Autodesk Inventor vs Autodesk Fusion 360

[Anonymous]

I am brand new to CAD & I'd like to learn it for personal and possibly professional use. I understand Autodesk Inventor is the industry standard...I think.  I was given a tip to buy Fusion 360 as a place to begin. I do not want to learn multiple software packages that do the same thing. If I learn 360 will it be a seamless transition to Inventor?

[TrippyLighting]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I am brand new to CAD & I'd like to learn it for personal and possibly professional use. I understand Autodesk Inventor is the industry standard...I think.  I was given a tip to buy Fusion 360 as a place to begin. I do not want to learn multiple software packages that do the same thing. If I learn 360 will it be a seamless transition to Inventor?

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I am not sure where Autodesk Inventor is industry standard, however Factory Automation Machinery Systems business it's not.

What industry do you work in and what "things" do you want to design ? This is much more important than looking into the past who sold the most seats 😉

Fusion being the newer prt of the Autodesk family offers a combintion modeling tools at a really staggeringly low price point.

IN essence we need more information before giving a more solid recommendation.

On thing is clear. I've worked with many software systems for the last 25+ years. Allowing yourself only one tool to do everything with is very limiting. You may need not only one tool, btu you do need the right tools! 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your time, Trippy. I'm in a different field, video production, and I'm interested in making a career change. I think I'd like to work in a small machine shop with perhaps 20 employees. Maybe I should back up & say what I do know, which is what things I'd like to build for myself. 1. a adapter that will a mount an aircraft prop to a small engine for an ultralight. 2. a bracket that will let me attach an automotive alternator to a marine engine. 3. a custom lift plate for an outboard engine. 4. a custom bracket that will let me swap drive motors quickly on my boat's trolling motor. 5. custom open air PC cases. 6. custom cut lead wheel weights for garden tractors. 7. custom front speaker system baffles for various drivers. At some point I have wanted to or want to build that list with CAD & CNC. I'm thinking if I had the skills set to do that I would also likely be employable?

[TrippyLighting]

This is difficult to answer.

It is generally easier to find employment when you learn a more mainstream and established CAD package. That would certainly be Autodesk Inventor and others.

However, if you are not working in the field and starting from scratch without the ability to take advantage of educational accounts - usually that requires you to be an enrolled student in some accredited educational institution - the big hurdle is having to invest in a multi $1000 CAD software package.

That's where you could gain from  learnig Fusion 360 s it's basically free for people in your position. ONce you are mre familiar in general with CAD terminology and procedures it's always easier to lern another package. You cannot do anything wrong by starting with Fusion 360! 

[Anonymous]

Trippy, that was exactly what I was after, thank you again.

[kward101]

Hi, maybe I'm late, but...
Just dive into Fusion 360. It's deceptively powerful and by the time you cut your (CAD...) teeth, Fusion will be a LOT more robust. There is a good chance you'll never out grow it.

I'm coming over from another "industry standard" CAD package and find Fusion 360 to have several advantages for most users. I've only been a CAD user for a few years, but have been full time CAD/CAM/3D since and have tried several CAD and CAM solutions. I wish F360 had been there when I started, but once you learn any good CAD you can transition fairly easily.

I got here because one Friday evening my $$$$ CAD package crashed. Tech support had just gone home and I had planned to make a few parts that weekend, but was stuck. I'd heard John w/ NYCNC (youTube) raving about Fusion 360, so I downloaded it, watched a bunch of the videos (mostly at http://help.autodesk.com/view/NINVFUS/ENU/) and it just worked. I learned a bit of Fusion, and designed and made my parts, all in less time than I had planned using my other system, all with no bugs, license BS or tech support. Ok, that got my attention. Cloud isn't what I thought it was. Here is what I've learned...

