Autodesk is offering a notable discount on their powerful 3D CAD tool, Fusion 360.
I’ve been using Fusion 360 myself for a few years now, and it’s an incredible tool for design. The software provides multiple means to design and modify 3D models, including through primitives and also by sculpting. It also offers design features for surfaces or sheet metal and can even generate CAM toolpaths for those with CNC equipment.
Recently it added the ability to generate GCODE by slicing 3D models directly in Fusion 360, but I still use standalone slicers as Fusion 360’s slicer is still new and needs more features added.
One of the more interesting features of Fusion 360 is its simulation abilities. It’s possible to design a 3D model and then simulate mechanical stress, vibration, thermals, nonlinear stress and more. One particularly helpful tool is the ability to perform shape optimization based on simulation results. This is one way to help design and 3D print optimal parts for any project.
Fusion 360 includes a comprehensive drawing system that can easily produce formal diagrams, even exploded views for larger assemblies.
A powerful feature is generative design, in which you can specify some parameters for a mechanical situation, and the system will automatically generate the optimal shape to solve the engineering problem. Typically the shapes produced by generative design are producible only on 3D printers due to their complex geometries.
While I don’t use it, Fusion 360 offers powerful rendering capabilities that can provide outstanding images of your designs.
I think you might be getting the idea behind Autodesk’s choice for the name of the product: Fusion 360, because it literally is a fusion of many different 3D and 2D tools. I was initially attracted to the basic CAD features, but upon exposure to the other features, I’ve been learning how to do more with Fusion 360.
Autodesk offers Fusion 360 by subscription. You can pay monthly, or annually at a discounted price. I use the annual subscription because it does provide savings and I don’t have a need to stop using Fusion 360 anytime soon.
For a short time Autodesk is offering a significant discount for subscribers. The annual price is now 33% off, only US$332 instead of US$495. They also offer the same discount for a three-year subscription at US$895 instead of US$1,335.
It’s a pretty good deal if you’re looking for a powerful CAD system that is relatively easy to learn. Autodesk and others provide very comprehensive learning aids, including videos, forum posts and much more.
If you’re interested in using Autodesk Fusion 360, we’d truly appreciate you using our affiliate link below. It helps us keep Fabbaloo running and you get a discount, too.
Via Autodesk
