Within the milling tab in Autodesk Fusion 360, you’ll notice 2D, 3D, and multi-axis toolpaths. Let’s explore the differences between each and when’s the right time to use them.
It’s a common misconception to believe that the 2D toolpaths are only for 2.5-axis machines, 3D toolpaths are only for 3-axis machines and multi-axis toolpaths are only for 4 and 5-axis machines. This is not the case. It is based on the geometry of the part and the type of cutting motion you need.
Multi-axis toolpaths do generate motions that only a 4 or 5-axis machine can utilize. However, you can use 2D and 3D toolpaths across the entire range of milling axis. Let’s take a look at each toolpath and how you can use them in Autodesk Fusion 360.
2D toolpaths
A 2D toolpath refers to the path or trajectory that a cutting tool follows when machining a two-dimensional object or surface. It’s a series of instructions that guide the tool’s movement to shape and cut the material accurately. 2D toolpaths are commonly used in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems for operations such as milling, drilling, engraving, and profiling.
2D toolpaths are almost exclusively for machining parts that are prismatic. This is where all the surfaces of the part are horizontal or vertical. In a 2D toolpath, you must select the geometric boundary and depth of cut to machine from the CAD model As a result, they aren’t good candidates for parts with varying heights and freeform surfaces.
These 2D toolpaths have a ‘tool orientation’ function. They can be used for positional multi-axis motions (otherwise known as indexing). They also have a ‘wrap’ function. This allows them to wrap around cylindrical surfaces, thus providing 4-axis simultaneous cutting capabilities too.
3D toolpaths
A 3D toolpath refers to the trajectory or path that a cutting tool follows when machining a three-dimensional object or surface. It involves the movement of the cutting tool along multiple axes to shape and cut the material in three-dimensional space. 3D toolpaths are commonly for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems for operations such as milling, carving, sculpting, and additive manufacturing
3D toolpaths are used to machine parts that are more freeform. This is where the surfaces are not simply vertical or horizontal but vary across the part. Unlike 2D toolpaths, 3D toolpaths are considered ‘model and stock aware’. You do not need to select a geometric boundary as it will automatically recognize the part and calculate the toolpath for you.
All 3D toolpaths have the ‘tool orientation’ capability and so can be used for positional multi-axis motions. However, some 3D toolpaths go further and have a full ‘multi-axis’ capability. This enables multi-axis motions too.
Multi-axis toolpaths
A multi-axis toolpath refers to the trajectory or path that a cutting tool follows when machining a three-dimensional object using a machine that has more than three axes of motion. Unlike traditional three-axis machining, which operates along the X, Y, and Z axes, multi-axis machining involves simultaneous movement of the cutting tool along additional rotational or tilting axes.
Multi-axis toolpaths are a more specific category of toolpaths and are only applicable for certain multi-axis simultaneous motions. They perform the milling motions that cannot be covered by the 2D and 3D toolpaths. Like 3D toolpaths, they are ‘model and stock aware.’ However, due to the uniqueness of each, they do have their own geometry settings that need selecting.
Start using the 2D, 3D, and Multi-Axis Toolpaths in Autodesk Fusion 360
Each toolpath across the 2D, 3D, and multi-axis range serves different purposes. Start learning how to use each of them so that you can maximize the tool pathing options available to you.
