What is Autodesk Fusion 360?
Autodesk Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling and design platform targeted at product designers, mechanical engineers, manufacturers, makers, and other creative professionals. It combines industrial and mechanical design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing in one software solution.
Fusion 360 enables seamless CAD, CAM, and CAE workflows in a single cloud-based platform that works on both Mac and PC. It provides tools for 3D modeling, generating 2D drawings, reverse engineering, rendering, simulation and analysis, fabrication, animation, sculpting, and much more.
Some key features include:
- Organic shape modeling tools like T-spline and SubD modeling
- Precise solid and surface modeling tools
- Kinematic and motion simulation
- Integrated CAM and nesting software
- Collaboration and data management with the cloud
- Rendering and animation tools
- Simulation and design validation
- Electronics design features
- Access to Autodesk's manufacturing network
Fusion 360 aims to be an all-in-one product development solution for industries like consumer products, machinery, AEC, automotive, and aerospace. It competes against platforms like SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, SOLID EDGE, Onshape, and FreeCAD.
FreeCAD, Shapr3D, SOLIDWORKS, Microsoft 3D Builder, Autodesk Inventor, meshmixer, Plasticity, Designspark Mechanical, Onshape, OpenSCAD, TopSolid, Sketchup Automation Tools, ZW3D, 3D Orchard, MeshLab, BRL-CAD, SolveSpace, Dune 3D, BricsCAD Shape, PUPPICAD, Simulia are some alternatives to Autodesk Fusion 360.