There are things it won't do yet, but IMHO it's easier on the brain in a way that no CAD/CAM has ever been. You can get more done, in less time with way less CAD induced brain damage. The learning curve, especially for beginners, is considerably easier. The workflow is more flexible, in that you can be more loose in your "best practices" and switch from curvy creative conceptual to mechanical precise with no fuss. It has been very stable for me... which I can't say for my other $$$$ CAD package. I has crashed a few times (probably my fault), but recovers in seconds with no loss of data. It has a stand alone (work offline) mode that runs on many devices. It does not require a $$$$ workstation. No update headaches... it's always updated. No moving in and out of CAD, then 3rd party CAM, 3D printing, rendering, etc. It imports non-native files well. The CAM is as good as it gets (I'm familiar with it as a module in my other CAD pkg). The 3D printing integration is as good as anything I have seen and there are additional AutoDesk apps. The cloud based collaboration platform simplifies keeping track of who did what, when, why and for whom. It blends technical design with a secure social media like platform that makes it simple to connect with other CAD system users as well as empowering the CAD illiterate. Speaking of AD apps, there is a simple, yet quite powerful, free CAD program "123D" for those in your sphere who might want to dabble w CAD. Also, AD SketchBook is a great digital drawing tool for designers and artists that connects nicely with F360 (import > new canvas), and it's either inexpensive or there is a free version.

Further I had a great chat w F360 Community Mgr., Mike McCumber. I asked him about several features (like kinematics, simulation, 3+2 & 5axis simultaneous CAM, etc.) that I was not ready to give up yet and he assured me that I'm not the only one and that they expect to offer a LOT more horsepower. He pointed me to the Product Roadmap (http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-product-roadmap/bg-p/79) where I see several key advanced (fantastic) features are already planned. To give you a sense for how fast it's changing, I spoke with some very professional resellers, and not even the support engineers were up to speed.
I based my opinion on how things have been for a long time, but after test driving F360 I'm sold and it's not based on features or price. It's the workflow and integration. I'm less tired after hours on (work)station. I can dedicate a lot more mental capacity to design, rather than wrestling with CAD BS. I love being able to grab what ever device wherever and get something done. I'm excited that I can switch to a 2.5lb ultrabook / sketch tablet instead of a hot hungry noisy 7.5lb lapbeast. I've been polling users I know and they fall into one of two categories - 1. Haven't tried it and are quite misinformed and/or suspicious or 2. Have tried it and love it.
I think it was Drucker who said "The future doesn't not belong to the learned, but to those who can un and re-learn." Learning F360 is very straight forward, my primary difficulty was un-learning the "rigidly enforced over thinking" to which I had become accustomed in my old CAD pkg (and am now recovering).

(Cheese Alert) Fusion 360 is what I always wanted in a CAD/CAM/3D package. I believe F360 is a game changer, the future of CAD/CAM/3D is upon us and very few people know it yet! By lowering the barriers to entry (learning curve, cost, etc.) it democratizes design in a way that will force it's CAD/CAM competitors, some of whom have a ten or twenty year old software framework, to play catch up in many ways. It's no brainer on ramp for anyone considering design, engineering or just makin' stuff effectively and efficiently.

Yes, I'm biased. No, AutoDesk did not solicit me for this. I still have a lot of loyalty toward my other CAD package, but too many crashes, bugs, inconsistencies, updates, tech support calls, expensive workstations, etc., it's rigid workflow and no clear cut plan to fix it, lead me to suspect that a lot of new and professional users will find F360 suits their needs much better and for potentially a lot less money. Additionally, AD seems to have a more laid back company culture in comparison to my $$SW CAD package corporate salesy nature. AD has only lightly sprinkled my email with cool resources. Speaking of money, don't tell AutoDesk, but F360 is worth more than they are asking, even the elusive F360 Ultimate is a deal.

I do love CAD, but had gotten a stale with the rigamarole. F360 makes me want to get to work making things that serve people well and I sincerely hope this helps someone, maybe you, do the same.
Make it a great day,
Ken Ward
Ashland OR

[kward101 · Accepted solution]

Oops, the links are correct, but don't seem to work unless copied and pasted.

