While generative design offers innovative, organic forms, its realization has largely been limited to prototyping via additive manufacturing. Conventional computer numerical control (CNC) machining, despite its advancements and suitability for mass production, has primarily focused on geometric parts, alongside making the production more efficient, autonomous, and lights out. This project investigates a paradigm shift by exploring the integration of generative design with modern CNC machining techniques. We’ll delve into recent developments in CAM software, using Autodesk Fusion 360 software and modern CNC techniques that enable the fabrication of complex, freeform designs developed through generative algorithms. By examining a successful case study of bicycle components, current limitations, and potential applications across various industries, this presentation aims to highlight the potential of this integrated approach to bring generative design to mass manufacturing, moving beyond prototyping and into real-world applications.

This session will explore a practical, classroom-tested workflow for integrating advanced electronics and mechanical design using Autodesk Fusion software. Using a mechatronics case study—a Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled NERF turret—you'll learn to streamline multidisciplinary design, enhance collaboration, and prevent integration challenges. See how Fusion can simplify electronics PCB and mechanical design integration, optimize prototyping, and support real-world educational outcomes. Gain practical methods for improving your electronics-mechanical workflow efficiency.

What’s the difference between topology optimization and generative design—and why does it matter when building advanced components? In this hands-on lab, we’ll explore the tools and workflows that helped Elara Aerospace design a launch-ready, record-breaking rocket built to survive the extreme forces of spaceflight. You’ll follow guided exercises in Autodesk Fusion software, learning how to harness both generative design and topology optimization to reduce mass, increase strength, and improve overall performance under tight constraints. We’ll walk through how to define loads, constraints, and materials. We’ll cover how to interpret and compare outcomes. And we’ll explore post-process geometry for manufacturability. You’ll gain practical experience in setting up a generative design study, comparing it with topology optimization, and understanding when and why each approach is appropriate. By the end, you’ll understand the theory—and have built and optimized a component for spaceflight-level performance.

In this enlightening talk, Renishaw, a recognized leader in precision measurement and process control solutions, will explore the power and potential of Autodesk Fusion software in programming the company's innovative manufacturing technologies. As the digital manufacturing revolution continues to transform industries, it is vital to understand how to harness critical data on the shop floor. Renishaw will explore practical applications, demonstrating how Fusion 360 can be used to optimize their process control solutions, enhancing precision, reducing waste, and boosting productivity. Additionally, the talk will spotlight how Fusion 360 can drive Renishaw's advanced metal additive manufacturing equipment, facilitating the design-to-production process and enabling more-intricate, powerful, and lightweight designs. Attendees will gain insights into the future of manufacturing, where software like Fusion 360 and hardware from Renishaw intertwine to create innovative solutions.

This session will showcase how modular construction leaders DuBox and DuPod are revolutionizing project delivery by using Build software and Construction Cloud—with QR-coded, data-driven workflows throughout the entire lifecycle. Starting with AI-assisted design, participants will see how design teams generate multiple layout and system options, instantly visualized in 3D models and analyzed through Power BI dashboards to reveal quantities and costs—empowering faster, smarter decisions early in the process. In manufacturing, each module and component is tracked using the Asset feature in Build. QR codes are assigned to every asset, linking physical elements to their digital counterparts.

Meet "The Brænch"—an organic 3-meter-high steel structure fabricated with advanced 3D printing technology. This class showcases how our cross-disciplinary team used Fusion to unlock novel design workflows and create unique architectural elements that are 3 times cheaper than if they were die cast. We'll demonstrate why architects should consider adding Fusion to their toolbox for generative design, optimization, and FEA simulation to move beyond certain limitations of Rhino/Grasshopper. Through detailed examples, we'll present an integrated workflow improving material efficiency and structural performance in large-scale metal components. The class targets architects first approaching manufacturing, practically demonstrating how to align design with fabrication requirements, opening possibilities for applications such as façade components and structural elements while leveraging additive manufacturing to tackle material transportation, construction cost, and supply chain challenges.

How cool to watch or drive a drone! Well, there is a cooler way to think drones: You’ll be able to create a drone chassis after attending this hands-on lab! Fusion 360 software is an amazing product, with lots of environments to master. Generative Design in Fusion 360 is also available. Using the power of Generative Design, you can discover lots of details on how to use Fusion 360 to create a specific product. No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, this will be a detailed course that everyone can understand. Come along for an action-packed 90 minutes of learning, and find out how to create a design using Generative Design in Fusion 360!

In this class, you will learn how to best identify parts for redesign. You will receive a few examples and then see in Fusion 360 software how to redesign the parts keeping design-for-manufacturing (DFM) rules for metal additive manufacturing (AM) in mind. The goal is to redesign the parts using simple operations in Fusion 360 to see that you don't need an organic topology optimized part to get an economical use case. You’ll learn the limits of metal AM and when it is definitely not smart to use this technology.

