Autodesk Fusion 360

About this release

Fusion 360 covers the whole distance from an idea to a machined part inside one application, which is unusual. Modelling, assembly, drawing, simulation, rendering and machining are all workspaces in the same window operating on the same data, so a design change propagates through the drawings, the analysis and the toolpaths without anyone exporting anything. For a small shop that would otherwise be running four separate packages, that is the entire argument.

The modelling side offers several approaches rather than insisting on one. Parametric solid modelling with a timeline history is the default, direct editing handles imported geometry that has no history to work with, freeform sculpting shapes organic surfaces, sheet metal handles flanges and flat patterns, and surface modelling patches the awkward cases. They coexist in one model, so a part can be built parametrically and then have a sculpted handle added without changing application.

Assemblies are built from joints rather than from constraints, which most people find considerably more intuitive: components are told how they connect and then move the way the real mechanism would, with motion studies, interference checking and contact sets to catch problems before anything is cut. Drawings generate from the model with dimensions, sections, exploded views and parts lists that update when the model does.

The manufacturing workspace produces real toolpaths. Milling in two through five axis, turning, and cutting paths for laser, plasma and water jet, all with tool libraries, stock definition, simulation of the whole run and post processors for a very wide range of machines. Simulation on the design side covers static stress, modal, thermal and buckling analysis, so a part can be checked before the material is bought.

What it does

One application end to end

Modelling, assembly, drawings, simulation, rendering and machining on the same data.

Several modelling approaches

Parametric history, direct editing, freeform sculpting, sheet metal and surfacing in one model.

Joint based assemblies

Components connected the way the real mechanism works, with motion and interference checking.

Associative drawings

Dimensions, sections, exploded views and parts lists that update with the model.

Manufacturing toolpaths

Milling to five axis, turning and cutting paths with tool libraries, simulation and wide post processor support.

Design simulation

Static stress, modal, thermal and buckling analysis against the model directly.

Changed in this version

• Faster model regeneration on assemblies with long timelines.
• Additional post processors added for recent machine controllers.
• Sheet metal flat pattern handling improved on complex bends.
• Simulation meshing is faster on thin walled parts.
• Drawing view generation reworked for large assemblies.

System requirements

Install order

1. Unpack the archive to a folder with no spaces in the path.
2. Update the graphics driver before installing.
3. Run the installer and let the workspace components deploy.
4. Open the application once and set the default unit system and project folder.

Worth knowing before you start

File details