Open a model. Create a setup. Set up stock and the work coordinate system (WCS). Select geometries for drilling, pockets, and contours. Assign tools. Calculate toolpaths. Post-process the NC program. Then repeat the exact same sequence for the next part.
For a single part, this is standard CAM programming. For dozens of similar components, it turns into hours of tedious work where it is easy to miss a hole, assign the wrong tool, or apply inconsistent parameters.
Quick summary
- What it is: an Autodesk Fusion add-in that batch-processes a full folder of 3D models into CAM setups.
- Input: .f3d, .step, or .stp files from the Fusion Data Panel or a local/cloud-synced directory.
- Processing: automatic part orientation, WCS alignment, CAM setup, drilling, pockets, slots, and outer contours.
- Tool selection: automatic matching from your existing Autodesk Fusion Tool Library.
- Output: dedicated CAM working files, calculated toolpaths, optional post-processed NC code, and a PDF summary report.
- Safety: source models are never modified — each part is processed inside an isolated working copy.
That is why we developed Automatic Machining — an Autodesk Fusion add-in that processes an entire folder of 3D models in a single batch run. For every part, it creates a dedicated working copy, prepares the CAM setup, recognizes supported features, builds machining operations, calculates toolpaths, and generates NC programs based on your presets.
The result is not an opaque “black box” generating unverified code for your machine. Instead, you get a consistently structured job inside Autodesk Fusion that a CNC programmer can easily review, simulate, and safely release to production.
In this article
Key specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported file formats | .f3d, .step, .stp (from the Fusion Data Panel or local drives) |
| Machining operations | Drilling, 2D pockets, 2D contours, supported slots |
| Tooling & post-processing | Integrates directly with native Fusion Tool Libraries and Machine Libraries |
| Data safety | Read-only input processing; creates isolated cloud copies for working files |
| Licensing | Runs on standard Autodesk Fusion (does not require the Manufacturing Extension) |
When production prep takes longer than machining
In custom and low-volume production, the primary bottleneck is rarely cutting time — it is data preparation.
A common example is a batch of plate or milled components sharing similar manufacturing logic but differing in geometry. Every file must be opened, oriented, set up, feature-recognized, tool-assigned, and programmed manually. While individual steps are straightforward, repeating them dozens of times is costly and prone to human error.
Manual preparation introduces three major risks:
- Programmers spend time on repetitive tasks with identical rules.
- Parameters vary between parts when they should remain consistent.
- Errors are often discovered late during final inspection or on the shop floor.
Automatic Machining standardizes these rules into a single controlled workflow.
One batch run instead of dozens of manual setups
The operator selects the source folder, tool library, target machine, and desired operations, then starts the process.
The add-in sequentially opens each model and performs the following steps:
- Creates a new cloud working copy to protect the original file.
- Analyzes geometry to orient the part and define the WCS.
- Creates a CAM setup with defined stock and zero points.
- Identifies supported holes, pockets, through-cutouts, and slots.
- Matches appropriate tools from the selected Fusion Tool Library.
- Generates drilling, 2D pocket, and 2D contour operations.
- Calculates toolpaths automatically (optional).
- Post-processes NC code using the post processor linked to the chosen machine.
- Logs all results, warnings, and errors in a final PDF summary report.
If a single model contains an unexpected feature or error, the process does not halt. The issue is logged, and the add-in proceeds to the next file. Upon completion, the programmer receives ready-to-use CAM files alongside a clear list of exceptions requiring manual review.
Support for cloud folders and local directories
Automatic Machining fits seamlessly into two standard CAD/CAM workflows.
The first is an active project folder inside the Autodesk Fusion Data Panel. The add-in processes all supported designs within the folder and outputs the results into a designated subfolder.
The second is a local directory containing STEP, STP, or F3D files (including synchronized cloud drives like Google Drive or OneDrive). The add-in imports the files into the active Fusion project, saves them as native designs, and runs the automated CAM workflow.
This eliminates the need to manually import and open each file one by one.
Automatic part orientation based on geometry
Accurate orientation is critical for reliable CAM automation. The add-in does not rely merely on saved view orientation or file metadata; it evaluates physical geometry.
By analyzing blind holes, pocket locations, and overall bounding box dimensions, the tool determines the primary machining face, aligns the longest axis with the X-axis, and establishes the setup coordinates. It also compensates for minor geometric misalignments common in imported STEP files.
If features are detected on both sides of a part, the add-in automatically prepares the primary side and logs double-sided features in the report. Automation never hides manufacturing challenges — it highlights them for human review.
Smart hole recognition matched to real tool libraries
Detected cylindrical holes are categorized by diameter, depth, and whether they are blind or through-holes. Automatic Machining queries the active tool library for matching drills within user-defined tolerances.
