One of Autodesk Fusion 360’s most compelling differentiators from other CAD packages is its integrated CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) capability. In most design-to-manufacture workflows, the CAD model must be exported and re-imported into a separate CAM application to generate the toolpaths and G-code that drive CNC machine tools. Fusion 360 eliminates this step entirely — the Manufacture workspace sits alongside Design, allowing you to switch from modelling to machining setup in a single click, working with the live model throughout.
This guide walks through the complete CNC machining workflow in Fusion 360, from setting up your stock and machine, through toolpath creation, to posting G-code for your machine controller.
Switching to the Manufacture Workspace
To begin your CAM setup, switch from the Design workspace to the Manufacture workspace using the dropdown in the top-left toolbar. The ribbon changes to show CAM-specific tools: Setup, 2D Milling, 3D Milling, Drilling, Turning, and more.
Your 3D model remains visible and accessible — any changes you make in the Design workspace are immediately reflected in the Manufacture workspace without re-importing or re-linking files. This live connection between design and manufacture is one of Fusion 360’s most significant productivity advantages.
Creating a Setup
A Setup defines the machining context for a group of operations:
- On the Manufacture ribbon, click Setup > New Setup
- In the Setup dialogue, define the Work Coordinate System (WCS) — the orientation of the part on the machine. Click faces, edges, or axes to set the X, Y, and Z orientations relative to your machining datum.
- Define the stock — the raw material block from which the part will be cut. Fusion can auto-generate rectangular stock with a specified amount of material (overstock) above the part geometry. Enter the stock size or select Relative Size Box and set the offset.
- Set the part coordinate zero (the datum point your machine’s G54/55 work offset will reference). Typically the top-left or top-centre of the stock.
Multiple setups can be added for a single part, each representing a different clamping position or machine operation (e.g., Setup 1 for the top face, Setup 2 for the opposite face after flipping).
Selecting and Configuring Cutting Tools
Before creating toolpaths, you need to select the cutting tools. Fusion 360 includes a comprehensive tool library covering end mills, ball mills, face mills, drills, and turning inserts. You can also create custom tool entries matching your actual cutter specifications.
To access the tool library, click the tool field in any toolpath dialogue and browse or search the library. For each tool, define:
- Diameter and length — matching your actual cutter
- Number of flutes
- Material (HSS, carbide) — used for feeds and speeds calculation
Fusion 360 can suggest starting feeds and speeds based on the tool and material combination. These are sensible starting points, but experienced machinists will typically adjust them based on their machine’s rigidity, coolant, and specific cutter brand.
2D Milling Operations
For prismatic parts (flat faces, pockets, holes), 2D milling operations are efficient and easy to set up:
- Facing — skims the top surface of the stock flat. Use this as the first operation to establish a clean datum face.
- Adaptive Clearing (2D) — an efficient roughing strategy for pockets and profiles that maintains a constant tool engagement, enabling faster material removal with less tool stress. Excellent for aluminium and mild steel.
- 2D Pocket — a conventional pocket milling strategy for clearing enclosed areas.
- 2D Contour — profiles the outside or inside of a shape to final depth, leaving the finish allowance or cutting to net size.
- Drilling — generates drill cycles for holes. Fusion 360 automatically detects hole features from the model and applies the correct depths.
- Bore/Thread — for precision bored holes or helical interpolated thread milling.
For each operation, define the geometry (select the faces, edges, or holes to machine), set the cutting depths and step-down increments, configure leads and links (how the tool enters and exits the material), and set feeds and speeds.
3D Milling for Complex Surfaces
For curved surfaces and freeform geometry, 3D milling strategies follow the contours of the model surface:
- Adaptive Clearing (3D) — efficient roughing for complex 3D forms using a ball or flat end mill
- Parallel — a simple parallel-line finish pass, ideal for shallow slopes
- Scallop — maintains a constant step-over across the surface regardless of slope, producing uniform scallop height across the entire part
- Contour — follows the surface contours horizontally at each depth, like the contour lines on a map — ideal for steep walls
- Pencil — cleans up tight corners and edges that larger tools could not reach
Chaining a roughing operation (Adaptive Clearing) followed by one or more finish passes (Scallop or Parallel) is the standard approach for complex 3D parts.
Simulation and Verification
Before sending any code to a machine, simulate all toolpaths in Fusion 360. In the Manufacture browser, right-click on the Setup or a specific operation and select Simulate. The simulation shows:
- The tool moving through the material
- Material removal in real time
- Remaining stock after each operation
- Collisions between the tool, holder, or machine and the fixture or workpiece (if machine model is configured)
Simulation catches programming errors — missed pockets, incorrect depths, tool collisions — before they become damaged cutters or scrapped workpieces. Never skip this step.
Post-Processing to G-Code
Once all toolpaths are verified, generate the G-code for your specific machine controller. In Fusion 360, click Post Process (right-click Setup > Post Process, or use the Actions menu).
Select the appropriate post processor for your machine. Fusion 360 includes post processors for most common controllers including:
- Fanuc (and Fanuc-compatible controllers)
- Haas (with Haas-specific canned cycles)
- Heidenhain TNC
- Siemens 840D
- Mach3/Mach4
- GRBL (for desktop CNC routers and engravers)
Set the output file path, give the program a number, and click Post. Fusion generates the NC file ready for transfer to your machine.
From Design to Chips with Fusion 360
Fusion 360’s integrated CAM removes the friction from the design-to-manufacture process. Changes to the design model update toolpaths automatically; there is no export/import step; and the post processor library covers the vast majority of machines in use across UK workshops and factories.
For designers, engineers, and makers who own or have access to a CNC machine, Fusion 360 is a game-changing tool. Get Autodesk Fusion 360 from GetRenewedTech for £39.99 and take complete control of your manufacturing workflow from first sketch to finished part.
