It introduced a level of flexibility and intuitiveness in use that is hard to match. A response to the challenges offered by Siemens PLM’s Synchronous Technology, and SpaceClaim’s eponymous direct modeling CAD system.ĭirect modeling, a method that allows users to push and pull on CAD models, with the system figuring out the technical details necessary to make sensible edits based on those actions, was (and is) a major threat for traditional feature-based parametric CAD systems.

You might wonder, though: Hasn’t Fusion been out for several years, as a technology preview? Yes, indeed: When it first came out in 2009, Fusion was called “Inventor Fusion.” It was seen, by most, as a technology experiment in direct modeling CAD. And it’s a future you’re likely to find mighty interesting. It represents Autodesk’s best thinking on what the future of CAD is going to look like.

Here is the real story: Fusion 360 is a major generational change in CAD. They actually intentionally underplayed it. What they didn’t do, however, was tell everyone the real significance of Fusion 360. This week, at Autodesk University 2012, Autodesk unveiled Fusion 360, a new cloud-based mechanical CAD solution.

Online autodesk fusion 360