Solar energy is clean and limitless, and the operational costs are close to nothing once you’ve installed a solar panel as no fuel is needed to create a considerable amount of energy. And a single kerosene wick burns an estimated 80 liters of fuel, producing more than 250 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. To help people living in remote places with limited access to electricity, we made a low-cost solar light bulb as a replacement to a harmful kerosene lamp. We will share the technical workflow while creating the solar lamp inside the Fusion 360 Electronics and Modeling workspace, demonstrating an effective ECAD—MCAD collaboration.

We’ll start by exploring the basics of Generative Design in Fusion 360 software, then look at how understanding the inputs can help us to design not only functional but also fun designs. To make our new artistic design, we need to explore how 3D printers see the designs. Small tweaks can help the 3D printer create better results. We will show examples of artistic designs and the quality of the 3D-printed outcomes.

Spring of 2020 was an interesting and stressful period for many professions. Teaching was no exception. Faculty at Ivy Tech Community College had one week to transition courses from in-person to entirely virtual. The use of Fusion 360 software made this possible. DESN 195 (Manufacturing Principles and Design) is a course that takes students through various aspects of manufacturing. Course objectives include: learning about workplace safety, creating G-code, using metrology tools, discussing lean principles, and developing a facility layout. Students typically take this course during their first year. In this class, we will journey through DESN 195 during Spring 2020. See how Fusion 360 lets people smoothly transition from in-person to virtual, even when creating computer numerical control (CNC) programs. During this class session, we will cover examples of what worked well, what did not, and what people in education and industry can learn from this experience.

We will discuss modeling pro tips and advanced skills for generative design workflows.

Learn how to kickstart your design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) process by using Fusion Lifecycle software for rapid innovation and concurrent design. Conventional design methodologies tend to be linear with siloed functional groups relegated to their respective touchpoints in the design development lifecycle. The complexities and nuances of DfAM require a modern and flexible approach that facilitates additive manufacturing’s unique design space and value proposition. With an emphasis on exploring divergent and creative thinking, we will examine how Fusion Lifecycle can manage innovative design development for DfAM and become the foundation of a digital product thread.

How can you design, prototype, and successfully launch products when your team is remote? Fusion 360 software and EAGLE CAD software have the collaborative tools you need to enable remote teams. Learn to simultaneously build great products using the Team and Collaboration features of Fusion 360 and EAGLE.

Sales prototypes are often different than engineering prototypes. They are quicker to make, are less sensitive to cost, and need to be exciting. In this class, you’ll learn to create sales prototypes that will help sell your ideas. You’ll learn how to recognize which features your prototype needs, how to create three-second demos, and how to close licensing deals or sales. Using Fusion 360 software, EAGLE, and off-the-shelf components, you can quickly make cheap influential prototypes that close deals. Prototypes enable you to amp up your presentations. Close more deals, sell more ideas, and discover which products are winners.

Meet the Fusion 360 Product Management team and hear about the exciting new features and improvements coming soon.

The Autodesk Factory Experience at AU is where attendees get a hands-on experience of the concept-to-production process using Autodesk Fusion software. Last year, the Autodesk team designed and developed a customizable keypad for Autodesk apps, using PCBs, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet fabrication. Attendees had explored the mini-factory floor and tailored their own keypads with computer numerical control (CNC)-engraved keys with frequently used Autodesk app commands. The AU 2024 Factory Experience: Keypad 2.0 Sustainability Redesign is focused on Autodesk's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in manufacturing. This overview will cover insights into common product design and manufacturing challenges that many companies face in their efforts to reduce energy consumption and prioritize eco-friendly, nonpolluting processes that are safe for employees, communities, and consumers—with help from brilliant Fusion design social influencers, sustainability partners, and amazing Autodeskers!

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of creating a fully functional simulation racing steering wheel, using Autodesk Fusion capabilities: Design, electronics, simulation, and manufacturing—all within one seamless solution. Witness the collaborative efforts of global industry experts and suppliers as they bring this project to life. Join us and experience innovation in motion!

Automation and AI in the Manufacturing industry can be a game-changer. These technologies can enhance the capabilities of a shop, allowing it to take on more complex projects that may have been previously out of reach. Automation can help in handling tedious or repetitive parts of the design and make process, such as quoting, toolpath programming, feeds and speeds management, and more to improve performance. AI can offer design optimizations, recommendations and DFM feedback for additive and subtractive workflows. Hear directly from the partners delivering these workflows in Fusion. 

Explore best practices for industrialized construction to ensure fast, efficient, and sustainable workflows. Learn how Beca from Australia and Windover Construction from the United States used building information modeling (BIM) to improve off-site workflows and facilities operations. Case studies will cover academic and affordable housing projects, including the digitalization of asset management at the University of Melbourne and Windover's 153,000-square-foot, modular, mixed-use community in Massachusetts. You'll also explore the application of additive manufacturing in fabricating historic preservation facades at the Autodesk Technology Center in Boston. Gain insights into the convergence of manufacturing and architecture, engineering, and construction workflows, leading to reduced waste and improved quality. Discover how combining off-site construction and digital twins is paving the way toward a zero-waste future. Explore how design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) workflows can empower prefab design, manufacturing, and installation, maximizing sustainability, schedule, and cost benefits across your portfolio.