facebook

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks: Leading 3D CAD Software Comparison

CAD Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks: Leading 3D CAD Software Comparison

When it comes to 3D CAD software, there are a lot of different options to choose from. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular options: Fusion 360 and SolidWorks. Keep reading to learn more about the features of each software, as well as the pricing and user feedback. By the end, you should have a good idea of which 3D CAD solution is right for you!

What Is Fusion 360?

Leading 3D CAD Software Comparison

Source: Autodesk Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a CAD software that offers a wide range of features for both 2D and 3D design. It was created with the intention of being user-friendly, and offers a variety of tools to make the design process as smooth as possible. One key feature of Fusion 360 is its parametric modeling capability, which allows you to make changes to your design without starting from scratch. This is a major advantage over other CAD software programs, as it can save you a lot of time and frustration. Fusion 360 also offers a wide range of simulations and analysis tools, to help you test your design before you start the manufacturing process.

Read More: How to Use Fusion 360: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started

What Is SolidWorks?

SolidWorks

SolidWorks is another CAD software program that is popular among designers and engineers. It offers a similar range of features to Fusion 360, including parametric modeling and simulations. However, one of the key advantages of SolidWorks is its assembly modeling capability, which allows you to create complex models by assembling individual parts. This can be a great time-saver, as it eliminates the need to design each part separately. SolidWorks also offers a range of collaboration tools to help you work with other team members on your design.

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks Price Comparison

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks both offer subscription-based pricing models. This means that you can cancel your subscription at any time. As you can see below, SolidWorks is more expensive than Fusion 360 regardless of the plan you choose.

How Much Does Fusion 360 Cost?

There are a variety of options when paying for Fusion 360, as well as the generous free subscription offerings for personal use, students, educators, and small start-ups.

If you do not qualify for the free options, you can still try Fusion 360 for 30 days at no cost before committing to one of the subscriptions below. (Note: Pricing is accurate as of the time of writing this article.)

 

Monthly: $70

Annually: $545 (35% compared to monthly price)

3 Years: $1,555 (38% compared to monthly price)

How Much Does SolidWorks Cost?

While Fusion 360 is more inclusive when it comes to home users and educators, SolidWorks is specifically geared for providing comprehensive CAD solutions for industry professionals, which is reflected in the software’s pricing. Currently two pricing options are offered – subscription and perpetual – and they are varied depending on the tools and industries that the software is customized for. Below is the pricing for the standard version.

As of this article’s publication, the yearly subscription price is around $2,797 per year, which includes all software updates and upgrades released during the term of the license.

The current price for the perpetual license is around $4,195, which includes the right to use all software updates and upgrades released during the first 12 months after purchase. After the first 12 months, you can purchase an annual maintenance plan to continue receiving software updates and upgrades.

Read More: SolidWorks Price List 2022: Detailed Pricing Comparison

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks Comparing Key Features

Let’s compare various features between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks.

Modeling

Fusion 360

Fusion 360 has different modeling environments such as surface modeling, solid modeling, and mesh modeling. SolidWorks offers solid modeling, surface modeling, and assembly modeling.

Furthermore, Fusion 360 offers a wide range of modeling features, including parametric, direct, and sculpt modeling. This gives you a lot of flexibility when designing your models. Fusion 360 also offers mesh modeling, which is a great way to create organic shapes.

SOLIDWORKS

SolidWorks also offers a wide range of modeling features, including parametric and direct modeling. However, one of the key advantages of SolidWorks is its assembly modeling capability, which allows you to create complex models by assembling individual parts.

Fusion 360 is ideal for product design, as it offers a wide range of modeling features. SolidWorks is ideal for engineering design, as it offers a wide range of assembly modeling features.

Cloud Accessibility

Fusion 360 is a cloud-based CAD software, which means that all of your designs are stored online. This can be a great advantage, as it makes it easy to access your files from any location. It also makes it easy to collaborate with other team members, as you can simply share a link to your design.

SolidWorks is not a cloud-based CAD software, which means your files are stored locally on your computer. This can be advantageous if you are working with sensitive data, since your files are not accessible to anyone else.

Simulations

Fusion 360 Simulation

Source: Autodesk Fusion 360

SolidWorks Simulation

Source: SolidWorks

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks offer a range of simulations and analysis tools, which can be a great way to test your design before you start the manufacturing process. Fusion 360 is geared more towards CFD and FEA simulations, while SolidWorks focuses more on structural and thermal simulations. It is worth noting that SolidWorks is more powerful overall when it comes to performing simulations on models and assemblies while you would need to pay for cloud credits to run simulations on Fusion 360.

