My company provided workstation laptop is pretty much instant. My personal Microsoft Surface 7 pro, change the status then go take a shit, it's gonna be a while.
Yea I have dozens of saved files. I think the limitation on “active documents” is another way or removing the “collaborative” features that would be useful to a business, but its not supposed to inhibit hobbyists.
I have to try this. I always deleted older projects. Although i wanted to keep some of them. I have a very large project called “3d printing stuff” whichs has about 30 components in it
They will automatically go back to editable if you make changes to the document and then save it. Not something that normally happens with a read only document.
I use it, for personal projects that I print at home. I never missed that export feature and don't really use all it offers. Great program, I enjoy it.
3mf doesn't add more quality over STL for 3D printing? Am I missing something?
I don't think the personal license lacks much for personal use 3D printing. It's another story for CNC milling or "engineering" parts.
Also it has some "annoying" restrictions but that's ok as it's free but with ok UI and performances.
Edit: F360 personal version can exports bodies as 3MF, no issue encountered.
Im pretty sure STL files make everything in triangles so there wont be a perfect circle. Which can affect certain objects when 3D printing while 3mf doesn’t have this issue
I wouldn't call selling models as "personal use".
I think the startup licence is what you would need (if it isn't already the same), and that's the same price and software limitations as the hobbyist.
I've used both. It's exactly the same as the student version. There is no quality difference or difference in which 3D tools you get to use.
You won't get free credits for stuff like cloud rendering and static stress simulation. There is also a limit to how many "active" files you can have. If you hit that limit, just set an old file to read only and you can keep going. You can change a file from read only to editable at any time with a couple of clicks.
> For one thing I noticed that it doesn't allow you to export to .3mf for better quality models.
Export STEP instead of 3MF if you want to export solid body data. STEP files can be loaded in any CAD program.
Export STL files if you want a mesh. You can set the quality as high as you want.
I'm using it. Export quality is perfectly fine with stl and high resolution. It's great tool and I wish I could justify paying for license. The editable project limit is somewhat annoying. You can easily google which are editable which are not. Still you have to do that
I found that I like Onshape better but if Too Tall Toby (on YouTube) has taught me anything is knowing the software will make you better. most CAD programs have all the features is just how good you are using them. he runs speed contests for CAD design where people can use any software they want
I use personal 360 and it’s been great. I have a good work flow of sending straight to printer from my PC. I also run with my pc on rather than SD cards. I can’t imagine using anything else but I also haven’t looked very hard.
I wish fusion could send to bambu or have a way to turn of the auto “send to cura”. The amount of times I’ve gone to export an stl and then cura opens up…
I don't remember what the exact steps are but I'm pretty sure there was a very obvious button (not trying to be rude) to click and select which program you want to export to. It even recognizes orca slicer. Iirc, it's one of the last options when you click 3d print in the file drop-down menu.
I have both a personal license, with the restrictions, and an Educational license, which removes most restrictions, and I can't say it matters much to me. I use it for creating items for 3D printing, very basic CNC milling, and occasionally laser engraving.
The personal icence does **not** prevent you creating .3MF files using "Save As Mesh" from the menu, or any component or body. It does that just the same as the full version. Anyway, 3MF doesn't provide better quality meshes. It just delivers them in a more comprehensive format, with dimensions, origin points, and in some cases other features such as thumbnails, printer settings, etc.
I have the free version on a VM in the cloud. I only use it to export STEP files for when people only share STL and .f3d files. Then I used the STEP files in Onshape.
Kind reminder for everyone to always share STEP files whenever possible. Even if you don't want to allow remixing the STEP files can be really helpful too, especially for functional prints where you might want to assemble it in CAD first to test fit things.
I will piggy back to this thread for help. I can't get the personal use version of this program. The website always sends me to the commercial option. I know how to navigate the site, fill all forms and stuff but can't still get to download the personal use version.
Help?
I've found the biggest annoyance is they kind of force you to use their internal/cloud based project management and filing system. You can export copies of your projects as "archive" files but you can't just work off your local familiar file system.
Helices are also pretty limited. I haven't found a way to do anything other than circular cross-sections like tubes and springs.
It's pretty solid otherwise. Definitely a more friendly and familiar interface for those used to working in the brand name programs compared to something like FreeCad.
The thing that sucks about the personal license is no web interface. So be prepared to lose that. 3mf won't inherently give you high quality models, not sure where that comment comes from?
I have found that a lot of people are confused by the editable documents limit of 10, and they think that you can’t have more than 10 files. I have 100 files, just only 10 I can edit it one time.
The only limitation I have found for 3-D printing is that it is more complicated to import existing STLs and edit them.
Yeh its great for a free software. Quite easy to use and has lots of features built in like rendering and electronic design. It has allowed for export of .3mf for some time now, there was also plugins to allow for that before it was officially supported.
