SolidWorks and Fusion 360 are the two most well-known CAD applications. But how do they differ, and which is best for you? Let’s look into it. The rivalry between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks is one common notion. Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks are used by professionals including civil engineers, architects, animators, designers, and manufacturers. They are interconnected software packages that essentially carry out the same task. This similarity causes experts and users to compete against one another, each claiming to be superior. That’s why this article discusses the top 5 differences between Fusion 360 and SolidWorks. Read on to understand the difference.
- Part Modelling: Fusion 360, the more current of the two tools, has an improved part modeling method that makes use of a multi-component part system. Because of this, individual assembly components can be built and put together in a single file. It’s a helpful modeling strategy for small assembly projects because designers don’t have to go through many files while developing an assembly.
SolidWorks, in comparison, is primarily an assembly-driven application with a multi-component system option. This means that each assembly part in SolidWorks must have its own file, which is then assembled in a distinct file. This method works well for large-scale projects where multiple assemblies may use various parts.
- Features: Fusion 360 contains a ton of features, however when compared to SolidWorks’ precise and comprehensive functionality, they are seen as generic. The premium edition of Fusion 360 is distinguished by its generative feature. The generative tool allows designers to set project objectives, generate and explore designs, optimize materials and designs, and export CAD-ready files. The functionality available in Fusion 360’s commercial and free editions is divided into three design environments: model, patch, and sheet metal. Surface modeling, mesh modeling, sophisticated analytical tools, rendering, animation, and sketching are some of the features.
Engineering and industrial designs can take advantage of a range of SolidWorks capabilities. They are offered cumulatively and are based on the subscription tier structure of the product. There are features accessible for each licensing category, including Premium License, Professional License, and Standard License.
- Design Application: The main purposes of these two programs are 3D modeling and design. However, their applications to fundamental mechanical design, which requires complex real-world simulations, differ. Fusion 360 has basic simulation tools like temperature analysis, buckling, and static stress analysis but lacks the more complex features present in SolidWorks.
SolidWorks delivers incredibly sophisticated simulation features when customers pay more in the subscription order. Fusion 360’s core functionality is more comparable to the standard license of SolidWorks. Additionally available capabilities for users of the professional and premium versions include thermal testing, severe deformations, and buckling.
- Manufacturing Application and Mesh Modelling: The mesh modeling function in Fusion 360 makes it simple to design organic surfaces and geometry. To do this, it makes use of the sculpt feature and non-parametric design interface. SolidWorks offers features that are comparable to the surfacing tools in Fusion 360. Without the sculpt mode, mesh modeling in SolidWorks takes a long time and does not result in the smooth geometry that Fusion 360 can.
SolidWorks is increasingly transitioning to design-to-manufacture by including capabilities for industrial designers and engineers. It is hence capable of supporting manufacturing needs such as CNC machining, 3D printing, and molding. Due to a lack of optimization as it transitions, some of these features, such as Fusion 360, aren’t yet fully prepared for the manufacturing process.
- Cloud Sharing Functions: Fusion 360 is a cloud-based application that may be used without installation on your laptop. It makes use of the online A360 user interface. Every designer gets their own A360 account, which they may use to keep all of their design files and access them from any device or location. Design teams may converse and exchange designs among themselves with permission.
SolidWorks does not support the updated cloud-sharing features. There are two ways that collaboration benefits design teams. One choice is to store files on a network of servers with Product Data Management (PDM) software, with floating license access available to all team members. Keeping design files on an external cloud storage system like Dropbox or Google Drive is the second choice.
Final Thoughts: 3D CAD modeling is synonymous with SolidWorks software. However, Fusion 360 brings similar features, functions, and applications that make it a viable option. Overall, there’s no clear winner between SolidWorks and Fusion 360; professionals and designers can weigh their options to choose the best-suited one for their team and manufacturing needs. We suggest using YouTube to learn more about CAD software. Considering that YouTube is free and has all the information you require. The fact that YouTube search results are not arranged like an online course is the only drawback. When each youtube tutorial video is organized like a chapter in a book, it’s quite helpful. You can accomplish that with Career Ninja’s Learn Tube. LearnTube arranges Youtube videos on the platform in a format similar to an online course. When you search for “CAD tutorial” on LearnTube, a number of videos resembling an online course are shown. As a beginner, you’ll see all the videos in order and learn from them as if you were enrolled in a course designed especially for you.