Sorry 'bout those typos. Note to self - don't post tech stuff on a Saturday night.

Ken   :^)

[Anonymous]

Ken, Thank you for your reply & 2 cents on the matter. If I were going it alone it's highly likely I would buy the Fusion 360 package. I've read a number of reviews similar to yours where folks are extremely excited by it.  That said, I have a subscription to a machine shop, The Geek Group, here in Grand Rapids, Michigan where I live & they have a 3 day a week part time Inventor 2015 operator on site to train with. Autodesk grants 3 year free student licencing for Inventor & the combination of the situation was too good to pass up.  My laptop, an Intel 2.6 GHz dual core with 16 gigs of ram has shown no trouble running Inventor thus far but that would have been a consideration. 

[O.Tan · Accepted solution]

Well firstly it depends on what you do and as other mentioned, if you learned other CAD systems, learning another one wouldn't be that difficult as long as you approach it with the mindset that things might work differently and the terms are different and I just have to get used to it.

There are still quite a number of "mainstream CAD" features that's still missing or non-existence in Fusion 360, and some of them seem like will only be implement or completed in 1-2 years time, so it really depends on what your expectations are and what's your experience with those "mainstream CAD" systems.

There's a few things that Fusion does that's better then mainstream CAD but again, all these points is meaningless if the user isn't exposed or understand how a traditional CAD work.

But in general, I'll say Fusion is rapid evolving software and with top notch customer support.

[Anonymous]

I had a 6 month course in high school back in '87 on MATC CAD with the Apple IIe; that along with 3 weeks now on student Inventor 2015 sums up my background. I don't have any expectations really.  The last few years a number of times during the restoration of my famlie's speed boat I would come across a widget I needed which I was certain I could design myself & cut with a CNC mill if I had one but other than that & general home hobby make my needs benign. I suppose I might explore employment with CAD but it's not a huge thrust as early retirement draws near. Mostly I just find it interesting & expect it to be handy. 

[kward101]

Subscription to machine shop, AD Inventor training opportunity - excellent. That's all anybody needs to make it happen. See ya at ADU, Ken

[kward101]

Inventor is a big commitment, but well worth it. As far as boat parts and such, Fusion will get you there much faster. And you don't have to have a 3D printer or CNC machines because of all the RPM (Rapid Prototype Mfg) services are hungry for you to send 'em a file. I have a 3D printer, and CNC mill and lathe, but RPM services are so good that I generally just hire them to make parts.

Enjoy

[kward101]

Yep. Short of a career path now, F360 is a fantastic on ramp. To get experience, I started with a great free CAD tool and it really helped comfirm that I wanted to move up. I went thru a few programs and then landed on an "other" multi $1000 pkg, which I will probably keep for a while. However, I see Fusion as a much better rounded tool for those who do not plane to pursue somthing on the order of an engineering or industrial design career. Where I quickly outgrew my original free CAD, I feel many users will never out grow F360 even if they can catch up to it. F360 is close to replacing my other CAD (I'm not an engineer) and in general I just like it. I'm really excited to see what the next couple of years bring. I want to be ahead of that curve, ready to take advantage of it.

:^)

[smallfavor]

Hi Ken,

You said this:  "(Cheese Alert) Fusion 360 is what I always wanted in a CAD/CAM/3D package. I believe F360 is a game changer, the future of CAD/CAM/3D is upon us and very few people know it yet! By lowering the barriers to entry (learning curve, cost, etc.) it democratizes design in a way that will force it's CAD/CAM competitors, some of whom have a ten or twenty year old software framework, to play catch up in many ways. "

I agree completely.  I came to this thread searching for any job opportunities that may be posted within the AD forums.   I'm transitioning over from Rhino and it's not unlike recovering from battered spouse syndrome.  I've sent out some cover letters encouraging potential clients to learn about this new paradigm.  I think the future of freelance/jobber projects is bright, provided I can secure enough income producing work.  

