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Autodesk Fusion
What Is Autodesk Fusion?
Cloud-based platform that offers integrated 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, and PCB design capabilities. It assists with parametric and generative design, enabling multiple design variations. It offers centralized data management, real-time updates, and automated workflows to enhance efficiency.
Who Uses Autodesk Fusion?
Designed for machinists, mechanical engineers, industrial designers, electronics engineers, and product development teams, the tool helps streamline product development processes.
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Autodesk Fusion
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Reviews of Autodesk Fusion
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Quality 3-D modeling software that is inexpensive and user friendly
Comments: Fusion is an entry level product from Autodesk. It is not as "fancy" as Autodesk inventor or SolidWorks, but I promise you that it can do 95% of the most common modeling tasks that most people will need. The price point is perfect for company users so that nobody will complain about expensive software. The software lacks good simulation capabilities, but that is to be expected for the price point.I have convinced management at my company to cancel 3 license keys for a more expensive modeling tool and simultaneously get 5 other user licenses for Fusion 360 at a fraction of the cost. We haven't missed a beat, and now I have more people available to create the needed drawings for execution tasks and 3D models for FEA and CFD.
Pros:
Fusion 360 is inexpensive and handles 99% of the modeling needs that I have. The user interface is simple and intuitive. It strikes a good balance between having what you really need easily available with minimal hunting as opposed to having a congested user interface with thousands of options that are all one click away if you can manage to find the right "button".
Cons:
One previous con with Fusion 360 was not directly related with the software but rather with the updating experience. During the first update, my IT team struggled to the point I almost decided to cancel the subscription and switch to OnShape which is cloud based and doesn't require my IT team to do anything. To be fair to AutoDesk, I have never had problems updating the hobbyist version of 360 on my personal laptop. The last couple of updates were more easily managed by my IT team, so there might have been a learning curve for them. So this doesn't seem to be an issue anymore thankfully.Another previous con was related to software capabilities. At first, I really despised the lack of ability to incorporate weld symbols into the drawings. However, Fusion 360 added that capability and now I can provide detailed drawings with weld symbols without having to copy-paste pictures of weld symbols into the drawing. This too has been resolved and so it is no longer an issue either.The only remaining con I have with Fusion 360 is the simulation capabilities. I had moderate hopes that the FEA tool would be useful, but it seems to be linked to a limited amount of credits and limited types of simulation such as liner-FEA. It really seems like AutoDesk is just trying to "check the box" to say that Fusion 360 can perform FEA. Don't waste your time with the Simulation tools in Fusion 360. Find another tool for that such as SimScale, Abaqus, Ansys, etc.
Fusion 360 is great for makers
Comments: Very positive. I really loved the free version you could access as a student.
Pros:
Fusion 360 is the best solution for 3D CAD as a maker right now. It allows you to make complex parts easily.
Cons:
It can be clunky at times like all CAD software and
3d modelling tools
Comments: Good tools for 3d model and user friendly for beginner
Pros:
It is user friendly with many tool bar for construction of 3d model
Cons:
Its rotation views not very smooth and the printing option is limited
Easy to use software
Comments: Fusion 360 is really easy to use and can be picked up easily whether you have similar skills in other software or starting from new
Pros:
I found this really easy to use especially when I am used to using other platforms, I picked this up really easily
Cons:
Nothing really, I am quite happy with using it
Building with Fusion 360
Comments: My overall experience with Fusion 360 has been pleasant. It allows me to design and complete small furniture and be able to show a client what the product will look like prior to the build.
Pros:
This program makes it very easy for me to design high-quality furniture pieces for my clients.
Cons:
I have not found anything thus far that I can't do through this program.
