HSM vs. Ultimate

[arlinjv]

I am supporting a FRC group that uses HSMWorks with Solidworks and just learned that it is possible for me to use it with my Fusion account so I thought I would give it a try in order to better support them in their accustomed workflow.

The instructions on this page "How to install and authorize HSMWorks with a Fusion 360 subscription" say "If there is HSM Ultimate available, do not install it. Install the HSMWorks entry instead".

It turns out that both download links on the Autodesk page provide the same ultimate installation file. Is there a reason for me not to go with Ultimate? Is there a difference?

[seth.madore]

I'll preface this by saying: I'm not an HSM user, only someone who is aware that it exists. I think the "Ultimate" is a relic our "tiered" days and the same install file is what I would expect.

I'd be remiss, though, if I didn't make a sales pitch to the adoption of Fusion for your modeling and manufacture needs. Is there something that's preventing you from doing everything in one software (Fusion)?

[jeff.pek]

Can you share the URL of the page you're seeing the links?

Jeff

[arlinjv]

Sure!

[arlinjv]

Hi Seth. I'm a big fan of Fusion on the modeling and CAM side and I really appreciate that it's 'all in one package'. Of course, so far it' my first and only CAM package so it's possible that I just don't know what I'm missing. 

The reason I am looking at HSM is that there are environments where Fusion currently isn't an option, namely the FRC group I mentor and my new job. (I don't do machining at work, but hope to eventually.)

[seth.madore]

"FRC"? That's an acronym I'm not quite familiar with 🤔

[arlinjv]

Oops - here it is: https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-install-and...

[jeff.pek · Accepted solution]

I think you should be fine with either of the downloads you found, given that the represent the same installation file.

  Jeff

[andy7QDAA]

I purchased just purchased Fusion in April 2025 expecting the HSM works plugin to be available to me for Solidworks.

Finding and installing this software has been impossible on my own or with Autodesk chat support.

I am in Canada

This does not work:

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-install-and...

Does anyone know how do do this?

Thanks,

Andrew

[a.laasW8M6T]

Try the steps in this video:

[andy7QDAA]

Thank you for the video HSMworks is not available to me despite a Fusion Subscription.

[a.laasW8M6T]

Hi

Its possible that I have access with my "Legacy" subscription.

HSM works will be discontinued in 2028 so its possibly not being  made available with new subscriptions. 

[andy7QDAA]

Thanks - unfortunately it clearly says that I can get it with Fusion.

grrr

[seth.madore]

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@andy7QDAA wrote:

Thanks - unfortunately it clearly says that I can get it with Fusion.

grrr

---

Where does it say this, can you share a link?

[andy7QDAA]

Hello -

On the products page:   https://www.autodesk.com/ca-en/products?mktvar002=5656889|SEM|xxx-xxxxxxxx|141041067596|kwd-30259395...

This link:

Sends me to this page:  https://www.autodesk.com/products/hsmworks/overview?term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription

Andy

[mikebendick]

@andy7QDAA Did you ever get this up and running?

I'm also in Canada, and seem to be going through the same circles you are.