

I am tempted to say that Fusion360 has a more natural learning curve, but I need to call this one a tie. I like the way Fusion360 looks and feels, but ultimately both Inventor and Fusion360 are very well designed and strive to push the envelope of the cutting edge. Both Fusion360 and Inventor are powerful tools with a lot of functions and options (and I mean a lot of functions and options). User ExperienceĪfter considering many of these applications and the importance of User Interface (or UI), I am starting to realize that you have to put time and energy into learning any CAD software. Inventor is available either: 1) Monthly for $260 2) Annually for $2085 3) Tri-annually for $5,630 2.
Autodesk fusion 360 hobbyist free#
Student Version: both applications are free for students and educatorsįusion 360 is available either: 1) Monthly for $60 2) Annually for $495 3) Tri-annually for $1,335 Alternatively, you can pay monthly or Tri-annually (Is that the right term? Tri-annually? You pay every three years.) If you are paying your annual fee, you gain access to the latest and greatest version of whichever app you are using. Winner: Fusion 360 (but beware of Cloud Credits!)Ī few years ago, Autodesk made the transition from selling perpetual licenses of its products to selling subscription-based service. Whenever you use cloud-based processing tools, you’ll need to pay extra Cloud Credits.Īlternatively, you can use your local hardware (i.e., your computer) to run these tedious processes, but this will take much longer and tie up your computer.ĪutoCAD Vs Fusion 360 | Head-to-Head Battle (2021)ĪutoCAD vs Inventor | Head-to-Head Comparison (2021) Inventor Vs Fusion 360: Head-to-Head Comparison Criterion You can also utilize cloud-based processing tools for more complex functions such as rendering or stress simulations. The changes and various iterations of the modeling process are all recorded in the project’s history on the cloud. For example, different team members might be working on different parts of the product and linking those parts together in the general assembly.

A team can easily collaborate using Fusion360. Basics of Fusion 360įusion 360 performs almost all of the same functions as Inventor, but the primary difference is that Fusion360 is a cloud-based application. A stress simulation can reveal how much of a component is unnecessary and can suggest which sections of the component can be cut away to lighten the device. (For example, gears can be fit together in such a way that spinning one gear causes the rest to rotate appropriately)ģ) Simulation tools used to test stresses upon the product so the parts can be refined. What makes Inventor so desirable versus other 3D software?ġ) Specialized time-saving tools for modeling parts such as a library of standard screws and bolts (as well as the corresponding holes).Ģ) User-friendly assembly tools, enabling you to quickly drag and snap parts together while assigning them behaviors that mimic real-world operation. Solidworks broke the mold of what was considered possible in 3D design, so Autodesk was quick to produce a competitor.
Autodesk fusion 360 hobbyist software#
Inventor was developed to parallel the popular software Solidworks owned by Dassault Systems. CAD professionals are needed in construction, manufacturing, clothing design, remodeling, film animation, architecture, engineering, etc. If you’re new to 3D modeling, you need to invest in real training via either a live class or an online course from a website like Udemy or Lynda.ĬAD developers such as Autodesk are continually evolving with the industries they service. Any of these apps for 3D modeling and developing a product have a steep learning curve. However, if you are serious about 3D modeling, the shortcomings of Fusion 360 just won’t be worth the time saved or the “user-friendliness.”Īs far as “user-friendliness” is concerned, don’t be deceived! You may think that it is better to go the route of a program with a more natural learning curve, but you need to reconsider.

You could argue that since Fusion360 is more straightforward and less expensive, it is better for some people. When judging based on criteria, Inventor is just better and beefier and has more freedom.

This comparison is one of the rare instances in which I can say the winner in this comparison is absolutely Inventor! Inventor is the more refined of the two and has more capabilities. I’ve done several of these articles comparing different CAD programs, and it often doesn’t make sense to say one is better than the other because they are usually for two different industries. Let’s talk about which of these is better, generally speaking. SolidWorks vs Fusion 360 | The Ultimate Comparison (2021) Inventor Vs SolidWorks | Which is Better & Why? (2021)
