Fusion 360 Explained

Fusion
Developer:	Autodesk
Latest Release Version:	2.0.16490^[1]
Operating System:	Windows, macOS, web browser,^[2] Android, iOS^[3]
Language:	English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish^[4]
Genre:	Computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided engineering, printed circuit board design
License:	Trialware

Autodesk Fusion (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 January 2024, Fusion was rebranded, dropping the '360' from the previous product name 'Fusion 360'.^[10]

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

• 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

Source:^[17]

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

• Simulation - lets a Fusion team analyze performance and manufacturability of models using structural and thermal simulation tools. Also includes generative design tools built to 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 and adds tools to create optimized multi-sheet layouts for CNC cutting. Added tools are also included for Part inspection and setup and additive build set up and simulation. This gives access to tools to efficiently generate support structures and quickly create precise subtractive machining operations and simulation build processes.
• 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.
• Signal Integrity - unlocks additional PCB and electronic signal integrity tools. Easily improve and analyze PCB prototypes.

Languages, compatibility

Autodesk Fusion supports 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 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 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 commercial, which is paid and allows access all current bast features.^[19] Additional advanced productivity tools are available as extensions

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

• Autodesk Inventor
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk Fusion Electronics (EAGLE)
• Comparison of computer-aided design software
• List of 3D printing software

Notes and References

1. Web site: May 2023 Product Update - What's New . Annaka Ketterer . 2023-06-22 . Fusion 360 Community . Autodesk.
2. Web site: Fusion Online . Autodesk.
3. Web site: Fusion 360 mobile – iOS & Android . Bryce Heventhal . 2015-07-13 . Fusion 360 Blog . Autodesk.
4. Web site: How to change the user language for Fusion 360 . Autodesk Knowledge Network . Autodesk.
5. Web site: Fusion Online . Autodesk.
6. Web site: Fusion 360 for Personal Use . Autodesk.
7. Web site: The Next Generation of Design and Engineering Software Has Arrived . Kat Ingalls . 2013-09-24 . Autodesk.
8. Web site: Inventor Fusion SUPPORT WILL BE DISCONTINUED EFFECTIVE AUGUST 23 2014 . herzinj . 2014-07-24 . Autodesk.
9. Web site: October 2013 . Inside Fusion 360 . 2023-05-19 . Design Engineering.
10. Web site: Ketterer . Annaka . January 29, 2024 . January 2024 Product Update – What's New . January 30, 2024 . Autodesk.
11. Web site: Fusion 360 Adds "Slicer" for Laser Cutting and CNC Routing . Caleb Kraft . 2017-02-17 . Makezine.com.
12. Web site: Autodesk Meshmixer . 2022-06-06 . 2022-07-08 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220708224130/https://www.meshmixer.com/ .
13. Web site: Meshmixers Future? . Andrew Sartorelli . 2019-04-29 . Autodesk.
14. Web site: Autodesk Netfabb Joins Fusion 360 Family, Better Uniting Additive Manufacturing and Design . Vikram Vedantham . 2021-01-07 . Autodesk.
15. Web site: Netfabb Online Service . 2022-06-06 . 2022-06-23 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220623033445/https://service.netfabb.com/ . dead .
16. Web site: Fusion 360 Features . Autodesk.
17. Web site: Fusion Extensions at Autodesk.com . live.
18. Web site: Fusion česky . Arkance Systems.
19. Web site: Fabbaloo . 2019-10-18 . Autodesk Changes Fusion 360 Free License Terms - SolidSmack . 2023-05-19 . www.solidsmack.com.
20. Web site: Warfield . Bob . 2021-01-21 . CNCCookbook 2021 CAD Survey [Market Share, Customer Satisfaction] ]. 2023-05-19 . CNCCookbook: Be A Better CNC'er.