Not sure if it’s what you mean, but I have no problem exporting 3D models as .step files to orca slicer. However, exporting a 2D file, such as a dimensioned drawing, seems blocked in the free “personal use” version of fushion360. I can’t even do a PDF of a dimensioned drawing.
It doesn’t come up often for me, but it’s a drag if I have to learn a different CAD package to do such a simple thing.
I also save all models and export high quality .step models, so I don’t understand why you say “unlike free Fusion.”
Personal use Fusion does have a limit of ten “Active” (editable) files in their cloud storage, but there is no limit on inactive, read-only, files, and you can change the edit status of a file at any time.
You can also export unlimited models to your own computer in several formats, including Fusion .f3d, .3MF, .step and .stl.
You can also use the 3D Print option to load a .stl in the slicer of your choice without manually exporting from fusion and then importing the file.
I think that “Personal Use” means that they don’t anticipate the need for paper drawings or illustrations.
For non-3D printing purposes in the shop, I have printed some references from screenshots of dimensioned sketches.
Fusion also produce a 2D .DXF file from a sketch, which can be printed with another utility.
I’ve been attempting to avoid another subscription fee, but do need commercial use.
I have been enjoying these 3:
My sentence was unclear. My issue with Fusion is the 10 model limit. Yes it includes excellent output formats.
I realize you can save outputs but not full model history if you want to change something.
I’ve been burned by Autodesk free stuff in the past, 123D and including changes to Fusion, and feel that lower cost programs that you own are a better choice. At some point they want you to pay and really don’t want to support free users for long. We will see how long Tinkercad lasts.
Since this is a Bambu site I’ll have to say I have the same concerns with Bambu cloud printers and software. Probably no issue as long as the company is doing well.
define what from your viewpoint are “engineering models”
A model I created in Fusion a while back, archived solely on my computer in the Fusion .f3d format:
How often do you need more than ten files available in the cloud for immediate editing? It takes only seconds to change a cloud file from unlimited Inactive to Active. You are not even required to use their cloud for storage. If the Fusion file is stored locally, just open it.
If you expect files to be usable forever, you will be sadly disappointed. Fusion may not last forever, but it has been doing pretty well for the past 10+ years.
Really good comparison video. Put this guy on your SUBSCRIBE list. He does a fair comparison of about everything out there.
BEST FREE CAD / 3D Modelling software 2024 - I tested them all!
Yes and no. He admits is opinions are skewed by what he’s familiar with. Which, I very much appreciated him admitting that. The fact he admitted his brain just won’t grasp the FreeCAD workflow was an honest admission too. I know I’ve had software in the past that jams the gears in my brain while another title that does the same thing seems very understandable.
I have always like Makers Muse because of his openness and honesty. And because of his willingness to admit any bias, I always know he’s trying to give the best review he can based on the circumstances.
Ok it took me a while to reload Fusion but I see read only and editable. Don’t recall that when I last used the program about four years ago.
Thanks for pointing that out.
That’s because it’s a relatively new limitation that didn’t exist 4 years ago. I agree with Ikraus: it’s a slight hassle, but it doesn’t stop me from doing anything that I want to do. It’s just meant to nag.
When people post their print models to makersworld or printables or thingiverse or github or whereever, I wish they would include the complete CAD file that created the print. It would make doing re-mixes or even just minor adjustments so much easier!
My bad for the vague explanation.
So I mean more like making items that have a purpose. For example, printing a door-stopper, something that holds the windows open, a phone holder, etc. 
Not a Halo Master Chief model
One can have any number of models in the free Fusion. The 10 model limit is only the number of models that are not marked Read-Only at any one time. Mark some more as Read-Only and others can be marked as editable.
That must be why Fusion lasted less than 10 minutes on my system before being uninstalled. It is HIGHLY Intrusive and signup requests too much personal information. It also demanded system authorization. I noticed it taking a long time to start up so fired up Task Manager-Performance and saw heavy, heavy disk usage. I jumped over to Resource Monitor and watched my personal files flashing by. I immediately jumped back to Task Manager and killed it.
I don’t know why it needs to read my personal files, so I uninstalled it and cleaned the register entries. It thoughtfully said, “Sorry to see you go”. My opinion is good riddance. I don’t care how good it is at drawing widgets and whatnots, it doesn’t rise to the level of sitting on my shoulders and peeking at everything I do.
lol yeap, searching the web proves that happens. lol
I started with Tinkercad. I’m stuck there. I would go straight for Fusion 360.
um, you do realize that the printer you are using (assuming since you post here) that is exactly what is happening to every single print you are making?!?
I think the odds of Fusion360 being a bad actor are about as close to zero as it gets in this day and age.
Mine was the “free” version. To me, the cost is too high. I’m well aware how IT professionals perform their jobs. I’m still in two class-action lawsuits because two of them failed.
Perhaps so, but I don’t even give Microsoft free reign over my PC or it’s data. That’s a constant battle in itself. That also may be the reason Microsoft grants “Enterprize” versions. Ya think?
I knew that going in. But they’re not scanning files on my PC except for where I tell it to look. I checked.
