Used for precise modeling of 2D and 3D objects, Fusion 360 is a great cloud-based design tool by Autodesk. Fusion 360 can be used by both hobbyists and professionals, including a freelance Autodesk Fusion 360 expert, to create professional product design and manufacturing.
What Is Fusion 360?
This software platform offers a host of features, combining computer-aided design (CAD) with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and printed circuit board (PCB) software to facilitate the entire generative design process from the initial design phase through the manufacturing of various products.
For instance, say you want to design a table. In Fusion 360, you create the table with all its essential features including shape, comfort, and efficiency. You then run simulations to ensure that the table can withstand an adequate amount of stress.
The CAM features can be used to create toolpaths to generate instructions for streamlined manufacturing of the product. Lastly, the product design is sent to manufacturing without ever leaving the Fusion 360 platform.
What Are the Uses of Fusion 360?
With its host of features, Autodesk Fusion 360 is used by machinists and engineers in all phases of product design and creation.
Designing
When you open the Fusion 360 platform, you first see a design toolbar and a blank modeling space. In the design environment, you can create two-dimensional sketches using simple elements such as lines, splines, and curves.
The two-dimensional sketch can then be used to create three-dimensional geometry.
Manufacturing
Fusion 360 supports CAM software that allows you to generate toolpaths for the manufacturing of your product. Using CAM, you can choose tools provided by the software or add your own to generate instructions for computer numerical control (CNC) machines. After generating the toolpath, you can simulate the creation of your product to anticipate and resolve any issues that might arise during the actual machining.
Rendering
The render tool helps you see a realistic portrayal of your product. To see how it would look in real life, you can give the product attributes. For example, you can specify what material the solid body is made of (glass, wood, marble, etc.).
Fusion 360 plug-ins, such as Keyshot, help make your rendering look even more realistic.
Animation
While you should use a dedicated tool for more complex animations, Fusion 360 is great for simple visualizations. You can use this tool to create animations, such as of engines and gearboxes, for your assemblies.
Simulation
The simulation feature in Fusion 360 lets you see how your product would perform in real life. You can choose different load types and stressors and see how the final product would react in each scenario.
Simulation is especially important if your product is expected to withstand a large amount of pressure. You can manipulate multiple variables such as temperature, modal frequencies, structural buckling, and static stress to see how each impacts the product.
What Are the Benefits of Autodesk Fusion 360?
Thanks to its many features, Autodesk Fusion 360 presents a host of benefits. The software platform:
Allows for Collaboration
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform, so it can be accessed by multiple people and teams simultaneously. It allows multiple parties to access project data, communicate in real-time, and centralize project activity.
Industrial designers and engineers can simultaneously work on projects, make edits, change parameters, and publish designs in real-time to allow for smooth collaboration.
Reduces Operating Costs
Autodesk Fusion 360 is not only a design platform or a manufacturing platform. It combines CAD and CAM with other software to provide a seamless experience for activities from design through manufacturing.
With a single subscription, users have access to all features, eliminating the need to purchase separate subscriptions for CAD and CAM software and reducing operating costs.
Offers Fast File Transfers and Short Computing Times
With integrated CAD/CAM software, designers can significantly cut down on the time it takes to upload and transfer files from one system to another. You can simply shift from the design environment to the manufacturing environment within a matter of seconds.
Allows for Remote Access
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based platform that can be accessed from the ease of one’s home. The tool can be accessed through your phone, laptop, or computer. You can even continue working without the internet using the offline mode–this helps you work much more efficiently and comfortably.
If you’re a startup, Autodesk Fusion 360 for Startups might be the solution for you, and expert freelancers on reliable platforms like Guru are ready to help however you may need.
