Why should I teach CAM to my students?
In this blog, we discuss why educators should embrace Fusion 360's Manufacture workspace, teach CAM to students and encourage students to create CAM tool paths as part of their projects, whether they have access to an actual machine or not!
Fusion 360's Manufacture workspace offers a powerful toolset for students to explore computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and create tool paths, even if they don't have access to an actual machine. Whilst we prefer Fusion 360 for education, given that it is both incredibly powerful and free, other CAM software also apply to the concepts discussed here.
What is CAM in Fusion 360?
Fusion 360 is a comprehensive design and manufacturing software that integrates computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) capabilities. The Manufacture workspace within Fusion 360 enables students to take their CAD designs and generate tool paths for a CNC machine, such as a mill, lathe, laser cutter or 3D printer. Fusion 360 is becoming very popular in the manufacturing industry due to it’s advanced CAM capabilities. It is both excellent for basic desktop CNC machines that many schools have, but equally brilliant when programming a million pound 5 axis mill in industry. Students learning Fusion 360’s CAM features in school are therefore able to apply these skills to almost any CNC machine that they may use in the future, even if they are not using Fusion 360, the concepts are easily transferable.
The Benefits of Teaching CAM to Students
Hands-on Experience with CAM: By introducing students to CAM, teachers provide hands-on experience with a tool that is commonly used within industry and is an essential aspect of modern manufacturing. Students learn the principles and techniques of tool path generation, understand the different types of tool paths in more detail, and gain a practical understanding of how designs are converted into machine code.
Understanding Manufacturing Constraints: Creating tool paths within Fusion 360 or any other CAM software, requires considering various manufacturing constraints, such as tool selection, work holding, material constraints, and manufacture time. By completing CAM activities, students gain a greater understanding of various manufacturing restrictions, and are better able to integrate this knowledge into their design process.
Enhancing Design for Manufacture Skills: Design for Manufacture (DFM) is a vital concept in product development, and Fusion 360's Manufacture workspace supports students perfectly in learning DFM principles. At the very basic level, students are able to virtually manufacture their designs, often realising that what they have created (whilst cool) may be impossible to actually make! However, more advanced students can optimise their designs to reduce manufacturing time, identify potential issues, and iterate on their design. This iterative process is one of the reasons we love Fusion 360. Unlike other CAM packages which require the user to re-import and start again after design changes are made, Fusion 360 enables quick switching between workspaces and the immediate regeneration of toolpaths that incorporate the new design. Using CAM strengthens students' DFM skills, bridging the gap between design and manufacturing.
Simulation and Visualisation of the Machine: Fusion 360's Manufacture workspace offers advanced simulation and visualisation tools that allow students to see how generated tool paths interact with their designs in a simulated environment. This gives students a view into what manufacturing their part would actually look like and through these simulations, students can identify problems, potential collisions, or inefficiencies in their manufacturing processes. This virtual feedback loop enhances their understanding of manufacturing considerations, whilst also making a true manufacture process less daunting. In addition, as a teacher, the simulation of the manufacturing process in Fusion 360 can give you confidence that your student won’t break your very expensive CNC machine…hopefully!
What if I don’t have a machine?
While physical machines are valuable for hands-on learning, we believe that learning CAM is still absolutely vital. The above reasons outline why it is so important to learn CAM, no matter the circumstances, but in fact working solely with Fusion 360’s Manufacture workspace and not using a physical machine can have some serious advantages:
Cost and Accessibility: Physical machines require substantial investment, maintenance, and dedicated space. By utilizing Fusion 360's Manufacture workspace, teachers can provide CAM learning opportunities at a significantly lower cost, making it more accessible. It also enables large classes to practice manufacturing something without inundating your poor technician with work, and keeping the real machines free for students who actually need to make something physically.
Flexibility and Experimentation: Without physical machine constraints, students can explore different manufacturing processes and experiment with various tool paths freely. This flexibility allows them to gain a broader understanding of CAM principles and develop creative solutions without being limited by the capabilities of a specific machine. Students are able to fail in their efforts without the risk of damaging the machine.
Remote and Virtual Learning: In today's digital age, remote and virtual learning has become increasingly prevalent. Fusion 360's Manufacture workspace provides an ideal platform for students to learn the fundamentals of CAM and be ready for when they need to do it on an actual machine.
Whilst designs, renders, animations and drawings are all well and good, ultimately Fusion 360 is there so that business can manufacture products to sell. This is it’s fundamental purpose, and with so much of manufacturing becoming modernised and completed on CNC machines. The Manufacture workspace is one of the most vital areas that students should learn.
If you want to learn more about the Fusion 360 Manufacture workspace book a free 30 minute consultation with us. We provide training in Fusion 360’s Manufacture workspace and can support you to integrate it into your curriculum.
