Autodesk Highlights Fusion 360 Product Design Capabilities

Autodesk is debuting new enhancements to Fusion 360 and its portfolio for product designers and manufacturers. Fusion 360 is its cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB software platform.

Product Design and Simulation Extension 

The ability to add extensions into Fusion 360 means its capabilities are limitless, the company notes. Consistent with that intent, Autodesk is previewing two new Fusion 360 extensions, the Product Design Extension and Simulation Extension, to bring more robust consumer product design, simulation, and engineering capabilities to the platform, according to Autodesk, which plans to release these extensions early next year.

The Product Design Extension will provide users with advanced product design tools to automate the creation of complex features like lattices and algorithm-driven patterns, according to the company.

The Simulation Extension provides users with the ability to explore various factors, including performance under heat and stress, before building their products. Image courtesy of Autodesk.

The Simulation Extension will provide users access to existing simulation capabilities under an all-access umbrella. Previously, simulation capabilities were only available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Now, designers and engineers can choose the option that works best for them to explore more ways to reduce weight, materials cost, and enhance product performance, the company reports.

The model of offering base capabilities alongside technology extensions in Fusion 360 means customers only pay for advanced functionality when they need it, according to Autodesk.

Ansys Simulation Technology Integration 

Building upon an existing relationship, Autodesk and Ansys will preview plans for a fully-integrated PCB design, verification and validation capacity within Fusion 360 that increases the software’s circuit design capabilities.

This initial integration will enable users to verify and validate PCB design using Ansys’ validation technology, embedded directly in Fusion 360. Autodesk will provide the ability to perform enhanced rule checking of printed circuit board designs, retrieving  near  real-time insights into product electrical performance to meet specifications and certification requirements. In addition, it will help users identify errors so that they can resolve them, which increases  efficiency an d allows the ability t o better products faster with fewer mistakes, making Fusion 360 a one-stop-shop for designing and verifying consumer electronics devices, the company reports.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.