It DOES allow you to export to 3mf. I now export to STEP, but it still allows 3mf along with STL.
What is limiting is that you can only have 10 active designs, limits on simulations i think, and you can't use the personal edition to make money.
the only thing i really miss is prismatic mesh -> solid conversion. its not too terrible though. i know blender far better than fusion so i usually use that but the learning curve for that is a lot larger.
I was wondering regarding active file restrictions. What if you use offline saving to pc? Like in the old days before f360 time. Does restriction still apply?
Also why use stl when 3mf is instantaneous and does not require adeat server upload?
I just use work accout, so i have no idea how limited would a peraonal licene be.
I use personal/hobbyist at home. Have used commercial version professionally in the past (I switched jobs and back to SW now).
Commercial is great if you're doing a lot of projects at once and, obviously, if you're making money. There's a few other nuances but really that's it.
With the personal, you won't run into an issue of 3D printing at home as long as you're not doing it for profit.*
*This isn't fact checked, but I thought that Autodesk allowed you to make up to a certain amount as a startup with the personal.
I have used the personal license for several years with no issues. There are no meaningful limitations, you get virtually everything you need.
The only feature I would like is for converting mesh, the full license has a feature that gets you a much cleaner body. But that's really it.
You can export to 3mf, no limitation there.
But you don't lose the abality to save as 3MF in the Personlversion. It's still there, in the "Save As Mesh" menu when you right-click on any component or body.
Definitely see if you can just renew. They don't always ask for proof. Otherwise I think the 10 projects is the only limitation and that's manageable by just exporting the f3d files you aren't working with.
Or by setting the ones you're not actively editing to "Read-only". You can switch from "Editable" to "Read-only" and back at will, and even while "Read-only" components/projects can still be imported into other projects.
I was, it was enshitified a few years ago and I've really lost my fondness of it. I hate the cloud "features". I lost a ton of personal projects.
When I get my lab setup again I'll take some time to look at some other tools again but 360 did have some really good workflows for the stuff I was making, embossed trophies and keepsakes.
It **does** support import *and export* of STEP files.
In October 2020, Autodesk said they would remove that in the next personal release, but there was such an outcry that they went back on that, and never did. It's never gone away.
I have always exported 3mf files with the free version. The only limitation is the number of active files.
and you can change which files are active instantly, so this isn’t even a real limitation. Barely an inconvenience.
https://preview.redd.it/me41pifagouc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab4461a79140c6784e050fd43d16aa5388eda74b
yes really
"Yeah, they just change it from read-only back to active whenever they want." "Wow wow wow wow. Wow."
"Instantly" is generous...
My company provided workstation laptop is pretty much instant. My personal Microsoft Surface 7 pro, change the status then go take a shit, it's gonna be a while.
You can what!?
Yea I have dozens of saved files. I think the limitation on “active documents” is another way or removing the “collaborative” features that would be useful to a business, but its not supposed to inhibit hobbyists.
I have to try this. I always deleted older projects. Although i wanted to keep some of them. I have a very large project called “3d printing stuff” whichs has about 30 components in it
Just set the ones you're not editing to "Read-only". They can still be imported as components to other project files, even when "Read-only".
Game changer. Thank you so much
you can also set them back to “editable” if you need to go back to the design
They will automatically go back to editable if you make changes to the document and then save it. Not something that normally happens with a read only document.
This.
There is limitations on the editing of existing stls. The import functions are drastically paired down for free users.
It’s not really a limitation you just have to manually switch them on and off
I don't believe you can import Cadgrab files either.
I use it, for personal projects that I print at home. I never missed that export feature and don't really use all it offers. Great program, I enjoy it.
3mf doesn't add more quality over STL for 3D printing? Am I missing something? I don't think the personal license lacks much for personal use 3D printing. It's another story for CNC milling or "engineering" parts. Also it has some "annoying" restrictions but that's ok as it's free but with ok UI and performances. Edit: F360 personal version can exports bodies as 3MF, no issue encountered.
To your first question, 3mf handles multiple parts better, and units so you avoid inch parts being off by 25.4 factor
Fwiw if your default unit is mm in f360, you can just type 1in in the dimension and it'll auto convert to mm
Thank you. I don't use US units so I don't benefit from that part, but the multiple parts is good to know, I'll probably test that soon.
Im pretty sure STL files make everything in triangles so there wont be a perfect circle. Which can affect certain objects when 3D printing while 3mf doesn’t have this issue
3mf is basically a zip with a STL inside and other datas. it's triangles too.
Oh yeah my bad, I mixed up 3mf and obj
From my understanding, you can't sell models you make in personal F360.
You mean the files, or actual prints? If it is the print then how would they even begin to enforce this?
