Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE) and printed circuit board (PCB) design software application, developed by Autodesk. It is available for Windows, macOS and web browser,[5] with simplified applications available for Android and iOS. Fusion 360 is licensed as a paid subscription, with a free limited home-based, non-commercial personal edition available.[6]

Fusion 360
Developer(s)Autodesk
Initial releaseSeptember 24, 2013 (2013-09-24)
Stable release
2.0.15775[1] / April 3, 2023 (2023-04-03)
Operating systemWindows, macOS, web browser,[2] Android, iOS[3]
Available inEnglish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish[4]
TypeComputer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided engineering, printed circuit board design
LicenseTrialware
Websitewww.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview

History

Fusion 360 was introduced by Autodesk on September 24, 2013.[7] It incorporated many features from Inventor Fusion, which it replaced.[8]

  • In 2009, the tech demo Inventor Fusion was released
  • In the summer of 2013, Fusion 360 was publicly announced, being a cloud-enabled version of the original.[9]

After release, other Autodesk products were integrated in Fusion 360:

  • In 2017, the Slicer feature of Autodesk 123D was integrated.[10]
  • In 2021, Autodesk Meshmixer was discontinued, after functionality was integrated into Fusion 360[11][12]
  • In 2021, Netfabb was merged into Fusion 360[13][14]

Features

Fusion 360 has built-in capabilities to do 3D modeling, sheet-metal, simulation and documentation. It can manage manufacturing processes such as machining, milling, turning and additive manufacturing. It also has electronic design automation (EDA) features, such as schema design, PCB design and component management. You can use it also for rendering, animation, generative design and a number of advanced simulation tasks (FEA).[15]

List of main features:

  • 3D Design & Modeling
  • Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Data Management
  • Electronics (EDA, PCB)
  • Team Collaboration
  • Generative Design
  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
  • Simulation (FEA)
  • Documentation & Drawings

Extensions

Autodesk offers a number of paid extensions that add extra functionality to Fusion 360. These extensions are priced through a monthly or yearly subscription; however, you can try any of the products listed by using the available free trial.[16]

  • Simulation - lets your Fusion 360 team analyze performance and manufacturability of models using structural and thermal simulation tools.
  • Generative Design - improve and optimize models using manufacturing process-aware artificial intelligence.
  • Machining - adds additional CAM (computer aided manufacturing) abilities inside Fusion 360 to produce higher quality parts.
  • Nesting & Fabrication - adds tools to create optimized multi-sheet layouts for CNC cutting.
  • Product Design - includes advanced 3D design and modeling tools. These tools help with complex product designs using intelligent software to better analyze and improve models.
  • Manage - allows for tools that assist engineering workflows and keep all product data secure and trackable.
  • Additive Build - gives you access to tools to efficiently generate support structures and quickly create precise subtractive machining operations.
  • Signal Integrity - unlocks additional PCB and electronic signal integrity tools. Easily improve and analyze PCB prototypes.

Languages, compatibility

Autodesk Fusion 360 supports Windows 11 and Windows 10, plus the latest versions of MacOS. It is also available as a web browser version. In its preferences, you can choose among multiple language versions: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish (and Czech, through a free add-on[17]).

Licensing

Fusion 360 has simplified their licensing levels into four different options so consumers can easily choose what they need. The first of these options is Fusion 360 for personal use, which is free and has limited functionality. Fusion 360 for startup use is also free but contains all existing software capabilities and requires approval. The last free option of these four is Fusion 360 for students and educators, which works similarly to the previous licensing. Finally, the last license level is Fusion 360 commercial, which is paid and allows you to access all current features.[18]

Market Share

Throughout 2018 and 2021, Fusion 360 has continued to own a large percentage of the CAD package market share. This software’s wide range of features and pricing make it an ideal and convenient choice for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals. We see that Fusion 360, as of 2021, dominated the CAD package market share when it came to overall top packages and hobbyist purchases. However, SolidWorks owned a larger percentage of the market share in 2019–2021 when it came to the number of paid packages and professional users. Being the industry standard, SolidWorks attracts mainly professionals and businesses that are willing to pay monthly or annual subscription fees.[19]

See also

References
  1. Annaka Ketterer (April 3, 2023). "What's new in April 2023 release". Fusion 360 Community. Autodesk.
  2. "Fusion Online". Autodesk.
  3. Bryce Heventhal (July 13, 2015). "Fusion 360 mobile – iOS & Android". Fusion 360 Blog. Autodesk.
  4. "How to change the user language for Fusion 360". Autodesk Knowledge Network. Autodesk.
  5. "Fusion Online". Autodesk.
  6. "Fusion 360 for Personal Use". Autodesk.
  7. Kat Ingalls (September 24, 2013). "The Next Generation of Design and Engineering Software Has Arrived". Autodesk.
  8. herzinj (July 24, 2014). "Inventor Fusion SUPPORT WILL BE DISCONTINUED EFFECTIVE AUGUST 23 2014". Autodesk.
  9. "Inside Fusion 360". Design Engineering. October 2013. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  10. Caleb Kraft (February 17, 2017). "Fusion 360 Adds "Slicer" for Laser Cutting and CNC Routing". Makezine.com.
  11. "Autodesk Meshmixer".
  12. Andrew Sartorelli (April 29, 2019). "Meshmixers Future?". Autodesk.
  13. Vikram Vedantham (January 7, 2021). "Autodesk Netfabb Joins Fusion 360 Family, Better Uniting Additive Manufacturing and Design". Autodesk.
  14. "Netfabb Online Service".
  15. "Fusion 360 Features". Autodesk.
  16. "Fusion 360 Extensions". Autodesk.
  17. "Fusion česky". Arkance Systems.
  18. Fabbaloo (2019-10-18). "Autodesk Changes Fusion 360 Free License Terms - SolidSmack". www.solidsmack.com. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  19. Warfield, Bob (2021-01-21). "CNCCookbook 2021 CAD Survey [ Market Share, Customer Satisfaction ]". CNCCookbook: Be A Better CNC'er. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
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