I Found A Much Better CAD Software than Fusion 360 (Never going back)

Introduction

It's a bittersweet moment for me, but I've decided to part ways with Fusion 360. My journey into 3D design began three years ago when I bought my first 3D printer. The thrill of printing various objects sparked my desire to create my own designs. However, I quickly realized I had no idea where to start. With overwhelming options and no clear guidance on what software to use, I turned to countless videos and articles, but clarity remained elusive. Eventually, I compiled a list of popular CAD options to explore.

My Design Software Journey

Blender: The Ambitious Challenge

I started with Blender, the revered powerhouse of 3D modeling. Not only did it offer modeling capabilities, but it also allowed for animation, rendering, and video production. The multitude of plugins and tutorials available made it appealing, especially since it was free. However, my excitement soon turned into frustration as I struggled to create my first model. Despite dedicating days to practicing and even enrolling in a course, the steep learning curve proved too challenging, even when compared to mastering Photoshop. As a result, I made the tough decision to move on.

Shaper 3D: A Breath of Fresh Air

Next on my list was Shaper 3D, which initially surprised me with its user-friendly interface and excellent tutorials. I was quickly able to create designs that didn’t make me cringe. However, I soon encountered two significant issues: first, Shaper 3D wasn't parametric, meaning I couldn’t easily make changes to my designs later. The second pitfall was the pricing—$ 300 per year or $ 38 monthly, which felt steep, especially when the free version allowed only two designs at a time and limited exporting capabilities.

Fusion 360: A Double-Edged Sword

After Shaper 3D, I stumbled upon Fusion 360, a professional-grade CAD software embraced by many users. Its accuracy in creating mechanical designs and fully parametric history were game-changers. The free maker license offered few limitations, which made it an attractive option. I spent several years designing in Fusion, but recently, I faced two major grievances.

First, the Fusion hobby license caps annual revenue at $ 1,000. With my designs starting to sell and inching closer to that threshold, I needed to upgrade to a standard license that costs $ 680 annually or $ 85 monthly— which is an expense I just can't justify given my current income.

The second issue was performance-related. Despite owning a high-end computer, Fusion 360 frequently lagged or crashed, disrupting my workflow and creativity. At this point, I realized I needed to find a software better suited to my needs.

Enter Plasticity: The New Contender

While searching for alternatives, I discovered Plasticity. This software seemed like a perfect blend of Fusion 360 and Blender, offering the ability to create precise designs while still allowing for organic shapes. Moreover, it can synchronize and update designs in Blender in real time, which is a great bonus. However, it lacks parametric design capabilities, relying instead on direct modeling, which can be somewhat cumbersome.

The main deciding factor for me was the price. With a total cost of just $ 150 for a full version and a commercial license—no annual fees—I felt I had struck gold. Plus, the software performed seamlessly on my computer without any lagging or crashing issues, unlike Fusion 360.

While it's undoubtedly sad to conclude my journey with Fusion 360 after investing so much time into it, I’m grateful for the emergence of myriad alternative software options. I hope to see improvements from Autodesk regarding Fusion 360 in terms of performance and pricing. For now, I’m excited to embrace the potentials of Plasticity in my design endeavors.

Keyword

3D Printing, CAD Software, Fusion 360, Blender, Shaper 3D, Plasticity, Parametric Design, Learning Curve, Software Alternatives, Licensing Costs.

FAQ

Q: Why did you stop using Fusion 360?
A: I faced two major issues with Fusion 360: licensing costs and performance problems. The software also lagged or crashed frequently, which hindered my workflow.

Q: Is Plasticity better than Fusion 360?
A: Plasticity has several advantages, including a lower total cost and better performance on my high-end computer. It also offers a blend of precise and organic design capabilities.

Q: How much does Plasticity cost?
A: Plasticity costs a total of $ 150, which includes a full version and a commercial license with no ongoing fees.

Q: Did you find any other CAD software before settling on Plasticity?
A: Yes, I explored Blender and Shaper 3D before Fusion 360 but found them lacking in various essential features or were too expensive. Ultimately, Plasticity offered the best balance of functionality and affordability.

Q: Will you go back to using Fusion 360 in the future?
A: Given my experiences and frustrations, I do not plan to return to Fusion 360 unless there are significant improvements in performance and pricing.