Fusion was introduced by Autodesk on 24 September 2013.[7] It incorporated many features from Inventor Fusion, which it replaced.[8]
In 2009, the tech demo Inventor Fusion was released.
In the summer of 2013, Fusion 360 was publicly announced as a cloud-enabled version of the original.[9]
In January 2024, Fusion was rebranded, dropping the '360' from the previous product name 'Fusion 360'.[10]
After release, other Autodesk products were integrated into Autodesk Fusion:
In 2017, the Slicer feature of Autodesk 123D was integrated.[11]
In 2021, Autodesk Meshmixer was discontinued, after functionality was integrated into Fusion 360.[12][13]
In 2021, Netfabb was merged into Fusion 360.[14][15]
Features
Fusion has built-in capabilities for 3D modeling, collaboration, simulation and documentation. It can manage manufacturing processes such as machining, milling, turning and additive manufacturing. It also has Electronic design automation (EDA) features, such as schematic design, PCB design and component management. It can be also used for rendering, animation, generative design and a number of advanced simulation tasks (FEA).[16]
Extensions
Autodesk offers a number of paid extensions that add extra functionality to Fusion. These extensions are priced through a monthly or yearly subscription.[17]
Simulation - lets a Fusion team analyze performance and manufacturability of models using structural and thermal simulation tools. Also includes generative design tools built to improve and optimize models using manufacturing process-aware artificial intelligence.
Machining - adds additional CAM (computer aided manufacturing) abilities inside Fusion to produce higher quality parts and adds tools to create optimized multi-sheet layouts for CNC cutting. Added tools are also included for Part inspection and setup and additive build set up and simulation. This gives access to tools to efficiently generate support structures and quickly create precise subtractive machining operations and simulation build processes.
Product Design - includes advanced 3D design and modeling tools. These tools help with complex product designs using intelligent software to better analyze and improve models.
Manage - allows for tools that assist engineering workflows and keep all product data secure and trackable.
Signal Integrity - unlocks additional PCB and electronic signal integrity tools. Easily improve and analyze PCB prototypes.
Languages, compatibility
Autodesk Fusion supports Windows 11, plus the latest versions of MacOS. It is also available as a web browser version. In its preferences, multiple languages are selectable: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish (and Czech, through a free add-on[18]).
Licensing
Fusion has split licensing levels into four different options for users to choose from. The first of these options is Fusion for personal use, which is free and has limited functionality. Fusion for startup use is also free but contains all existing software capabilities and requires approval. Another free option is Fusion for students and educators, which works similarly to the previous licensing. The last license level is Fusion commercial, which is paid and allows access all current base features.[19] Additional advanced productivity tools are available as extensions
Market share
According to a survey of 500 users conducted by CNCCookbook.com, Fusion has continued to own a large percentage of the CAD package market share throughout 2018 and 2021. This software's wide range of features and pricing make it a choice for beginners, hobbyists, and professionals. Fusion, as of 2021, dominated the CAD package market share when it came to overall top packages and hobbyist purchases. However, SolidWorks owned a larger percentage of the market share in 2019–2021 in regard to the number of paid packages and professional users. Being the industry standard, SolidWorks attracts mainly professionals and businesses that are willing to pay monthly or annual subscription fees.[20][21]
^Warfield, Bob (2021-01-21). "CNCCookbook 2021 CAD Survey [Market Share, Customer Satisfaction]". CNCCookbook: Be A Better CNC'er. CNCCookbook, Inc. Archived from the original on 2024-10-01. Retrieved 2023-05-19. In all, 46 packages were represented as being used in production by our respondents, up from 39 last year. Here's what the overall share looks like without any attempt at segmentation. Let's start with the Top packages, which comprise 91% of the market (up from 90% last year and 82% in 2018): [chart omitted]. Last year, F360 was down on share a bit and this year it has bounced way up. Here at CNCCookbook, one effect of the Pandemic has been a lot more hobbyists joining that Professionals during this time. I suspect a lot of shops were either furloughed or keeping a lid on new purchases. Solidworks lost a tiny bit as did many others. The two big losers were Rhino3D and BobCAD which had been #3 and #4 and fell to #5 and #6 respectively. Autodesk continues to consolidate its leadership position. Vectric was a write-in this year like prior years, but it's share is way up. Again, I suspect this is due to a lot of hobbyist activity, and we will see some more data to support that shortly. Most of the big heavy pro packages like SolidEdge, Pro/E, NX, and the like have slipped. Alibre is a nice package that saw a modest gain in share. Onshape continues to shrink even after their acquisition.
