Fusion 360 Custom Post-Processor Development & Support

WM Kline & Co. (client,) Inc. was looking for a way to update and refine their historic processes for creating G-code and tool path programs for their CNC and lathe machines. Through some internal consideration based on some outside research, they realized they were experiencing a significant loss in production time related to the time in which it took them to create the programming for their shop floor machines. This situation was impacting the company with a measurable loss of revenue because of their inability to produce and deliver error-free programs to their shop floor CNC, milling, and lathe machines.

The client’s primary project goals were to find a way to both refine and streamline their process for creating error-free programming for use on their shop floor CNC, Haas Milling and lathe machines. They also wanted a way to add the capability of creating CAD-based 3D models from which the post-processor can output G-code and accurate machine tool path programs. Finally, their overarching goal was to unify design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing with a single solution.

WM Kline & Co. engaged Team D3 to develop 2 new “custom” post-processors for their CNC and Haas milling machines as well as the modification of an existing post-processor for their existing lathe machine. Autodesk Fusion 360 was the designated cloud-based Parametric 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, and CAE tool for the project. The solution would also include the addition of 4 cloud-based licenses of Fusion 360, and a three-year Team D3 CAM Support program.

WM Kline & Co., in partnership with Team D3, was able to create a more efficient and unified CAD/CAM/Manufacturing environment that gives them the capabilities they need to achieve their desired savings in manufacturing time and cost while setting the stage for future enhancements to their design and production procedures as they expand their use of Autodesk Fusion 360. Autodesk Fusion 360 provides WM Kline a CAD, CAM, and Manufacturing solution in the same cloud-based application. There is no importation necessary to move from CAD to CAM to Manufacturing within the Fusion 360 environment. This important trait negates the necessity for multiple software programs and personnel.  

Through the first few weeks of operations, with the Autodesk Fusion 360 solution in place, Team D3 worked closely with WM Kline & Co. to ensure that the solution was meeting expectations. Both WM Kline & Co. and Team D3 are focused on and dedicated to a continuing working relationship into the future to ensure that both short and long-term goals can be measured and met.

“We greatly value the ability to now share files between our different departments. The Fusion 360 parametric 3D modeling feature has cut down on the time historically needed to quote as we previously had to go from wireframe and 2d drawings to solid models for quoting. The Fusion 360 solution has also cut down on the time needed to model and machine ‘Sinker EDM electrodes. ’”– Nicholas Emricson, WM Kline Project Manager

Delivery Date

Project Duration

Autodesk Solutions

• Fusion 360
• Fusion 360 for Manufacturing
• Post Processor

Services Provided

• CAM Programming
• Design for Manufacturing
• Machine Configuration
• Post Processor
• Tooling

Customer Industry

• Design
• Subtractive Manufacturing