Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is...

• A cloud enabled collaboration platform that enables designers to instantly share, review project data, manage versions, find where used and share ideas on any device at any time.
• A 3D CAM application with both freeform and solid modelling tools seamlessly integrated into one application.
• A 3D animation and rendering application.
• A CAM application for turning and milling operations.

It is all of those things in one application. It is the next generation, product innovation platform designed to work on Mac, PC and mobile devices.

Is Fusion 360 Free?

The Autodesk legal notices and trademarks defines an entitlement that covers hobbyists.

• Startup: If your entitlement has been designated as “Startup, ” You may use the service if You are (a) a company, startup, or home-based business that generates less than $100,000 (or equivalent in other currency) per year from the total sale of goods or services, or (b) an individual using the service for personal non-commercial projects, hobbies, or personal learning.

Click here after you install the software to activate Fusion 360 as a Startup.

Installation

• Click this link to download the free trial. Click the Download Free Trial button and complete the registration form.
• Click here after you install the software to activate Fusion 360 as a Startup.

Books

• Fusion 360 for Makers: Design Your Own Digital Models for 3D Printing and CNC Fabrication

Helpful Additions

• The 3Dconnection SpaceNavigator 3D Mouse is a very helpful addition if you plan on being more than a casual user]
• The 3Dconnection SpaceMouse Wireless Kit is a step up and gets you a wireless (bluetooth) version of the SpaceNavigator as well as a traditional mouse.
• The 3Dconnection SpaceMouse Pro 3D Mouse should be considered if you plan on mastering Fusion 360 and use the application on a very regular basis.

YouTube Learning

• Lars Christensen is very popular on YT for his videos covering Fusion 360. He moves pretty quickly and does assume some basic working knowledge of Fusion.
• Paul McWhorter is also on YT and has a really good series for beginners. He goes much slower and is a really good instructor.

YouTube Videos by Paul McWhorter

• Beginner
  • Introduction to Fusion 360
  • First 3D Design
  • Understanding Constraints
  • Understanding the Move tool
  • Understanding Parametric Modeling and Design
  • Sketching on Offset and Orthogonal Planes
  • Using the Timeline

• Intermediate
  • Design 3D Printable Nuts and Bolts
  • Design Knurled Nut and Bolt for 3D Printer
  • Design Helical Gears for 3D Printing
  • Design Herringbone Gears for 3D Printing
  • Design Gear Box with Stacked Gears for 3D Printing
  • Creating and Using Tools for Complex 3D Shapes

YouTube Videos by Lars Christensen

• Tutorial for Beginners Part 1
• How To Model a Whistle