > Select Z axis / plane & X axis, and ensure that the Z-axis of the model and the Z-axis of the coordinates in the software are consistent, confirming that the carved surface of the model is facing upwards.
5. 2D Contour Cutting
2D > 2D Pocket > Right-hand menu "Tool" > Select tool type
To prevent the cut object from moving in the work area during the process, or even affecting other structures being carved, select the "Tabs" function in the right-hand toolbar to keep the object fixed during processing. (Tabs > Tab Positioning > At points > Manually set on the bottom contour of the model using the mouse)
III. Preview CNC Milling Path
Press "Ctrl" on the keyboard, select all configured profiles, then select "Action" > "Post Process" in the toolbar to save the CNC machining path (G-code), ready to start carving.
Ready to enhance your Snapmaker CNC milling results? 3DMart offers more than just 3D printing. Contact us now to learn more about the entire Snapmaker 3-in-1 3D printer series ( Click here to see: [CNC Milling] Snapmaker Rotary Module Full Tutorial, Easily Engrave 1mm Hollow Spirals!).
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