Introduction to Fusion 360 and extensions in Fusion 360
What is Fusion 360 and how is it accessed?
Autodesk Fusion 360 is an integrated CAD, ECAD, CAM, and CAE software that unifies design, engineering, and manufacturing into a single platform. Access to Fusion 360 is delivered through subscriptions, available as monthly, annual, and multi-year terms. Once subscribed, customers receive a robust set of design and manufacturing capabilities along with the ability to access and use additional extensions on a flex access basis or via a subscription.
What are extensions in Fusion 360?
Extensions are a grouping of capabilities that can be added to Fusion 360 to provide additional functionality and subsequent benefits to users. They can be enabled in-product using Autodesk Cloud Credits or through Autodesk direct sales and channel partners.
What is the difference between accessing an extension using flex access or subscription?
- Flex Access – Per Task or Per Day using Cloud Credits.
- Subscription – Monthly or Annual terms direct from Autodesk or Autodesk partners (annual only)
What are the available extensions in Fusion 360 today?
There are several extensions available in Fusion 360 for users as listed below:
- Cloud Rendering – Flex Access
- Fusion 360 – Simulation Extension – Flex Access
- Fusion 360 – Generative Design Extension – Flex Access or Subscription
- Fusion 360 – Manufacturing Extension – Flex Access or Subscription
What is the benefit to Fusion 360 customers?
- One size doesn’t always fit all customers. Extensions for Fusion 360 enable users to extend their capabilities with productivity tools tailored to their role, helping increase their efficiency.
- Extensions also provide short term, flexible access to capabilities. Customers can decide whether to use an extension based on project demands or maintain access on an ongoing basis.
Where can I find out more about the technology with extensions?
Please refer to the Fusion 360 product documentation for the latest technical details.
Are there any changes to existing extensions or new extensions for Fusion 360?
Yes. Effective from the Fusion 360 October update (October 20, 2020) there will be a new Additive Build Extension in Fusion 360, focusing on Metal Powder Bed Fusion (MPBF) production process control. To support the launch of this extension, the existing MPBF capabilities in the Manufacturing Extension will move to the new Additive Build Extension.
What is the new Machining Extension and when is it available?
The Manufacturing Extension will be renamed to Machining Extension on Oct 20th, 2020. The existing Additive capabilities (metal powder bed fusion) will be moved to the new Additive Build Extension.
Purchasing extensions in Fusion 360
What are Autodesk Cloud Credits?
Autodesk Cloud Credits are currency units used to power and enable consumption-based services available with Autodesk products.
How do you access extension capabilities?
Extensions can be enabled in-product using Autodesk Cloud Credits or Autodesk Enterprise Business Agreement tokens. From July 1, 2020 extensions are also available via the eStore and on the pricelist through Autodesk sales and channel partners.
Common Questions
Does the education community get free access to extensions?
Yes. Education licenses of Fusion 360 can use their allocated pool of Cloud Credits to access all extensions, using the flex access model.
Do Fusion 360 personal licenses get access to extensions?
From October 1, 2020 personal licenses do not have access to use extensions in Fusion 360.
Do Fusion 360 startup licenses get access to extensions?
Yes. Startup licenses can choose to access extensions through either the flex access or subscription model.
Is there a free trial for extensions?
Yes, there is a new 7-day free trial for extensions. Customers can select this in-product from the extensions dialog. This will reset after 1-year. Learn more here.
Is the manufacturing extension available within Inventor CAM or HSMWorks?
No. The manufacturing extension and its associated capabilities are only available within Fusion 360.
