Using a multiaxis machine tool is a great method for reducing the machining time when manufacturing components. This presentation will give an overview of how this software can speed up the process of programming multiaxis computer numerical control (CNC) machines to manufacture complex components. The focal point of this presentation will be showing how CAM can simplify the machining of complex components, while minimizing mistakes in the process and increasing productivity.

As more multiaxis machine tools are adopted into production, there is sometimes a disconnect between what is happening in the CAM software and the G-code results and how that affects machine behavior. This session is designed to provide clarity in understanding various programming concepts that not only make programming more simplified, but, more importantly, demystify the resultant code produced from CAM software—whether the application is a 4- or 5-axis milling machine, a multifunction lathe with live tooling, or even Swiss-style machines. These concepts can be applied to any CNC-controlled application. Having a better understanding of these concepts not only will help avoid potentially damaging collisions of the machine tool, it will also help select a machine tool and control combination when purchasing new equipment.

Industrial robotic automation is becoming the standard for manufacturing sophistication and efficiency in many industries. PowerMILL Robot combines the CAM control that users have come to know and love from Delcam with intuitive robotic-arm configuration and motion control. This course will begin by using PowerMILL machine tool configurations to define a basic 6-axis robotic arm from an articulated CAD model. We will then move into part setup for both a static situation and a dynamic situation using an external workpiece positioner for our seventh axis. We will create machining approaches on the fly by moving the robot joints separately or in tandem and then creating workplaces from our tool center point. Finally, we will use PowerMILL finishing toolpaths with the robotic arm and learn how to manage and monitor robotic joint motion using PowerMILL Robot simulation tools.

In-house manufacturing has never been more accessible. In this class experts will walk you through the process of selecting your first CNC (computer numerical control) machine, as well as covering selecting, tooling, and work holding.

Candy Mechanics are a London-based chocolatier producing custom gift products. Their 2 products are Candy Cards and Lolpops. Their popup stores and corporate events provide an exciting experience for the customer. With your head scanned in 3D and then carved in front of you with a robot, it is important that the magic is not lost with software that does not connect or work well. They have been working with Autodesk's Advanced Consulting team to use Autodesk products to create a cohesive and robust workflow. The first step was to move the process to Autodesk's desktop-based CAM tools and automate the process of creating the design, calculating the toolpaths, and outputting the NC code. This was used to great effect and meant that designs were calculated in a speedy fashion and onboarding time of kiosk operators was reduced as they no longer needed to learn how to use the CAM tools. The drawback for a start-up company was the step cost of purchasing software licenses. As the company grows they need to make a large investment for each new software license. Scalability comes at a cost. The next phase of work has been to move the process from the desktop to the cloud. The process of automation remains the same as for the desktop products: calculate toolpaths, post process, push data to machine scheduling system, feed data to the machine. Candy Mechanics is able to use Forge to calculate toolpaths and Fusion Production to interface with their machines tools. A practical demonstration of the technology and robot machining will be performed as part of the talk.

Underutilization stems from a variety of reasons, ranging from simply being uninformed or unaware, to misapplication while attempting to maximize existing cutting tools. The biggest area for improvement is the optimization of cutting tools, which can be done by paying closer attention to the various other manufacturing technologies at hand. Machine tool capabilities, materials being machined, and other manufacturing technologies—such as CAM programming abilities, high-pressure coolant capability, fixturing, small spindles (such as driven tools), and the like—should all be considered and used. No matter the reason, even the smallest of companies now have tools and technology at their disposal to assist in making better cutting tool choices while considering the manufacturing technologies. A lot has changed recently in the world of manufacturing, and cutting tool production is no different.

Learn about the wide variety of machines available today, from simple 3-axis mills to complex 5-axis machining centers, and from simple lathes to multitasking turn-mill centers, wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), and more. See how the world’s leading feature-based CAM software handles all of these machine types. This session features FeatureCAM.

Micromachining is a notoriously demanding process that requires precision beyond levels that most machine shops are comfortable with. However, any shop can take on micromachining jobs with the right cutting tools, machines, accessories, and some knowledge on the differences between traditional machining and the nuances that micromachining brings with it. In this session, we will dive into strategies for successful micromachining, covering both micromilling and microturning applications. We will talk about cutting-tool selection and how it can differ from traditional machining standards, how miniature tooling reacts differently in the cut than larger tooling, and ways that you can take your machines to the next level with high-speed spindles and accessories.

We'll take an introductory look at carrying a product design through the Autodesk Generative Design platform and how to manufacture it within Fusion software’s CAM and CNC machine tools. We'll also look at how to implement generative design into your design workflow, and see considerations for helping to guide generative design toward your manufacturing process.

In this talk, we’ll explore the application of hybrid manufacturing to injection mold tools for both modification and repair, demonstrating a circular economy where tools can be modular, reusable, and rapidly modified. Hybrid manufacturing uses machine tools that combine additive and subtractive operations, and provide particular value to the modification and life extension of mold tools. We'll demonstrate a workflow using Autodesk software to (a) identify unwanted features or damage on a mold, (b) capture physical geometric data, (c) program processes to remove and repair features and damage, (d) redeposit material, and (e) machine new features. We'll demonstrate both the digital and physical aspects of the workflow, and aim to present the final physical output—a brand-new injection-molded component, made in the Autodesk Moldflow Laboratory in Kilsyth, Australia. This project is a collaboration between the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Autodesk.