Have you any suggestions where one might look for opportunities?

Thanks

James

[CarlM89]

Jump into f360. You can't beat the price. The design skills and methodologies are transferable to other cad software. If you are looking for a job in a small machine shop, knowing (and perhaps bringing along a CAD software package) are a huge selling point. Many machine shops are using ancient 2D cad and decades old cam software. If you show up with your laptop and start programming fancy adaptive tool paths that cut twice as much in half the time using half the cutters, you'll look like a hero! I can't believe how many shops won't even quote stuff that requires 3D surface machining. F360 makes it easy at a trivial price point.

[Anonymous]

Hola CX2 y todos los que han colaborado en responder en este post.

Mi opinión sobre la diferencia entre Fusion 360 e Inventor Professional es totalmente diferente a la de ustedes y comento porqué:

Fusion 360 ha sido desarrollado para las personas que quieren incursionar en el mundo del diseño de productos pero que no tienen una gran experiencia en diseño de productos en 3D, de hecho, que no tengan nada de experiencia en el mundo del diseño 3D. Por otro lado, una vez que la persona inicia su capacitación en Fusion 360, puede alcanzar desde un concepto muy básico en Fusion 360 y (Basado en sus conocimientos en ingeniería) puede desarrollar dicho concepto con la ingeniería de detalle de fabricación que se requiera pasando además, por la validación o simulación del producto con las condiciones de carga, temperatura, vibraciones, etc. Y por si fuera poco, está totalmente adaptado para la impresión 3D y para el mecanizado por CNC hasta 5 ejes. Pero aún tiene más. Se puede render y computar en la nube y esto hace que sea un software súper óptimo. Por cierto. El motor de cálculo de Fusion 360 ahora es Nastran. Aprovecho la oportunidad también de comentarles que el sistema de trabajo colaborativo y en la nube de Fusion 360, cumple con los más altos estándares de calidad de trabajo en equipo. Resumo: Fusion es el software ideal para todas aquellas personas que siempre han querido diseñar y nunca han conseguido algo atractivo y amigable en los software de diseño.

Ahora les comento sobre Inventor Professional 2017. No es un software que será sustituido por Fusion 360. Es un software complementario de Fusion 360. Quiero decir, que todo lo que hace Fusion también lo hace Inventor, pero con algunas pequeñas diferencias.

Inventor es más adaptado a la mentalidad del Ingeniero Mecánico. Es muy específico y especializado, quiero decir que cualquiera que no sea ingeniero mecánico entonces se le hará un poco difícil el aprendizaje en Inventor.

Pero cuando se toma una capacitación en un Autodesk Training Center que dicte todos los niveles de Inventor, entonces el usuario podrá comprender a profundidad las bondades de Inventor y tendrá entre sus manos el software más potente y sofisticado para ingeniería mecánica avanzada.

Ciertamente Inventor no hace algunas cosas que si hace Fusion 360 y viceversa. Pero allí es donde nace lo complementario. Si no eres Ingeniero Mecánico e inicias el concepto del producto en Fusion 360, podrás alcanzar un producto final prácticamente. Luego se lo entregas a un especialista en Diseño Mecánico y especializado en Inventor Professional y éste último hara toda la ingeniería necesaria para su fabricación y documentación (As Built). 

Y si se quiere optimizar aún más el diseño, se podrá culminar la validación con Autodesk Nastran, o Autodesk Simulation Mechanical y/o Autodesk CFD.

Espero haber contribuido lo mejor posible en sus conocimientos desde mi humilde posición.

Soy especialista en Inventor Professional desde hace más de 10 años y en Fusion 360 desde hace más de un año.

Soy instructor de ambos software en todos sus niveles en la prestigiosa Academia de Autodesk: Abstract Training Center C.A. donde estamos a su disposición para orientarles en su mundo profesional si así lo requieren desean.