topic Re: Which Is Better??? in Inventor Forum

Which Is Better???

Dennis_C_Smith — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 21:14:22 GMT

I currently use AutoCAD only. I’m wondering if Autodesk has other products that provide similar but better capabilities, specifically Inventor or Fusion360. I mainly draw up structural components/frames/members, etc. that will be used in various testing scenarios. Maybe there is another piece of software that would be better. I like all the features of each of these. I just don’t know which is the best. I really like the assembly organization in building the model in Inventor and the stress testing features of Fusion360. I’m just not sure which route to take. Any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks-

Re: Which Is Better???

blandb — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 21:47:12 GMT

Inventor has frame generator where you can quickly make some frames then run a frame analysis on it, also has some FEA capabilities. Now, do you follow an AISC drawing standard with ACAD? Inventor will not follow that same drawing output by default.

Re: Which Is Better???

kacper.suchomski — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 21:53:05 GMT

None is the best, because they are different programs with different capabilities and interface.

Of course, they have a lot of similarities, but a lot of differences and mutual advantages.

https://youtu.be/6iCo1AgrDAs

https://youtu.be/YcraS39SHlI

Re: Which Is Better???

CCarreiras — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 01:55:10 GMT

Hi!

If you work with metal structures, and you want to go from 2D to 3D, the best options are:

Inventor, for medium industry structures, sheet metal parts, etc.... or

Autodesk Advance Steel to bigger Construction structures.

Fusion is not suitable for that kind of work: no standard frames library, no tools to create structures and connections, etc... is more for machinery modelling.

Re: Which Is Better???

JDMather — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:20:48 GMT

@Dennis_C_Smith

Can you post an image of a typical design?

Does your company have a website illustrating your field of design?

Re: Which Is Better???

Frederick_Law — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 12:36:30 GMT

Structure, frame for machinery, boat, ship, house, sky scraper?

How much you want to spend?

I switched from AutoCAD, MDT 14 to Inventor and won't go back.

Manufacturing machinery, HVAC frame, catwalk.

Re: Which Is Better???

TheCADWhisperer — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 20:05:53 GMT

@Dennis_C_Smith

Where did you go?