Both Fusion 360 and SolidWorks are 3D parametric cad tools used for design and development of mechanical products. But they offer different sets of features, user interface and have different fan bases. In this article we will focus on the difference between Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks. Click this link to know the difference between AutoCad vs SolidWorks.

Fusion 360 was first launched in the year 2013 to offer a compressive product development system. It offers solutions from concept design, detailed part and assembly design, simulation, manufacturing to data management.
In this way Fusion360 offers complete product development CAD CAM and CAE solutions to their customers.
SolidWorks

Solidworks was first launched in 1995 to make the 3D CAD market accessible, affordable and available for Windows desktop users. Similar to fusion360, solidworks offer solutions from concept design, detailed part and assembly design, manufacturing to data management with different solidworks add-in modules.
Solidworks was started as CAD tool but now it offers complete product design and development (CAD CAM and CAE) solutions
Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks : What is the Difference?
One of the biggest differences between Fusion360 and SolidWorks is Fusion360 is a completely cloud based software. Whereas solidworks “EXPERIENCE WORKS” is new entrant in cloud based market.
Following is the list of the comparison of Fusion 360 vs SolidWorks feasures.
Features | Fusion 360 | Solidworks |
---|---|---|
CAD Type | Cloud Based | Need Installation |
Interface | User Friendly | User Friendly |
3D Design and Modeling | ||
Sketching | Yes | Yes |
Direct Modeling | Yes | Basic |
Parametric Modeling | Intermediate | Advanced |
Surface Modeling | Yes | Yes |
Mesh Modeling | Yes | Yes |
Photo Realistic Rendering | Yes | Yes |
PCB Design Integration | With Autodesk EAGLE | With Altium |
Sheet Metal Module | Yes | Yes |
Assembly Module | Yes | Yes |
Other Features | ||
Manufacturing | Advanced | Basic |
Additive Manufacturing | Yes | Not Available |
Generative Design | Yes | Not Available |
Structure Simulation | Yes | Yes |
Electronics Cooling Module | Yes | Yes |
Tolerance Stackup Analysis | Not Available | Yes |
Topology Improvement | Yes | Yes |
Collobration | Teams can effectively collobrate | Basic |
Documentation | Yes | Plugin Required |
Cable Routing | Yes | Yes |
Sustainability Analysis | No | Yes |
Mobile Apps | Yes : Data can be accessed from any browser | No : But eDrawing can be used to view 3D CAD data. |
Which Software is Best SolidWorks or Fusion 360?
Both SolidWorks and Fusion 360 have their own advantages and limitations. Both of them have good intuitive user interfaces and solve complete product design cycle problems.
If you are a new startup, Fusion360 is a good choice. Because Autodesk Fusion360 does not require investment in costly hardware and it is free for new startups.
Whereas if your company is already using solidworks, Moving from solidworks to fusion360 requires lots of brainstorming. Because both software offer almost similar features. But Fusion360 human resources are limited in the market. Therefore human resources will require training if you shift to fusion360 from solidworks. We suggest you also read this article on how to select the best cad software for your company?
The above Solidworks and Fusion 360 comparison is best of our knowledge. We are ready to modify data if valid reason is provided. We will keep adding more information on Fusion360 vs Solidworks. Please add your suggestions, comments or questions in the comment box.
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