Toolpaths Software

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

I am writing the curriculum for a new cim class for my school. We are looking at Inventor and Fusion 360 and I am looking for input on which software is better for creating a 3d model and then applying toolpaths to send it to a CNC machine. I've used Inventor and was so wondering the differences and learning curve level for Fusion 360 as well. Thank you for your help.

Sam

[LibertyMachine]

What grade level, what equipment (CNC) do you have, what materials are you working in?

[Marco.Takx]

Hi @Anonymous,

It all depends on what you are after.

Both products work perfectly for modeling and CAM

Fusion 360 has some nice functions that Inventor is missing (for example the S "Search box") but otherwise, Inventor has functionalities that are better (for example Diameter dimensions within Sketch. Within Inventor you create a center line and every dimension you make to this center line becomes automatically a diameter dimension. Within Fusion 360 you have to right-click every time to change from a normal dimension to a diameter dimension)

To choice, witch product is mostly what is the work you like to do.

When you want configuration (iLogic code configuration) then you are better of with Inventor.

For normal part modeling and CAM programming Fusion 360 is cheaper and gives you the same results as Inventor HSM.

For the learning curve, I think Fusion 360 is easier.

Inventor HSM you have to migrate Project file settings (design data and templates) every new release. 

By learning Inventor -> Finding the commands can be harder. (Fusion 360 has the Search box). 

But personally, I like still Inventor better.

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[Anonymous]

Thank you for your help. I have been using Autodesk Inventor for a while and like it more. Is the HSS just an extension on Inventor?

[Marco.Takx · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

Inventor HSM is the CAM Add-in for Inventor.

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[Anonymous]

Another quick question. I've looked at my Inventor add-ins and the HMS - CAM options are not showing up. Do I have to download the extension from Autodesk for Inventor 2017, and do you know where I could find it if so?

Thank you,

Sam

[jeff.pek]

What build of the add-in do you have installed? Current versions of Inventor HSM should be configured to show up and work with Inventor 2017.

Jeff

[Marco.Takx]

Hi @Anonymous,

When you have a Product Design & Manufacturing Collection you can download Inventor HSM from your account. 

You are talking about a Inventor 2017 release. So I don’t think you have a PD&MC so also no Inventor HSM. 

There is a HSMExpress version 2,5D (free). 

Or you can download a 30-days trail version of the PD&MC. 

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