CNC Programming

CNC Programming by Solidworks

Source: https://www.SolidWorks.com/partner-product/solidcam

CNC Programming by Fusion 360

Source: Autodesk Fusion 360

Fusion 360 offers a CNC programming interface, which allows you to generate G-code for your CNC machine. This can be a great time-saver as it eliminates the need to program your CNC machine manually. SolidWorks does not offer a CNC programming interface, which means that you need to utilize additional CAM software to generate the G-code.

SolidWorks offers a CAM interface as a premium feature that is only available in the top-tier subscription plan, SolidCAM. SolidCAM is a powerful CAD/CAM software that offers a wide range of features, including CNC programming, 3D milling, and engraving. There are also several third-party CAM solutions that can be integrated with SolidWorks at a more affordable price.

Manufacturing

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks both offer a wide range of manufacturing features. This includes CAD tools for designing parts and assemblies, as well as CAM tools for generating CNC code. Fusion 360 also offers a wide range of 3D printing features, which can be a great way to prototype your designs.

Manufacturing by Solidworks

Source: https://www.SolidWorks.com/product/SolidWorks-cam

SolidWorks has the Print3D tool that can be used to simulate and generate STL files for 3D printing. In addition, SolidWorks has an add-on, SolidWorks CAM, that can be used to create CNC programs for milling and turning operations. SolidWorks also has enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for manufacturing, which can be used to streamline your manufacturing process.

Rendering

Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks offer rendering capabilities that allow you to create photorealistic images of your designs. Fusion 360 offers a wide range of rendering features, including materials, lighting, and environment. SolidWorks also offers a wide range of rendering features, including materials, lighting, and environment, but requires the add-on PhotoView 360.

Fusion 360 gives you the option to render your designs locally on your computer or through their cloud service, which requires that you pay credits. The latter option is ideal if you are rendering large or complex designs, which would typically take a long time to render locally. This can be a great time-saver, as it can eliminate the need to wait for your design to render.

SolidWorks only offers the ability to render designs locally.

Animation

Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks offer animation capabilities, which allow you to create animated videos of your design. Animation features include keyframing, path animation, and constraints.

Fusion 360 uses the transform tool in the animation environment to create linear, rotation, and scale animations. In SolidWorks, the Motion Manager tool is used to create animations from its initial position to your desired position for animation.

Design Collaboration

Fusion 360 offers a wide range of design collaboration features, including commenting, versioning, and sharing. This can be a great way to work on your design with others, as it allows you to easily track changes and share your work.

SolidWorks also offers a wide range of design collaboration features, including commenting, versioning, and sharing. By using SolidWorks FeatureManager, you can comment on design features, which can be a great way to provide feedback on specific aspects of the design.

Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks User Feedback

Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks have received positive feedback from users. However, there are some key differences in the feedback that each program has received.

Fusion 360 has been praised for its user-friendly interface, a wide range of features, and affordable pricing. However, some users have complained about the program’s stability and occasional crashes.

SolidWorks has also been praised for its wide range of features and assembly modeling capability. However, some users have found the program to be expensive, and have complained about its learning curve.

Should You Choose Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

Fusion 360 is a CAD/CAM software that has a lot to offer for both new and experienced users. It is less expensive than SolidWorks, yet it is still a powerful program that can compete with its more popular competitor. Additionally, the learning curve for Fusion 360 is easier than that of SolidWorks, making it a great option for those who are just getting started in 3D CAD/CAM design.

However, SolidWorks does have more features than Fusion 360 and may be a better option for experienced professionals who have the budget either for the subscription or the perpetual license. Ultimately, the decision of which software to use depends on your needs and budget.

Fusion 360 and SolidWorks FAQs

Here we answer frequently asked questions about Fusion 360 and SolidWorks.

Which software is better for CAD?

There is no clear answer as to which software is better for CAD. It depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable program with a user-friendly interface, then Fusion 360 would be a good choice. If you are looking for a program with a wider range of features and assembly modeling capability, then SolidWorks would be a good choice.

How much does Fusion 360 cost?

Fusion 360 is available for a subscription of $70 per month. There is also a three-year free trial available for personal license.

How much does SolidWorks cost?

SolidWorks is available for a subscription of $2,797 per year. There is also a short free trial available.

What are some other popular CAD software to compare?

Other popular CAD software include Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo, and Siemens NX.