A model for CAM simulation of manifacture in Fusion 360 - Accessories being added soon too.

Digital Twin for simulation.

In our lab space we aim to demonstrate the new methods in technology and one of the current trends that has merit is the digital twin and the ability to view what is happening in a production process before it happens really cannot be understated.

Our CNC is small as we don’t have unlimited room, with our work focusing on prototyping, training and demonstration of capabilities of technologies and for that a small desktop unit is great.

With fusion 360 we can create models of our CNC machine,

in this case because a reference model was not available to use.

With larger machines often a model is available straight from the supplier.

The model was made with a combination of measuring accessing pre-made models via the internet on such sites as GrabCAD [3], for components such as the aluminum profiles, micro-switches, 52mm spindle mount and spindle. Then with a lot of measurements and double checking a simplified model with the relevant dimensions was created.

Once all the bodies had been created into components and grouped together the real purpose of the work could begin.

In total this process took about 5 hours to go from start to finish as I had only had to do this once before using Fusion360 and it was a relatively painless process with more time being taken double and triple checking work, than doing it.

The results are below, and I have shared the files for anyone who is interested in this. [1]

I have included the laser module and the 52mm spindle [2].

I will be adding the roller for the 4th axis to engrave glass soon so check out that at some point soon.

I was surprised the PROVerXL which is a top 10 seller online for commercial units didn’t have an easily available model for various purposes like creating enclosures [4] and simulations. So, I hope this will be of help to others.

Click here to download in native Fusion360 Format

[1] I don’t guarantee perfection here. It should be a reasonable approximation, but if in doubly measure and create alterations as you need. Clearly, I didn’t include things like the drag chains for visual simplicity.

[2] The Position of these is down to your set up, I have positioned these as I have them set up!

[3] Links to the files I used in my design.

C Beam:

8020:

Micro-switch (I Scaled this to match the model to real life)

Motor mount:

Nema23

[4] The Y carriage motors at the back we not needed, the same as the X and Z, I did measure Zs position, but I simply used an available model for the motor mount, so don’t assume this too be correct dimensions. I Simply included them for my own future needs of an enclosure design so would not get my dimensions wrong!