Autodesk Releases Cloud Based 3D Modeler Fusion 360 - available Now

Autodesk has released Autodesk Fusion 360 today.  From their press release “Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) today delivered the world’s first cloud-based software created specifically for people looking to fuse stunning aesthetic design with great product engineering. Autodesk Fusion 360 brings together capabilities typically found in separate mechanical, industrial and conceptual design tools into one, easy to use cloud-based service.”

Fusion 360 is a cloud based, free form, 3D design tool that I personally found easy to use and learn, even for an AEC designer like myself.

Autodesk Removes Inventor 2013 SP1 just days after it is Posted

Autodesk has removed their Inventor 2013 SP1 patch just days after it was posted.  The entire page containing the download file seems to have been removed.  Evidently SP1 was “taken down this morning due to an unforeseen memory management regression” per Chris Mitchell’s (Autodesk Inventor Quality Assurance Team) post in the Inventor Forums.

He goes on to say “It will be re-posted shortly. If you have already installed SP1 & are experiencing random instability you can uninstall it & wait for the updated version; otherwise you can leave it as-is & add the hotfix once it is released.”

Autodesk Releases Autodesk Inventor Fusion for Mac for FREE!!

Autodesk has released their 3D Direct Modeling software Inventor Fusion for Mac.  It is available for download in the Mac App Store now and at a great price.  Inventor Fusion for Mac is also Mountain Lion ready.

3Dconnexion Announces Official Certification for 3Dconnexion 3D mouse support in Autodesk Inventor 2013

See Paul Munford's article on the new additions to Autodesk’s digital prototyping platform, Inventor.

June 14, 2012 – 3Dconnexion today announced certified 3Dconnexion 3D mouse support in leading 3D CAD modeling software Autodesk® Inventor® 2013, including Autodesk® Inventor Professional®.

This is good news for Inventor 2013 users that also use 3Dconnexion 3D mice.

Inventor Fusion coming to Mac First Quarter 2012

Autodesk’s Inventor Fusion is coming to Apple’s Mac computer. Not surprised. Autodesk has been slowly recreating some of their most popular design programs to be used on the Mac. And I do mean recreate. Like it or not Autodesk is going Mac. Regardless of what it means for Windows users, Autodesk is doing things the right way. Starting with AutoCAD for Mac, then AutoCAD LT for Mac and then with Inventor Fusion for Mac, Autodesk started over. They did not create a port to Mac from Windows. They reused what code they could but made Inventor Fusion (and the others) a native Mac program. That’s good. Now I wish they would rewrite the Windows versions!

AutoCAD Isometrics WS Technology Preview Now Available

Autodesk Labs is at it again!!  Today they released yet another Labs Technology Preview called AutoCAD Isometrics WS.

This Technology Preview is a cloud based service for creating, sharing, storing and viewing isometric drawings. It has the ability to design and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices with full DWG file type compatibility.  There is a catch, you need a PCF file to upload.  A PCF file can be created from Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Plant 3D and other 3d parry applications.  Upload the file and let the cloud do the processing for you.  That's the idea anyway.

To get started, go to the AutoCAD Isometrics WS login page.  Sign in (or sign up then sign in) and get started. Once in the process is quite simple.  Select your PCF file to upload, establish your Isometric styles, and create.  Once complete you will have a DWG file to play with.  Your files can be saved in Autodesk Cloud or you can download them.

AutoCAD Isometrics WS is a simple tool to use that can save you much time and effort.  Since it's in the cloud it will save you on resources and effort.  If you don't have access to a PCF file, Labs will supply you with one to try it out.  Ursula Sadiq has put together a video preview for you to look at.

Autodesk Labs is looking for feedback on this preview.  Try it out, kick the tires and let them know what you think.  If it's garbage let them know.  If's it fantastic, let them know.  Just follow the feedback links from the labs.

Autodesk Assistance Program Offers Increased Discount on Inventor for Employers

Autodesk Assistance Program Offers Increased Discount on Inventor for Employers

Here is a copy of their press release announcing this new offer:

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Program Participants with Autodesk Inventor Certification and Graduates Can Turn Their Student License into a Full Commercial Version for a Fraction of the Cost

 

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 21, 2010—Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), a world leader in 2D and 3D design and engineering technologies, today announced a new initiative to provide competitive advantage to displaced workers participating in the Autodesk Assistance Program (AAP) and recent graduates entering the workforce. 

 

AutoCAD Invnetor 2011 - Expanding CAD-a-Blog

CAD-a-Blog has primarily been a blog about Tips and Tricks in AutoCAD.  I have dabbled in Impression Tips, and have mentioned other design programs too.  I have decided to move forward.  I want to expand the horizons (and content) of CAD-a-Blog.  I have started down a journey to learn new software.  This will accomplish two main objectives: I will learn new skills, and  I will expand the content of CAD-a-Blog.

The plan is to get my hands on a good training or reference manual and go through it,  As I teach myself to use Inventor, I will blog about it. As I learn, my readers can learn.  As I have questions, I will ask them and you can respond.  Your input will help me along this journey.


I am very excited to get started.  First I will have to install this beast!  The case has seven DVDs in it.  That's because it is the Professional Suite.  Not only does it come with Inventor, but it also had AutoCAD Mechanical.  Should I start there and work my way to Inventor later?  I'm not sure yet.  I want to learn both and I feel that Inventor will be the biggest challenge. 

Have you used either program?  How do you use it?  How was your switch from CAD to Inventor?  How does it compare with other software? (FYI: This is not the only new software I'm trying to learn.)  Should I install Vault?  Are you using Inventor LT?  If so, why LT and not "regular" Inventor? 

If you have written a book that teaches Inventor and/or AutoCAD Mechanical 2011 let me know.  I am interested in seeing it.

I can't wait to get started.

Inventor Plastic Features Technology Preview coming soon

I received a link from Autodesk making an announcement about an announcement. I'm not sure what this is going to be, but if I hear anything I will keep you posted.