You can set maximum hole diameter limits so larger circular openings are routed to 2D pocketing or milling operations instead of drilling. Through-hole cycles automatically incorporate bottom-height clearance offsets.
If a matching drill is missing or a hole geometry is non-standard, the add-in skips the feature and logs a warning. If a feature cannot be safely processed by defined rules, it is never ignored — it is flagged.
Dual-tool logic for efficient pocketing
For pocket operations, the add-in can utilize both roughing (large) and finishing/corner (small) end mills. It evaluates feature width and flute length to select the optimal tool automatically.
When a larger tool fits the geometry and reaches the required depth, it takes priority. Smaller or restricted areas fall back to the smaller tool. Operations are then logically grouped by tool and depth to maintain a clean, readable CAM tree in Fusion.
Supported geometries include flat-bottom blind pockets, through-cutouts, and open slots. Features that are too narrow or exceed the maximum reach of available tools are flagged in the report rather than processed incorrectly.
Running batches of similar plate or milled parts through Autodesk Fusion? Let's talk through what a preset built for your tooling and machine would look like.
Discuss your CAM workflow →Outer contours, toolpath calculation, and NC code generation
The 2D contour operation traces outer part profiles from top to bottom height. Stepdowns are governed by user parameters, and cutter compensation is pre-configured for controller-level adjustment.
Once operations are established, Automatic Machining can calculate toolpaths automatically. If the selected machine in the Fusion Machine Library has a valid post processor attached, individual NC programs are generated within the same batch.
This unifies three steps into one seamless pipeline:
3D model → CAM operations → machine-specific NC code
Using a properly configured post processor ensures that generic CAM data translates accurately into the specific code, cycles, and syntax required by your CNC machinery. CCSOFTCZ maintains a full list of Autodesk Fusion postprocessors that Automatic Machining can hand off to for this final step.
Save presets for consistent manufacturing standards
To streamline recurring job types, teams can save named workflow presets.
A preset stores settings including tool libraries, machine configurations, enabled operations, stepdowns, drilling limits, toolpath calculation options, post-processing rules, and report export paths.
Source and target folders are intentionally excluded from presets to prevent accidental overwrites. This allows programmers to apply verified machining logic to new projects instantly while maintaining full control over file management.
PDF verification reports: full transparency for automated runs
Every batch concludes with an automated PDF report featuring:
- Total count of successfully processed designs.
- Specific warnings categorized by model.
- Missing or unmatched tooling notifications.
- Skipped or unrecognized geometric features.
- Second-setup and reverse-side feature flags.
- File-level import or processing errors.
- Direct file paths to generated NC code.
The report serves as a quality assurance checklist for the CAM programmer, highlighting exceptions instantly without forcing them to inspect every file manually.
Practical benefits for CNC machine shops
Automatic Machining is designed to augment experienced CAM programmers by eliminating repetitive manual setup.
Key benefits include:
- Faster turnarounds for batch production and large component families.
- Standardized CAM structures across all parts and projects.
- Reduced human error from manual setup creation and tool selection.
- Direct integration with native Fusion Tool Libraries and Machine Libraries.
- Clear separation between fully automated parts and complex exceptions.
- A repeatable workflow that preserves shop-floor programming standards.
It provides maximum ROI for shops regularly receiving batch orders of similar 2.5D components with well-defined machining rules.
Where human expertise remains essential
All generated toolpaths and NC programs should be simulated and reviewed in Autodesk Fusion prior to machining. Automation speeds up data preparation and enforces consistency, but final verification remains the programmer’s responsibility.
Streamline your CAD/CAM workflow
Automatic Machining demonstrates how the Autodesk Fusion API can transform repetitive programming tasks into a controlled, scalable workflow.
Every machine shop operates with unique tools, machines, and standards. Rather than relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all automation, customized add-ins help bridge the gap between design models and production-ready NC code. See how this fits into our broader work on our AI automation & CAM integration page.
At CCSOFTCZ, we develop custom CAM automation, tool library integrations, and tailored post processors for Autodesk Fusion.
Spending too much time repeating manual CAM setups in Autodesk Fusion? Discuss CAM automation with CCSOFTCZ → — send us your current CAM workflow, target CNC machinery, and programming standards, and we’ll help you identify what can be safely automated to increase shop capacity.
Related CAM automation projects
- GDP Koral & Houfek: automating plastics CNC machining with Autodesk Fusion and Fanuc FOCAS — a custom Fusion add-on that links CAM setup to a Houfek machine’s automatic beams and fixtures over the Fanuc FOCAS library.
- Setup Sheet Studio: build custom Autodesk Fusion setup sheets without editing your post processor — a companion add-in that turns the same Fusion CAM data into branded, printable job documentation.
- SCM and Autodesk Fusion: the complete guide to integration and efficient 5-axis wood machining — how the native XCS postprocessor turns Automatic Machining’s generated operations into machine-ready SCM Maestro programs.
