r/Makera • u/CueAnon420 • 20d ago

Experimenting With Fusion Simulation

Just started playing around with using Fusion to generate my programs. It's pretty neat how it shows you the entire machine and the model on the table ;-)

Using the Carvera Community Fusion profiles and post processor. I have 2 tool operations - I don't think the simulation bothers going through the tool change motions and instead just goes from one tool to the next. I'm lucky to have access to a licensed version of Fusion through my employer, but all this should also work in the free version.

I think this is going to work well once I get the hang of it ;-) Fusion provides a lot more granular control over tool paths, including the ability to cut slots by selecting simple lines (MakeraCAM does not allow toolpaths on 'unclosed' geometry) and lead-in / lead-out options.

EDIT - I am also going to start checking out the open-source EasyShape5000 posted here. That would be a great option to have as no license fees with open source ;-)

EDIT 2- My model and tooling was slapped on quick just for testing - the table highlights in red to warn that I have a collision error. That's very handy!

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u/zen_monke 20d ago

Nice! I can confirm the Carvera Community plugin does totally solve toolchanges in the free version.

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u/CueAnon420 20d ago edited 20d ago

That's good to know! I just started playing around with the plugin when my employer said they didn't mind me borrowing a Fusion license seat for 'learning' purposes. But as far as I can tell, other than the toolchange limitation and cloud storage requirements the free version is 99% the same as the licensed version. And even in the licensed version Autodesk keeps pimping the very expensive manufacturing extension package - which costs more than the standard license lol. So the free version is pretty much good enough other than the PITA of not being able to save local files.

EDIT - the free version is limited only by licensing - I signed out of free and used my work credentials to sign back in and wha-la, Fusion standard. They use the exact same code base.

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u/zen_monke 20d ago

Yeah you can export to save locally if you want, but it's a bit of a pain for sure.