To modify them, you have access to many tools that can be used at any time of the modeling. It has some simple geometries (like a cone, box, cylinder…). Image Source: FreeCAD FunįreeCAD runs on a parametric model. This means that Fusion 360 comes with many tools that should always be combined to make the process of designing products easier and give better results.
…), creation from profiles (closed curves) by extrusion, sweeping, and the possibility of transforming a surface created from the Model environment (solid modeling) or Patch into a TSpline to edit the shape. The third environment is polygonal modeling which allows: the creation of organic or ergonomic shapes in the software’s sculpt space, creation of a TSpline from primitives (boxes, cylinder, etc.In this environment, a closed solid can be decomposed into its constituent surfaces. The second environment is surface modeling it contains surface creation tools (extrusion, sweep, etc.) that allow surface creation based on sketch profiles.
The relationships between sketch elements and dimensions are defined in the sketch and reflect the design intent.
The first environment of this software is parametric modeling which is based on 2d sketches, forming a closed network of curves (Profile).Designers and engineers can take advantage of this CAD software to explore potential shapes for attractive and dynamic consumer products. The user interface of Fusion 360 is quite simple. Image Source: įusion 360 offers several modeling environments for different types of modeling. Many tools for manufacturing are integrated into Fusion, allowing for Planning, Generation of toolpaths, assembly management, and simulation. To benefit from the possibilities offered by Fusion 360, you must not treat each modeling mode approach separately, but you need to combine the tools from the three environments to reach the best results. What sets Fusion 360 apart from other modeling software is that it allows in an environment: parametric modeling, surface modeling, and polygonal modeling. What are Fusion 360 and FreeCAD used for?įusion 360 is used to create 2D and 3D designs. It allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. It falls into the category of building information modeling. FreeCAD is known as a parametric 3D computer-aided design (CAD). Because it is open-source, you can also add functions to the software using Python programming. One of the key things to know about FreeCAD is that, as an open-source project, it is completely free for all to use. Brief background Image Source: YouTube/ BPLRFEįreeCAD was released in October 2002 by authors Jürgen Riegel, Werner Mayer, and Yorik van Havre who wanted to create open-source CAD software to work on all platforms. They are used for multiple purposes like designing furniture, mechanical design, or architecture design. It is also worth to mention that these widely used programs can help you draft construction documentation, explore design ideas, visualize concepts through photorealistic renderings, and simulate how a design performs in the real world. However, throughout this in-depth article, we will present you a new face-off: Fusion 360 vs FreeCAD. We’ve already reviewed and compared some of CAD software before, such as: If you’re a designer, drafter, architect, or engineer, you’ve probably used 2D or 3D CAD programs such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Rhino, or FreeCAD software.
It replaces manual drafting with an automated process. Fusion 360 vs FreeCAD: Which software should You Choose?ĬAD (or computer-aided design) is a technology for design and technical documentation.