It also includes data management and version control features, which make it easy to keep track of different versions of a design and revert to previous versions if needed. The software also includes tools for creating 2D drawings, such as dimensioning and annotations, as well as tools for creating toolpaths for CNC machines.įusion 360 also includes collaboration tools, such as the ability to share designs with others and collaborate on them in real-time.

This allows users to test the performance of their designs and make adjustments as needed before manufacturing. This makes it easy to make changes and iterate on designs.įusion 360 has a wide range of tools for simulation, such as stress analysis, motion analysis, and thermal analysis. This means that users can create designs that are parametrically linked, meaning that changes made to one part of the design will automatically update related parts. One of the key features of Fusion 360 is its parametric design capabilities. The software is designed for product designers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturers to create 3D models, simulate the behavior of designs under various conditions, and generate production-ready drawings and toolpaths for CNC machines. It is a cloud-based software that allows users to design, test, and manufacture products in one integrated platform. I'll maybe try the CAD functionality this weekend.Īfter seeing all the fancy features during my cursory look, the 'FREE' part sounded to good to be true so I went through the registration process, selected the free option and the '30 days evaluation' part in the title bar disappeared so apparently I'm now the proud owner of a free Fusion360 Ultimate.Fusion 360 is a 3D CAD and CAM software developed by Autodesk. It's also supports something called 3+2 (5-axis positioning) for both 2.5 and 3d strategies which might be handy of you have a 4th axis on your machine. Its got sort of a Google Sketch-up look and feel. The tutorials worked flawlessly and nothing crashed or broke and its relatively easy to get going, so I like it so far. Definitely worth a look for 2.5 and 3D CAM as its got a lot of the high end CAM strategies like Adaptive Clearing, Pencil, Scallop, Spiral, Radial etc.

Installed it and played a bit by working through some 2.5D and 3D CAM tutorials and wow, I'm quite impressed.

Fusion 360 free hobbyist