Autodesk Fusion has long been the centerpiece of my CAD and CAE ecosystem. As someone who works at the intersection of mechanical design, simulation, and innovation, I rely on Fusion daily—not just for modeling, but for exploring real-world physics through built-in simulation environments.
In this post, I want to walk you through:
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A workflow I simply can’t live without,
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A recent simulation-driven project I completed, and
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My thoughts on the latest UI features, including one small hiccup that deserves attention.
🔧 My Go-To Workflow: Design ➝ Simulate ➝ Validate ➝ Iterate
The core workflow I use every day in Fusion is:
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Parametric Design using robust sketching and feature tools
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Thermal/Structural Simulation using Electronics Cooling or Static Stress
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Results-Driven Iteration with variable parameters, material swaps, and mesh tuning
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Export and Document for IPR filing or manufacturing handoff
This streamlined workflow allows me to rapidly test ideas, especially for clients who need both innovation and intellectual property validation. The linkage between CAD and CAE is what makes Fusion irreplaceable for me.
🧪 Recent Project: Electronics Cooling Simulation for Compact Enclosures
One of my recent projects involved optimizing a compact electronics enclosure for thermal performance. This required me to:
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Import PCB geometry into Fusion
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Define custom materials for components
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Run conjugate heat transfer simulations to visualize airflow and temperature distribution
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Iterate heatsink and vent configurations to meet passive cooling targets
The best part? I completed this end-to-end within Fusion without leaving the platform. This level of integration not only saved time but made it easier to translate engineering logic into design decisions, and eventually into patentable concepts.
Thoughts on the Latest UI Features—and One UX Fix I'd Love to See
Fusion’s UI has gotten cleaner and more intuitive over time. I particularly like:
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The live section view toggle for quicker internal checks
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The new solver options that improve simulation accuracy
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The Cloud Solve Status panel, which gives real-time progress
However, one small issue stood out during intense simulation sessions:
The Close (X) button placement in some panels is unintuitive and hard to click. Especially when multitasking or working on touch screens, it slows down interaction.
Suggestion: Autodesk could reposition the ‘X’ button more consistently (top-right corner), increase its clickable area, or allow for keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + W to close modals swiftly. Small UX changes like this can go a long way in improving flow.
Why I’m Sharing This
Fusion is more than just a tool—it's a creative partner. I’ve filed over 400 patents and led R&D teams, and much of that progress has been made possible by tools that let me think, design, simulate, and document ideas quickly.
