autodesk-fusion-360-vs-solidworks

SOLIDWORKS and Fusion 360 are both computer-aided design (CAD) software built to help users create or optimize technical designs in 2d or 3d. Both CAD options are popular with small and mid-sized businesses, while larger enterprises are less likely to use either.

Features

SOLIDWORKS and Fusion 360 both offer essential CAD features, including 2d/3d design, data management, and simulation. In addition to these features, SOLIDWORKS and Fusion 360 also have a few standout features that set them apart from each other.

SOLIDWORKS includes advanced features that make it an excellent choice for technical designs such as parts for mechanical engineering projects. Additionally, SOLIDWORKS allows for the referencing of many separate files at once, which is useful for large projects. Lastly, SOLIDWORKS includes robust analysis tools that can handle things like linear and non-linear responses.

Fusion 360 includes applications for both Windows and Macs, both of which provide all of Fusion 360’s advanced features. Additionally, Fusion 360 allows for easy creation of 3d models, even for inexperienced users who can use a library of pre-generated shapes. Ease of modeling makes Fusion 360 a great choice for designing consumer products. Fusion 360 also provides cloud collaboration tools that allow multiple users in an organization to work on the same project from different locations.

Limitations

Though SOLIDWORKS and Fusion 360 both offer robust CAD features, they also have a few limitations that are important to consider.

SOLIDWORKS only runs on the Windows Operating System. Mac users can still use SOLIDWORKS but would have to run a virtual machine to do so. Additionally, SOLIDWORKS is less intuitive compared to Fusion 360. SOLIDWORKS includes fewer pre-generated geometries and less intuitive modeling tools. Unintuitive features can make SOLIDWORKS a poor choice for new users.

Fusion 360 excels at usability but lacks some of the advanced features SOLIDWORKS offers. Most notably, Fusion 360 only includes basic analytics tools and builds all components in a single file. Lack of complex analysis and single-file assembly can make Fusion 360 a poor choice for projects that need to be assembled from multiple files or that require complex analysis.

Pricing

Pricing for SOLIDWORKS depends on the type of buyer. SOLIDWORKS provides pricing plans for students, startups, academics, researchers, and commercial businesses. All of these packages except for the student package are quoted depending on the buyer. The student version costs $99.00 for a one year license.

Fusion 360 can be purchased on a subscription basis for standalone users, while business pricing is quoted depending on the buyer. Single user rates start at $60.00 per month.