Autodesk Fusion 360 ushers in new era of cloud-based design

Autodesk Fusion 360 allows design and engineering professionals to more easily create 3D product designs and collaborate with others in the cloud. The cloud technology behind Autodesk Fusion 360 offers anytime, anywhere access, from virtually any mobile device or web browser and puts essential data at the centre of the design experience. It also supports an open design environment, allowing designers to readily incorporate and modify CAD data from virtually any source.

Robert "Buzz" Kross, senior vice president, Design, Lifecycle and Simulation at Autodesk, says: "Data is at the centre of the product design process, and the cloud frees that data to be accessible anywhere, anytime. Autodesk Fusion 360 will give designers and engineers the first powerful, easy-to-use and complete cloud-based design solution."

Autodesk Fusion 360 leverages the Autodesk 360 cloud-based platform and adds to Autodesk's cloud portfolio for manufacturers, which includes Autodesk PLM 360, a cloud-based product lifecycle management offering, and Autodesk Simulation 360, a comprehensive set of simulation tools delivered securely in the cloud.

A comprehensive product design tool geared toward small business professionals, Autodesk Fusion 360 capabilities span all aspects of industrial and mechanical design, melded with anytime, anywhere access to data, collaborative and social development capabilities the cloud has to offer. Autodesk Fusion 360 also connects to advanced capabilities such as large scale mockup, simulation, PLM and rendering.

Autodesk Fusion 360 offers a radically different user experience through an intuitive interface that conforms to the role and level of user expertise. Autodesk Fusion 360 provides built-in guidance to novice users to speed the learning curve, and the ability to turn off guidance and access deeper functionality for design experts. Regardless of their level of expertise, users can start designing in a matter of minutes and begin to leverage Autodesk Fusion 360's integrated social collaboration tools.

Redpoint Studios, a New England-based industrial design and product engineering consultancy, recently adopted Autodesk Fusion 360 to help their clients bring compelling new products to market faster. Matthew Harris, Industrial Designer, Redpoint Studios, LLC, says: "The learning curve is phenomenal. In a matter of days I was modelling blends and transitions that would take months, if not years, of skill building to achieve in a NURBS modeller. The potential for this product is huge and I can't wait to see what's next."

Availability

Autodesk Fusion 360 will be available on a term basis, making it affordable to businesses of all sizes. This delivery model will provide maximum flexibility and eliminate the high upfront costs of software licence purchases, as well as the annual expense of software updates and upgrades. It is suitable for professionals and small businesses seeking flexibility to scale their product design tools to fit changing project needs.

Autodesk Fusion 360 is expected to be generally available next year. For more information and a chance to experience Autodesk Fusion 360, visit www.autodesk.com/fusion360.