PDFAutodesk once again aggressively pushes against the boundaries we know for CAD modeling with the introduction of Fusion 360. Riding the wave of a new generation of cloud–based applications, Fusion 360 combines stylized modeling techniques obtained from Autodesk’s acquisition of T–Splines, together with the best of Autodesk’s viewing and collaboration technologies. It’s a bold move that continues Autodesk’s commitment to cloud delivery and subscription–based solutions. The market is still unsettled and undecided in its acceptance or rejection of cloud–based CAD and Fusion 360 will need to prove itself in the coming months: Can proper levels of performance be maintained as the CAD client becomes thinner? Which segments of the market will buy in to having their data floating around in the cloud? Autodesk has an opportunity to help shape answers to these and other questions.
Fusion 360 doesn’t stop there in challenging the market. The Fusion 360 approach to modeling diverges from the now–conventional history–based, NURBS geometry solutions found in competitive CAD applications and in Autodesk’s own Inventor product. While both T–spline geometric technology and the direct modeling approach Fusion 360 uses are winning a level of acceptance in the industry, they have both failed to cause a major upheaval in the few years they have existed. Yet the call to support conceptual design is strong, and the pull of more industrial design in almost all mechanical products is a force that can shape the market.
The one given in Autodesk’s one–two–three punch of cloud supported direct modeling, T–splines, and collaboration embraces the market shift and acceptance of social collaboration technology and its draw in the product modeling industry. CIMdata expects that Autodesk will lead with their collaboration “upper–cut” using strong, established technology and capabilities. Whether they can follow through for either a knockout or a decision–win is still an open question. CIMdata expects, however, that Autodesk has the ability to make a difference to the market dynamics with Fusion 360.
Autodesk indicates that Fusion 360 will be available for purchase in August 2013. All prices will be based on an annual subscription, although monthly and quarterly subscriptions will be possible. Until then, users may obtain a 90–day free trial by contacting Autodesk.
