Free! Autodesk’s cloud-based software

MUMBAI, INDIA: Autodesk, a player in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software has announced that its cloud-based CAD/CAM/CAE software called Fusion 360 is available in India.

Fusion 360 brings CAD, CAM and CAE together in the cloud. The software combines industrial and mechanical design, collaboration, and machining in a single package. It enables fast and easy exploration of design ideas for makers with an integrated concept-to-production platform.

In addition to Fusion 360, Autodesk is also making available the 500 strong (six in India) Fab Lab community free access and training for the Tinkercad and 123D Circuits software:

Tinkercad is a Web-based 3D design and modeling tool that allows users to go from imagination to design in minutes, and then connect to 3D printing services directly within the app.

123D Circuits is a free*† online tool that lets users design electronic projects with Arduino, create custom PCB boards and test with real-time simulation.

This software is being added to the Fab Lab inventory list and will be incorporated into the Fab Academy curriculum.

The catch however, is that the organizations should be working on a product that is not yet commercially available, and their revenues should not exceed $100,000 annually.

Pradeep Nair, Managing Director, Autodesk, India & SAARC said, “The Makers’ movement in India is still in its infancy and will require the necessary guidance, platform and industry support to realize its true potential. Autodesk believes that the community and hardware start-ups can revolutionize the Indian industry and we are taking this initiative to not only provide design tools but also an annual industry platform through Autodesk University 2015 to garner industry recognition.”

Meanwhile, Autodesk’s announcement was welcomed by industry bodies such as NASSCOM and FICCI.