Generative design is often seen as an alien parts generator. In this session, we will share how we incorporated this design exploration method into our traditional design process, and how we applied the method on a very typical welded parts assembly of an automatic tools changer on a CNC machine tool. With no specific expectations, as we believed it was already fully optimized, we achieved almost 20% of mass reduction, positively impacting the overall machine precision. And as a side benefit—we got really good-looking parts. You'll learn which selection method we used to identify potential parts for generative design and how we defined the success criteria. We'll cover the whole process, from multiple designs exploration up to production and installation itself. We'll also discuss our generative design rollout plan.

Many industries have embraced machine learning, but its uses are still widely misunderstood. This class will demystify machine learning by providing a case study on how KLH Engineers used Python to create a machine-learning model to bridge the gap between AutoCAD software and Revit software in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. This study will illustrate which concrete problems machine learning can solve, such as converting thousands of possible AutoCAD layer names into useable Revit elements by utilizing conversions already made by hand. Attendees will discover how to use their own historical data to enhance their company’s process workflow.

The field of construction is well placed to benefit from the advent of machine learning and artificial intelligence. As part of the BIM 360 Project IQ Team at Autodesk, I've had the privilege of being a part of Autodesk's foray into machine learning for construction. This talk will focus on summarizing the developments in this space, and we'll cover some ways in which one can prepare to maximize value from this technology. The class has 2 sections. The first part provides a broad survey of some of the applications of AI and machine learning in construction, and the potential impact. These processes are making changes across various areas, including risk management, schedule management, subcontractor management, construction site environment monitoring, and safety, to name a few. In the second part, the focus will be on construction industry leaders who will talk about their experiences with smarter tools in their daily jobs, and their views of the impact that these tools might have in the short and long terms.

This class will discuss how material, parts, tooling, tool holders, CAD, and CAM are influenced by the move to 3- or 4-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Any machine shop, manufacturing company, R&D group, or entrepreneur can gain significant advantages from 5-axis machining, whether simultaneous 5-axis or positional 3+2. The Autodesk CAM software systems, including Fusion 360 software, offer solid workflows to adopt 5-axis machining, including CAM sample files, vendor work holding, integrated parametric CAD for modeling fixtures and raw material, and 5-axis CAM toolpaths.

Machine learning is a much talked about and relatively new way for creating artificial intelligence systems and applying them to complicated problems. KLH Engineers is applying artificial intelligence to solve challenging problems in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This class is a case study on applying machine learning to the problem of MEP element placement based on BIM (Building Information Modeling) data provided by other consultants. Attendees will discover how KLH applied a machine-learning algorithm to classify BIM objects in a room.

This class is designed to communicate how multiaxis milling machines can improve the efficiency of subtractively manufacturing your parts. We will then explain many of the common problems experienced by computer numerical control (CNC) programmers or owners of these machines, followed by a series of short demonstrations where we will explain how PowerMill software could provide solutions to these problems. This class will be useful for anyone involved in multiaxis milling. There are no prerequisite skills required, nor is knowledge of PowerMill required.

In this class, we will take you on a tour of Autodesk® Product Design Suite 2013. We will show you what you can do with this flexible set of tools that are specialized in 3D mechanical design, simulation, tooling, electrical design, visualization, documentation, and collaboration. Using the design suite tools, you can evaluate and optimize machines while exchanging information with others throughout the design workflow. You will learn what you can accomplish by combining the Digital Prototyping capabilities of Autodesk® Inventor® software with enhanced design, visualization, and cloud services tools to reduce development costs and get machine designs to your clients faster and with less rework.

This class presents several real-world examples using Fusion 360 software as a platform for making things using a Tormach PCNC milling machine. We will look in depth at case studies in rapid prototyping, mass customization, tool making, and specialty manufacturing.

We've all seen the benefit of working in 3D—and have also seen how Factory Design Suite software helps us get to 3D in facilities design. Now that we have the information modeled, what happens next? Factory Design Suite models are more than just pretty 3D pictures. They can be the visual front end for accessing tremendous amounts of rich and valuable information for downstream application, such as preventive and predictive maintenance, machine tool specification, and cost estimating for design and setup of new lines. This class shows how Factory Design Suite can interact with the PLM 360 cloud service to make a powerful, yet easy-to-implement set of tools that reach across your enterprise.

As a longtime Inventor user, the speaker found Fusion 360 software interesting, but also challenging. The workflows were close enough to Inventor to be easily accessible, but different enough to be challenging. And just how does this cloud storage thing work anyway? But the speaker kept at it enough to the point of comfort in either platform. So why bother? Besides the obvious answer that learning new software is in their job description, the speaker found that it’s a great platform for easily doing many simulation analyses. And when they started exploring the 3D machining tools, they found the same thing applied there. Plus, it's easy enough to acquire for home use. So, if you haven’t tried Fusion 360, but you know Inventor or a similar platform, spend an hour to learn the workflows, and save many more!