Now that I have my new Tormach PCNC 770 fully reassembled, it is time to get the extensive tool library that came with the milling machine imported into Autodesk Fusion so I can start generating toolpaths!
The Problem: Why Conversion is Needed
You would think this conundrum would have an easy and seamless pre-existing solution, but I struggled with this conversion! Autodesk Fusion kept giving me an error message. The internet search platforms told me that while PathPilot outputs a CSV file type tool library and that Autodesk Fusion inputs a CSV file tool library, they are not the same in column format and therefore the simple export/import model won’t work for this workflow. I asked a popular AI coding tool to “vibe code” me a python script to automate the conversion of the data, and it worked! I figured this tool could be handy to share with others that may be having the same frustration.
PathPilot, Tormach’s control software based on LinuxCNC, stores tool data in a CSV format with fields like tool number, description, Z offset, and diameter. Autodesk Fusion, on the other hand, uses a more complex tool library system for CAD/CAM, supporting formats, with detailed parameters like flute count, material, and feeds/speeds. Direct imports often fail due to incompatible structures, leading to errors like “failed” messages in Fusion.
Introducing the Tool Library Converter Tool
This tool reads your PathPilot CSV export, filters out empty entries, infers key details (e.g., tool type from descriptions like “ball end mill”, number of flutes from “4fl”), and maps them to Fusion’s CSV format. It uses defaults inspired by Fusion samples for missing data, like feeds and speeds.
- Input: PathPilot tool table CSV (e.g., “tooltable-mill-2025-Nov-30.csv”).
- Output: Fusion-ready CSV with columns like tool type, diameter, flutes, overall length, and more.
- Features: GUI for file selection (no command-line needed), automatic inference, and error handling.
It’s built with Python, bundled via PyInstaller for Windows, and completely free.
How to Download and Use It
- Download the ZIP file package.
- Extract to a folder: it includes convert_tools.exe and README.md.
- Double click on convert_tools.exe.
- Select your PathPilot CSV input.
- Choose a save location for the Fusion CSV output.
- Click to convert: a popup confirms success.
Import the output into Fusion: Go to Manufacturing > Tool Library > Right-click Local/Cloud > Import Tool Library. Review and edit as needed (e.g., add holders or custom speeds).
Disclaimer
This tool is provided as-is! Always double-check tool data before machining to avoid errors. The author isn’t responsible for any issues.
Happy CNCing!