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Fusion 360

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Fusion
Developer(s)Autodesk
Initial releaseSeptember 24, 2013; 11 years ago (2013-09-24)
Stable release
2.0.16490[1] / June 22, 2023; 16 months ago (2023-06-22)
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

Fusion 360 (or Fusion for short) 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 is licensed as a paid subscription, with a free limited home-based, non-commercial personal edition available.[6]

History

Fusion was introduced by Autodesk on 24 September 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 as a cloud-enabled version of the original.[9]
  • In 2024, Fusion was rebranded, dropping the '360' from the previous product name 'Fusion 360'.[10]

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

  • In 2017, the Slicer feature of Autodesk 123D was integrated.[11]
  • In 2021, Autodesk Meshmixer was discontinued, after functionality was integrated into Fusion 360.[12][13]
  • In 2021, Netfabb was merged into Fusion 360.[14][15]

Features

Fusion has built-in capabilities for 3D modeling, 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 schematic design, PCB design and component management. It can be also used for rendering, animation, generative design and a number of advanced simulation tasks (FEA).[16]


Extensions

Autodesk offers a number of paid extensions that add extra functionality to Fusion. These extensions are priced through a monthly or yearly subscription.[17]

  • Simulation - lets a Fusion 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 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 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 supports Windows 10 and Windows 11, plus the latest versions of MacOS. It is also available as a web browser version. In its preferences, multiple languages are selectable: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish (and Czech, through a free add-on[18]).

Licensing

Fusion 360 has split licensing levels into four different options for users to choose from. The first of these options is Fusion 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. Another free option is Fusion for students and educators, which works similarly to the previous licensing. The last license level is Fusion 360 commercial, which is paid for and allows access all current features.[19]

Market share

Throughout 2018 and 2021, Fusion has continued to own a large percentage of the CAD package market share. This software's wide range of features and pricing make it a choice for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals. Fusion, 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 in regard 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.[20]

See also

References

  1. ^ Annaka Ketterer (2023-06-22). "May 2023 Product Update - What's New". Fusion 360 Community. Autodesk.
  2. ^ "Fusion Online". Autodesk.
  3. ^ Bryce Heventhal (2015-07-13). "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 (2013-09-24). "The Next Generation of Design and Engineering Software Has Arrived". Autodesk.
  8. ^ herzinj (2014-07-24). "Inventor Fusion SUPPORT WILL BE DISCONTINUED EFFECTIVE AUGUST 23 2014". Autodesk.
  9. ^ "Inside Fusion 360". Design Engineering. October 2013. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  10. ^ Ketterer, Annaka (2024-01-29). "January 2024 Product Update – What's New". Autodesk. Retrieved 2024-01-30.
  11. ^ Caleb Kraft (2017-02-17). "Fusion 360 Adds "Slicer" for Laser Cutting and CNC Routing". Makezine.com.
  12. ^ "Autodesk Meshmixer". Archived from the original on 2022-07-08. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  13. ^ Andrew Sartorelli (2019-04-29). "Meshmixers Future?". Autodesk.
  14. ^ Vikram Vedantham (2021-01-07). "Autodesk Netfabb Joins Fusion 360 Family, Better Uniting Additive Manufacturing and Design". Autodesk.
  15. ^ "Netfabb Online Service". Archived from the original on 2022-06-23. Retrieved 2022-06-06.
  16. ^ "Fusion 360 Features". Autodesk.
  17. ^ "Fusion 360 Extensions". Autodesk.
  18. ^ "Fusion česky". Arkance Systems.
  19. ^ Fabbaloo (2019-10-18). "Autodesk Changes Fusion 360 Free License Terms - SolidSmack". www.solidsmack.com. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  20. ^ 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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