CNC Post Processor for Fusion 360
CNC milling ... it all starts with an idea and then we move on to the design process. As you know, we recommend you create 2D and 3D models and then create paths for the milling machine in Fusion 360 software. Once we have the model ready, we create the appropriate milling process and save the file ... However, it often happens that you have a problem with appropriate saving the file, which will be suitable and useful for work on the CNC machines which you own. A new keyword appears: Post Processor - how to save the file in the right way, how to upload a file with settings to Fusion 360 software? In this article, we will briefly show you how to download and load post processor prepared for BlackBox, CNC xPRO or DUET controllers to the Fusion 360 software.
In this article, however, we will not explain the issue of POST PROCESSOR in detail. We will only guide you through the entire process of downloading a file and adding it to the appropriate Fusion 360 folder.
Downloading the Post Process file
On our website, in the SOFTWARE tab, you can find and download Post Processor file prepared for CNC machines based on the BlackBox controller or CNC xPRO suitable for the Fusion 360 software.
Go to https://www.v-slot.pl/pl/i/Oprogramowanie/18 and download file from the site.
The downloaded file is a ZIP file. After downloading, save it in a convenient place. Then unpack the ZIP package. After unpacking it will create a new folder called "v1.0.1" and in it you will find the file "WorkBee - Duet.cps".
This is the settings file that we must upload to the appropriate Fusion 360 folder.
Adding a Post Processor to Fusion 360
To add a file which we previously downloaded to Fusion 360 software, you can use two solutions. One is to move / copy the file using the File Explorer. However, this requires us to know where the appropriate folder in Fusion 360 is. Therefore, now we will show you a slightly longer solution, thanks to which you will know where the folder (folder path) is.
First, run Fusion 360 and create any simple model. In our case it is a square.
Then, when the model has been created, go to the Manufacture tab where you can create the Setup and any function / activity to do for the CNC milling machine.
We have used the Face function, but it does not matter what parameters for the Setup and for the function we choose.
When the program generates the paths, right-click on "Setup" in the function tree and select "Post Process" function.
After clicking on this option, a new window will appear. Next to the path at the top of the new window, we see the "Setup" function key. Click on it and the next list unfolds, where you should select "Open Folder".
At this point, the Windows file explorer will open, where we will see many files with settings for different devices. In the folder path we can check, where the settings folder is on our computer. Also here, you can copy the previously downloaded file "WorkBee - Duet.cps".
Of course, when we copy the file in a moment, it will be added permanently in Fusion 360, however, after any Fusion software updates or when reinstalling the program, you may need to add the file again.
Once we have the Fusion Post files folder open, we need to copy the “WorkBee - Duet.cps” file.
After copying the file, close the file explorer and return to Fusion 360 software. Close the Post Process window and right-click the Setup we created, then click Post Process option, where this time, after opening the Post Process window, we will see “WorkBee - Duet / WorkBee - Duet".
At this point, after clicking on POST and saving the file, our G-CODE file is ready. Now you can upload it to, for example, OpenBuilds Control software.