Autodesk Fusion 360 is free

I don't know how long this has been the case but Autodesk Fusion 360 is now free for Hobbyists and Startups (making <$100k/yr). This is awesome. You may have seen what Bill did with Fly Away Rail Guides over at https://www.rocketryforum.com/showt...uides-38mm-Available-Soon-Demonstration-video.

This is a whole new era of opportunity for both fabrication and sharing of designs that is available to us.

Wes

I use it pretty frequently. It's web based so it can be a little slow sometimes, but you can't beat the price.

I've used it on a couple projects. The CAM side of it is much more efficient than any other low cost CAM solution, but the CAD end seems fairly clunky. For example I have a hard time placing features at the exact coordinates I want. I really need to go through all of the training videos at some point.

Playing with it so far it seems that for CAD you need to put a fair amount of effort into the Sketch mode building up your designs from composition. Feels almost drafting table like at times.

ChrisAttebery said:

I've used it on a couple projects. The CAM side of it is much more efficient than any other low cost CAM solution, but the CAD end seems fairly clunky. For example I have a hard time placing features at the exact coordinates I want. I really need to go through all of the training videos at some point.

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Interesting. Can it import .stl/.dxf files and output G-Code? Hmmmm ....

Greg

Greg.... that's exactly what I wonder. I only use Solidworks, but if I can use this to export stuff for 3D printing and CNC work....

I'm 99% sure that it can import .stl. My understanding is that .dxf is a 2d only format, but maybe that was just a limitation of the only other 3d CAM tool I tried using. I usually draw all most my parts in TurboCAD 2d and then manually set all of my cut depths in my 2d CAM tool.

GregGleason said:

Interesting. Can it import .stl/.dxf files and output G-Code? Hmmmm ....

Greg

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Remember that Solidworks is free to veterans ($20 handling). Google solidworks veteran.

I didn't know that. Thanks vcp!

vcp said:

Remember that Solidworks is free to veterans ($20 handling). Google solidworks veteran.

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Wow I didn't know about the Solidworks thing either, good tip. I have been using Fusion 360 for a few months with a laser cutter and 3d printer. I agree that the CAD is a little clunky, but since all my laser designs are 2d anyways I generally just create a sketch then export it as a DXF. Can't complain for the price.