September update of the CAD/CAM/CAE application Autodesk Fusion 360

The CAD/CAM application based on cloud technologies, Autodesk Fusion 360, is being updated very frequently, almost monthly, and each update brings new functionality. Today released September update differs from the usual update rhythm because of its scope of added new functions.

Thanks to its favorable price, Fusion 360 becomes ever popular design tool especially for smaller companies and startups. It offers a full set of 3D modeling, manufacturing and data management functions in a single, easy-to-use application.

The main new feature in the recent version of Fusion 360 (build 2.0.1628) are the new simulation tools. Besides CAD functions for 3D modeling of solid and surface models of parts and assemblies, associative 2D drawings, CAM functions, rendering and document management, Fusion 360 now contains also CAE functionality for static load simulation and modal frequency analysis (in a new SIM workspace).

The new "Live review" is also a very useful tool allowing concurrent online discussion on a 3D model. In a plain web browser you can discuss with your customer or multiple design team members, synchronously review model- or simulation details and perform markups. This function is based on the new Autodesk A360 service (and need to be enabled in Preferences).

The creation of 2D drawing views was enhanced - numbering and aligning of balloons, parts list sorting, annotation styles, associative axis and center marks. You can use feature patterns in modeling. Sketch performance was improved. Quality and performance of renderings and animations is now improved. The CAM environment was extended in several ways - laser and plasma cutting, tool library management, new post-processors. Additional functions are now supported in the API for programming of Fusion 360 add-ons. Besides the English and Chinese version, Fusion 360 is newly available also in Japanese (other localizations are planned).

An important new feature in terms of productivity are the newly added keyboard shortcuts. Hotkeys are the fastest method of launching commands in any application. The updated list of all keyboard shortcuts defined in Fusion 360 can be found in the Tip 10167.

The summary of Fusion 360 September update - What's new:


Price of Autodesk Fusion 360 has not changed - the rental still starts on 27€/month. Fusion 360 is also a part of the Autodesk Product Design Suite licenses (with Subscription). Existing users of Fusion 360 are automatically prompted to download and install this update.

More information on Autodesk Fusion 360, on Download and on Design Differently (source)