Drilling is one of the most common yet demanding CNC machining operations.
Drilling is one of the most common yet demanding CNC machining operations. Unlike milling, where the cutter is open to the environment and coolant can easily reach the cutting zone, drilling is a closed-pocket operation. As the tool goes deeper into the material, the physical challenges increase exponentially.
In Fusion 360, selecting the correct drilling cycle determines how the tool retracts to clear chips and allow coolant to reach the drill tip. The three primary cycle types are:
| Category | Fusion360 CAM |
|---|---|
| Library | CAM library |
Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert