Fusion 360 Vs Solidworks – Which Is Better For 3D Printing, Simulation, & Rendering?
If you are a novice, then you might surely be confused between Solidworks Vs Fusion 360 which is better. Well, both these programs are considered among the two best CAD, CAM, and PCB programs. This makes it a bit confusing for a beginner to choose any one out of them. So here, we will discuss what is the difference between Solidworks and Fusion 360 to find is Fusion 360 better than Solidworks or they lie in the same boat.
To do this detailed Fusion 360 vs Solidworks comparison, we will compare their features, pricing, pros, and cons as well.
Summarizing The Autodesk Solidworks Vs Fusion 360 Comparison
For a quick overview, we have mentioned the major differences that you will find between Solidworks and Fusion 360:
Easy to use but lacks use of shortcut keys
Performs CAD, CAM, PCB, etc.
Compatible with Windows & Mac
Support cloud workspace
Supports 9 file formats
2D/3D rendering & simulation
Price efficient
Shortcut keys but longer learing curve
CAD, CAM, PCB, + electric connections
Commpatible with Windows only
Offline & Online workspace supported
Supports 14 file formats
Advaned rendering & simulation
Price is quite high
For knowing about them in detail, read this detailed comparison between Solidworks and Fusion 360. If you want to more in details about Fusion 360 then have a look on Fusion 360 advantages and disadvantages.
Features Comparison Of Fusion 360 Vs Solidworks
Solidworks and Fusion 360 are two of the best programs in this industry. Both of them offer amazing engineering and manufacturing features. Here, we have mentioned the feature difference between Fusion 360 and Solidworks:
Solidworks Vs Fusion 360, Which Software Is Easy To Work?
It is very easy to start working with Autodesk Fusion 360. This software comes with a straightforward user interface with all the major tools at the main interface. It is also very easy to navigate through menus to access various tools. The Autodesk Fusion 360 also allows you to customize the interface according to your need. The only area where Fusion 360 lacks is that it doesn’t support the use of shortcut keys.
Compared to Fusion 360, the interface of Solidworks is quite tricky and a bit difficult to use. If you are a beginner then there are definite chances of getting puzzled while using this software for the first time. However, this software supports the use of shortcuts keys which makes tools easily accessible.
So, Fusion 360 is a best choice for novices, however if you are a trained perosn you can opt any software between Fusion360 vs Solidworks.
Fusion 360 Vs Solidworks, Which Software Offer Better Simulation?
Solidworks provides various kinds of simulation types to analyze the design of an object, like:
Structural Simulation: In this type of simulation, you can analyze the performance of an object by testing it in various environments. You can also put both linear and non-linear stress of the object for analyzing its strength.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation: In this type of simulation, you can analyze the effect of heat/thermal or fluid on an object.
Plastic Injection Simulation: This simulation type lets you add plastic parts to the object and analyze its effects. You can also solely analyze the performance of plastic components for reducing costs.
So, these are the major types of simulation that you may find with this software.
Autodesk Fusion 360 also comes with great simulation features. By using it, you can analyze the impact of both linear and non-linear stress on an object. Also, you can analyze environmental impacts, thermal stress, modal frequency, etc. Moreover, you can optimize the shape according to this analysis. However, like Solidworks, Fusion 360 doesn’t come with any feature like plastic injection simulation. Additionally, for using simulation in Fusion 360, you need to have Fusion 360 cloud credits, which costs money.
So, between Solidworks and Fusion 360, Solidworks is quite better as far as simulation is concerned.
Which Is Better Fusion 360 Vs Solidworks For 3D Printing?
Like Solidworks, Fusion 360 also supports the use of 3D models and figures. It works with 3D printers and also the use of STL files. Due to this, it is considered one of the best CAD software.
So, for 3D printing, both Autodesk Fusion vs Solidworks offer almost same kinds of features and are equally efficient.
Which Is Better Solidworks Or Fusion 360 For Rendering?
Fusion 360 is one of the 2D and 3D rendering software. It lets you create photorealistic images of various objects from different angles with ease. It also supports, cloud rendering for easily saving and sharing the rendered images.
Solidworks also provides powerful rendering features and lets you obtain photorealistic images. Compared to Fusion 360, it comes with advanced features and capabilities. This makes Solidworks a bit ahead of the Fusion 360.
