Fusion 360® vs. SolidWorks® – Software Comparison
Are you in the market for a new 3D design and engineering software? If so, you’ve probably heard of Fusion 360 and SolidWorks. Both are great options, but there are some key differences between them that may make one a better fit for your needs than the other. Let’s take a closer look at both software packages to find out.
What is Fusion 360?
Fusion 360 is an integrated 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE software package from Autodesk. It is cloud-based, so you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection. It is designed to help product development professionals create innovative product designs quickly and efficiently. It supports parametric modeling, free-form sculpting, direct modeling, assembly modeling, simulation, and 3D printing.
What is SolidWorks?
SolidWorks is a 3D CAD software from Dassault Systèmes. It is designed for mechanical designers and engineers, and it offers powerful tools for designing parts, assemblies, and drawings. It supports parametric modeling, surface modeling, solid modeling, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. It also includes simulation and analysis tools such as finite element analysis (FEA).
Fusion 360 vs. SolidWorks: Key Differences
The two software packages have some key differences that may help you decide which one is right for you. Here are some of the main ones.
- Pricing: Fusion 360 is subscription-based and has several tiers of pricing plans. SolidWorks is a one-time purchase, but it is more expensive than Fusion 360.
- Compatibility: Fusion 360 works on both Windows and Mac, while SolidWorks is only compatible with Windows.
- Modeling capabilities: Fusion 360 supports more types of modeling than SolidWorks, including free-form sculpting and 3D printing.
- Simulation capabilities: Fusion 360 offers basic simulation capabilities, while SolidWorks offers more advanced features such as finite element analysis.
Conclusion
Fusion 360 and SolidWorks are both great software packages for 3D design and engineering. However, they have some key differences that may make one a better fit for your needs than the other. Consider your budget, platform requirements, modeling needs, and simulation needs to decide which one is right for you.