• Run Fusion. 
• Load this Add-In (see "Additional Information" section)
• Open an existing Design or Create a Component in the “Design” workspace. 

The nPower plugin integrates with Fusion's manufacturing workspace to streamline additive manufacturing workflows by linking setups, machines, and materials with the external order entry and ERP/MES data systems. 

Configuration
Upon first use, users must complete a one-time setup of the add-in SQLite database. In the Configure nPower Add-In dialog, specify the location of the SQLite database used to synchronize builds between Fusion and the nPower Scheduler.

Material Mapping: Select Link Material to link Fusion material library names to ERP Material IDs.

Machine Setup: Select Link Machine to link Fusion machine libraries and the vendor/model with ERP Work Center IDs. For each, define the setup time and min/max material thresholds.

- Work Center Linking: Associate Fusion machines with ERP work centers to support accurate scheduling and routing adjustments.

- Material Linking: Associate material that can be used on the machine. The nPower Scheduler prevents scheduling of printers that do not have the correct material.

 Tip: The above configuration and linking tasks are one-time activities unless new materials and work centers are introduced. 

Production Links

Register each component with a unique part number from the ERP.

Register each Fusion setup (or build plate) and associate it with machine, material, and routing information.

Use the plugin to either link a setup to an existing ERP order or define it as an independent order with a routing ideal for prototyping or small businesses lacking an ERP.

When the setup is ready, make it available to the nPower Scheduler. The scheduler runs as a service at a given time, on a time interval, or on-demand based on the configuration in the nPower Scheduler application. The scheduler synthesizes the work orders from ERP with the setups from Fusion to produce a complete production schedule. 

Workflow Highlights

• Multiple parts and setups can be nested within a single Fusion environment.
• Released setups are stored in the nPower add-in database and consumed by the Scheduler alongside ERP data to generate a full production schedule.
• Print time is estimated using base plate dimensions, tallest part height, machine-specific parameters, and material-specific time estimates. 

Advanced Usage

• Scenario Planning: Users can copy or duplicate setups in Fusion to model various scheduling outcomes.
• Repeat Orders: Completed builds can be re-registered for repeated scheduling without recreating them from scratch.
• Debug Mode: Enables detailed logging of program actions, aiding troubleshooting and support.

Install:

The installer that ran when you downloaded this app/plug-in from the Autodesk App Store has already installed the app/plug-in. OR, simply double-click the MSI to install the app. 

Uninstall:

You can unload the add-in without uninstalling it by clicking the "Stop" button when the add-in is selected in the list box on the "Add-Ins" tab of the "Scripts and Add-Ins" dialog.

Unchecking "Run on Startup" causes the add-in not to be loaded in future sessions of Fusion.

To uninstall this plug-in, exit the Autodesk product if you are currently running it, simply rerun the installer, and select the "Uninstall" button.

OR, you can uninstall it from 'Control Panel\Programs\Programs and Features' (Windows 10/11), just as you would uninstall any other application from your system.

Starting the Add-In

The NPower Scheduler for Fusion Add-In can be started manually in the "Add-Ins" tab of the "Scripts and Add-Ins" dialog after installation by selecting the "nPower Scheduler" Add-In and clicking the "Run" button. It is also possible to always start the Add-In on the startup of Fusion by checking the "Run on Startup" checkbox

Additional Software Requirements:

This add-in is designed to work with the nPower Scheduler™ automated production scheduling software, which is a requirement for any functional use. 

To obtain more information, visit the nPower Technologies website at https://npowertech.com/contact-us or email sales@npowertech.com

In the Link Setup form, changing the setup may cause the design area to display multiple setups at the same time. To resolve, select any setup in the browser tree.