For each CAM operation in Fusion 360, you have five different height options. What does each mean?
This is what the Heights tab looks like by default:
Notice how there are 5 different height levels;
- Clearance Height
- Retract Height
- Feed Height
- Top Height
- Bottom Height
Let’s assume we are doing a 2D Contour operation around this sample part:
So what does each height really do?
- Bottom Height –
- The bottom height signifies the lowest height you want the operation to mill. In the case of a 2D Contour, this is the path the bottom of the tool will take but in the case of 3D operations it is the lowest the tool will go on any given pass.
- Top Height –
- Usually just the top of the model, or allows you to set an upper boundary for certain operations. Note: The tool will only ever cut in between your Top and Bottom heights
- Feed Height –
- The Feed Height signifies the height at which linking moves are made, and is by default the same height as the Clearance Height.
- Clearance Height –
- Your Clearance Height (and in most cases your Feed Height) should always be set above all features on the model. This avoids plunging the tool into features when doing linking moves or moving at a rapid feedrate.
- Retract Height –
- Your Retract Height tells the machine how far to retract after performing an operation, and usually relates to a certain height above your Clearance Height.