what are the benefits of sheetcam over fusion 360?

CrossFire ® PRO
1

what are the benef

its of sheetcam over fusion 360?

2

If you plan to do all of your design work in Fusion, stick with fusion for CAM.

If you plan to use other programs for design, Sheetcam makes it easy to import those designs and create cut files.

I can’t speak for the current version of Sheetcam, since it’s a different program and a different owner than the one I use.

Sheetcam has a few features that aren’t available or are more difficult in Fusion. Some of those features are:

  • start from center of circles

  • Overcut internal corners(dog bones)

  • Add a pause after each cut loop.

The current version of Sheetcam has some 2d design capabilities, but it is not primarily a design program. You will probably still need a design program.

4 Likes
3

I’m learning SheetCam and a newb, but, what it seems to me is that SheetCam gives a bit more control over things like pierce control. What I’ve read (admittedly, I’m still learning) is that SheetCam was built for things like Art, Letters etc. Interested in what others think. I think I’ve figured out Fusion and when it won’t select geometry, it’s usually based on small, fine detail. Sheetcam seems to be better at it, albeit, it’s another software I have to learn.

1 Like
4

Sheetcam is not geared toward art work specifically. It is more geared toward plasma/water jet cutting than Fusion and has had many years to develop features for that purpose. Fusion is more geared toward CNC machining and has not been very quick to respond to the needs of the plasma cutting community.

Many beginners have issues with Fusion generating toolpaths when the lead in/out won’t fit into the contour. It’s not very friendly and just gives you a “linking constraints” error.

Sheetcam will automatically remove the lead in/out and generate the tool path.

2 Likes
5

This made a lot of sense ds, thanks for the insight.

1 Like
6

you don’t need a degree in physics to learn how to use it…..it is just a lot easier to use for cutting basic things

7

i use fusion for drawing and sheetcam for post. you can get much more granular with the settings on sheetcam and the rules function allows for a highly customizable cut.

8

So am learning sheetcam. One thing I am finding is that my lead ins literally start on the line. I was using fusion with little success on smaller things as it would not be found in linking. On sheet cam it feels like it cuts better, but, I struggle getting it to lead in correctly. User issue I know but would love some help. I normally use it for art.

9

What lengths are you setting for your lead ins? Do you have the settings set to cut offset or on the line?

10

You need to have “reverse cut direction” selected and set your lead in distance and type in the jet cutting operation screen.

I use an arc lead in of .150” on most cuts, but reduce to .080” on smaller profiles.