Fusion 360 Or Solidworks, Which Software Supports More Devices?
Though, you won’t face such a limitation in the case of Fusion 360. This CAD software is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices. Apart from this, it also provides a view-only app for Android and iOS devices.
In brief, you can use Solidworks only on Windows devices. Whereas, Autodesk Fusion 360 can be used on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Which Software Supports More File Formats, Solidworks Or Fusion 360?
In terms of exporting the project, Solidworks has an advantage over Fusion 360 as it supports 14 formats. Whereas, Fusion 360 lets you export your project in 9 formats only.
Fusion 360 Vs Solidworks, Which Software Has Better Integration Features?
Fusion 360 doesn’t come with any offline workspace, and since its inception, it only offers online workspace. This means, to work on Fusion 360 you need an internet connection and all your work will automatically be saved on the cloud. Fusion 360 also provides a view-only app for Android and iOS devices to see your project from smartphones.
So, both Fusion 360 vs Solidworks offer cloud storage and collaborating features. Though, Fusion 360 is a bit ahead of Solidworks as it offers apps for Android and iOS devices.
Comparison Between Solidworks Vs Fusion 360 Price
In terms of pricing, Fusion 360 is much more affordable than Solidworks and their price are as follows:
The basic price of Solidworks is $3995 for its lifetime license with an additional $1295 as annual maintenance charges. Besides this, its annual and 3 months plan costs $2700 and $810 respectively. Rather than this, Solidworks also offer a professional license that will cost you around $5490 for a lifetime.
On the flip side, the price of Autodesk Fusion 360 is just $70 for its monthly plan. Apart from this, its yearly and 3 year plan will cost you around $545 and $1555 respectively. Moreover if you apply our Fusion 360 discount code, you can grab heavy discounts on it. Also, if you purchase during Fusion 360 Black Friday sale then you can make your purchase affordable.
Get Autodesk Fusion 360 At Just $44/mo*
Between, Fusion 360 vs Solidworks, it is better to go with Autodesk Fusion if you are a beginner as its quite affordable.
Solidworks Vs Fusion 360, Who Offers Better Support?
Whether you are a novice or a professional, support plays an important role, especially in the case of technical products.
Solidworks mainly assists its users through Emails. Besides, it comes with lots of FAQs, blogs, and community forums for solving minor issues. However, for technical assistance, you have to purchase it maintenance package.
Autodesk Fusion 360 also comes with almost the same kind of support. It allows you to contact its support team through Email. Besides, it provides plenty of well-written blogs, FAQs, etc. that can help you in solving minor issues. The Fusion 360 pros and cons will be clear ore about this product designing application.
Which Of Solidworks Vs Fusion 360 CAM Software Is Better?
For CAM (computer-aided designing), it is better to use Solidworks than Autodesk Fusion 360. Solidworks comes with a dedicated CAM toolkit equipped with some major tools that can help you to easily work on complex projects.
Winding Up Things: Which Is Better Solidworks Or Fusion 360?
To find which is better Fusion 360 vs Solidworks, we contrasted various aspects in this Solidworks vs Fusion 360 comparison.
Overall Solidworks is powerful software and offers a much advanced toolkit compared to Autodesk Fusion. Also, with the help of its modern features, you can easily work on any complex project.
On the other hand, Fusion 360 is budget software and is best suited for newbies or individuals that are new to the mechanical field. It lets you work on basic projects across various devices and platforms. If you are not sure about any of these software then you can also go for AutoCAD vs AutoCAD Lt.
Which Is Better Solidworks Or Fusion 360?
Solidworks is quite better than Autodesk Fusion 360 in terms of features and tools. Also, it is a perfect choice for professional usage.
Is Fusion 360 Compatible With Solidworks?
Yes, you can keep both Fusion 360 vs Solidworks programs at the same time on your device. But, it suggested not using them simultaneously as it may lead to the system crashing or lagging. You can use any powerful CPU for Fusion 360 and Solidworks to use both software.
Is Fusion 360 Better Than Solidworks?
No, overall Solidworks is better than Fusion 360. However, for basic usage, you can consider using Autodesk Fusion 360.