Alternatives to Fusion 360?

[awemawson]

I am a very occasional HOBBYIST user of Fusion 360 - I find it is very good but also very frustrating as I'm not using it every day.

Recently I came to use it having not done so for probably a year, and it insisted on downloading an upgrade, and my original license which I think I could repeatedly renew for free is now a 30 day trial with no free renewal. The remaining 28 days will hopefully get my current job done but no way am I spending £510 a year on something I hardly ever use.

So what are my alternatives - I use it pretty exclusively for designing 3D models to 3D print - usually to make something that I need to repair something else - but there can be several months between usings.

My latest is a 'spring cup' - originally a zinc die casting housing a big spring in a large electrical contactor - I'm hoping to have my PLA model 'lost PLA' cast in bronze for a bit more strength. I did something similar when I needed a dog clutch in my CNC lathe and that worked very well.

. . so Fuson360 alternatives if anyone knows one, or ways legitimately to renew without changing my name by deed poll and creating a new email address

 

[mike os]

Onshape

 

[Screwdriver]

I share your frustration with fusion 360. If I was going to upgrade from my beloved Sketchup, I'd have a good long look at Blender.

 

[indy4x]

At the end of the 30 day trial you can revert to the hobby licence

 

[ukracer]

At the end of the 30 day trial you can revert to the hobby licence

But they make it as hard as possible.

 

[Dr.Al]

Onshape

+1

 

[Agroshield]

See this thread:

Free CAD software for 3D printing

What CAD programs are you folks using to draw items for 3D printing? I used to have access to AutoCAD 2016 for 2D (used 2d AutoCAD for years) and Solidworks 2013 for 3D which I was just starting to learn. Unfortunately I lost access to that about a year ago and not really looked at getting...

www.mig-welding.co.uk

This place is becoming like groundhog day.

 

[daedalusminos]

I find it difficult to believe the hassle once a year of free licence renewal outweighs the need to learn a whole new CAD program. Especially considering you otherwise appear happy with F360.

 

[indy4x]

But they make it as hard as possible.

They do, its buried away somewhere

I was on the educational licence, that expired as I am no longer a student so it has reverted to the free trial. In a few days I'm going to be looking to sign up to the hobby version, let the fun begin

 

[indy4x]

This might help

How to renew a start up/personal license for Fusion 360 | Fusion 360 | Autodesk Knowledge Network

You want to renew a free startup or personal license for Fusion 360. When your current license is within 20 days of expiring, you will see an "Expiring Soon" or "Subscribe Now" message like this: Free personal use licenses for Fusion 360 are valid for three years, and can be renewed at the end...

knowledge.autodesk.com

 

[ukracer]

They do, its buried away somewhere

I was on the educational licence, that expired as I am no longer a student so it has reverted to the free trial. In a few days I'm going to be looking to sign up to the hobby version, let the fun begin

That was the same as me....nitemare.

 

[Anguz]

When the 30 days expire it renews easy... well i found it easy

 

[Dev]

It’s a minor annoyance but basically if you renew it waits till the end of the 30 day trial before kicking in that’s all.

 

[Onoff]

Depends on what you want to do but I've been pointed at NanoCAD 5.0 as a free, no time limit, albeit older CAD program for doing 2D stuff. From a brief squint at the video it looks very AutoCAD / Draftsight esque.

Be good if it at least say did DXFs.

nanoCAD Free - Free 2D/3D CAD Software

nanoCAD Free is CAD application that delivers a great user experience by providing high performance, full capability, a classic interface and native DWG format support.

nanocad.com

 

[Cheesie]

Been thinking of getting fusion 360

 

[prepman]

I share your frustration with fusion 360. If I was going to upgrade from my beloved Sketchup, I'd have a good long look at Blender.

All I use is Blender for almost everything, but it's not very informative. Once 'mastered' it's incredibly powerful. One little addon I've recently installed is the 'Paper' export which gives a 2d template of complex shapes. Funnels etc
The 3D print addon I've used for a few years now.

 

[ukracer]

Been thinking of getting fusion 360

I have started a udemy course and it seemed to indicate you could get a student licence for fusion 360. I have sent an email. Still awaiting a reply.

 

[Normsthename]

I've just took a subscription out on Solidworks for Makers.
It's on special offer at the moment for £50 for the year until Jan 8th 2023.
You get Solidworks Professional maker edition, which is virtually the same as the full price Professional.
It has a minor limitation that the Full commercial Version will not load parts / Assemblies / Drawings made in the Maker Edition.
Works out at 96p a week, I've used Solidworks every day in my Job for over 12 years, so I am comfortable using it.
You also get some other programs with the subscription like 3D Sculptor.

Andy

 

[ukracer]

I've just took a subscription out on Solidworks for Makers.
It's on special offer at the moment for £50 for the year until Jan 8th 2023.
You get Solidworks Professional maker edition, which is virtually the same as the full price Professional.
It has a minor limitation that the Full commercial Version will not load parts / Assemblies / Drawings made in the Maker Edition.
Works out at 96p a week, I've used Solidworks every day in my Job for over 12 years, so I am comfortable using it.
You also get some other programs with the subscription like 3D Sculptor.

Andy

I have been looking into the student version of Fusion 360.
At one time you could not get a student version despite having udemy courses.

Then looking at Google it seems to say you could but now it's confusing.
The biggest problem I find is most links take you to the US site.

 

[m_c]

Fusion 360 for Personal Use Download | Fusion 360 | Autodesk

Download Fusion 360 for personal use. You can get access to free CAD, CAM, CAE and PCB software if you qualify.

www.autodesk.co.uk

Although I think once you've logged in, it take you to the US site, and you have to go back to that link.
I'd try it, but I've now got a commercial license.