AutoDesk Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is an integrated 3d design, validation, and manufacturing package that provides 3d sketching and modeling along with assembly, finite-element analysis, animation, rendering, and CAM capabilities, all within a single environment. It is one of many different software packages created by AutoDesk for use in different design projects. Fusion 360 is a newer, cloud-based piece of software, that is being continuously updated with new functionality by AutoDesk. Fusion 360's 3d modeling capabilities are roughly on-par with those of Solidworks, but also include functionality that Solidworks lacks, such as simultaneous part and assembly editing. Solidworks also lacks much of the functionality available in Fusion 360 beyond 3d part design, most notably CAM.
Availability
AutoDesk Fusion 360 is free to use for all Tulane students, faculty, and staff. It requires an account and maintains all data on cloud storage.
To install Fusion 360 on your computer, simply download the free trial and register with your "@tulane.edu" email address.
Install Link: http://www.appstreaming.autodesk.com/install/app/73e72ada57b7480280f7a6f4a289729f/
Getting Started
The Tulane IEEE Student Branch has put together a concise guide to help the complete beginner on Fusion 360, along with recommendations for printing your first design on one of our 3d printers. IEEE Guide to Fusion 360
The recommended method for learning Fusion 360 is to simply work through the Tutorials provided with the software. Apparently AutoDesk has removed the built-in tutorials in favor of a series of videos explaining introductory aspects of the software. If you are not interested in watching the videos, they have also provided us with text versions that can be worked through like a manual. AutoDesk has stated that the regular, built-in tutorials will return in the future.
Link to Video Playlist
Link to Manual Files (.pdf)
Link to Model Files (.zip) for working with the manual