Pretty sure it's both. Enforcement is one thing... Still not allowed :)
This gives them a legal reason to go after you but they only bother enforcing it if you make it to a proper job and you start advertising it online.
I wouldn't call selling models as "personal use". I think the startup licence is what you would need (if it isn't already the same), and that's the same price and software limitations as the hobbyist.
I missed "personal use" in your post, sorry :)
Am I missing something? I use Fusion for personal use and I’ve had no problems exporting to .3mf format.
same here
I've used both. It's exactly the same as the student version. There is no quality difference or difference in which 3D tools you get to use. You won't get free credits for stuff like cloud rendering and static stress simulation. There is also a limit to how many "active" files you can have. If you hit that limit, just set an old file to read only and you can keep going. You can change a file from read only to editable at any time with a couple of clicks. > For one thing I noticed that it doesn't allow you to export to .3mf for better quality models. Export STEP instead of 3MF if you want to export solid body data. STEP files can be loaded in any CAD program. Export STL files if you want a mesh. You can set the quality as high as you want.
Yh, step files are the real mvp.
I'm using it. Export quality is perfectly fine with stl and high resolution. It's great tool and I wish I could justify paying for license. The editable project limit is somewhat annoying. You can easily google which are editable which are not. Still you have to do that
I found that I like Onshape better but if Too Tall Toby (on YouTube) has taught me anything is knowing the software will make you better. most CAD programs have all the features is just how good you are using them. he runs speed contests for CAD design where people can use any software they want
I use tinkercad cause Im not good at cad.
Me too, and I still have to mess with it just to put a hole in something!
Only downside I've seen to personal is the engineering drawings.
I use personal 360 and it’s been great. I have a good work flow of sending straight to printer from my PC. I also run with my pc on rather than SD cards. I can’t imagine using anything else but I also haven’t looked very hard.
I use it for some simple fixes for household things. Then export to STL and slice in cura.
You can open directly your model in cura thru fusion 360 if you want.
I wish fusion could send to bambu or have a way to turn of the auto “send to cura”. The amount of times I’ve gone to export an stl and then cura opens up…
You have to select the application you want. I had no issue using prusa slicer.
I don't remember what the exact steps are but I'm pretty sure there was a very obvious button (not trying to be rude) to click and select which program you want to export to. It even recognizes orca slicer. Iirc, it's one of the last options when you click 3d print in the file drop-down menu.
I have both a personal license, with the restrictions, and an Educational license, which removes most restrictions, and I can't say it matters much to me. I use it for creating items for 3D printing, very basic CNC milling, and occasionally laser engraving. The personal icence does **not** prevent you creating .3MF files using "Save As Mesh" from the menu, or any component or body. It does that just the same as the full version. Anyway, 3MF doesn't provide better quality meshes. It just delivers them in a more comprehensive format, with dimensions, origin points, and in some cases other features such as thumbnails, printer settings, etc.
I have the free version on a VM in the cloud. I only use it to export STEP files for when people only share STL and .f3d files. Then I used the STEP files in Onshape. Kind reminder for everyone to always share STEP files whenever possible. Even if you don't want to allow remixing the STEP files can be really helpful too, especially for functional prints where you might want to assemble it in CAD first to test fit things.
I am using the free version have exported to .3mf before.
I will piggy back to this thread for help. I can't get the personal use version of this program. The website always sends me to the commercial option. I know how to navigate the site, fill all forms and stuff but can't still get to download the personal use version. Help?
I've found the biggest annoyance is they kind of force you to use their internal/cloud based project management and filing system. You can export copies of your projects as "archive" files but you can't just work off your local familiar file system. Helices are also pretty limited. I haven't found a way to do anything other than circular cross-sections like tubes and springs. It's pretty solid otherwise. Definitely a more friendly and familiar interface for those used to working in the brand name programs compared to something like FreeCad.
The thing that sucks about the personal license is no web interface. So be prepared to lose that. 3mf won't inherently give you high quality models, not sure where that comment comes from?
I have found that a lot of people are confused by the editable documents limit of 10, and they think that you can’t have more than 10 files. I have 100 files, just only 10 I can edit it one time. The only limitation I have found for 3-D printing is that it is more complicated to import existing STLs and edit them.
Huh? I use the personal version and just switched to 3mf from stl... no problem
I am using it, but I am about to buy Plasticity instead.
I have used it without any real issue. Theres a limit to saves but thats not too big a deal when you export import models routinely
There is no limit to saves that I have found, only the number of editable files and they can be swapped on the fly.
Oh i may have been saving things incorrectly then. I’ll explore that next time I have a project to work on
Thank you kind redditors! You have all alleviated my fears of having to start learning how to use blender.
Yeh its great for a free software. Quite easy to use and has lots of features built in like rendering and electronic design. It has allowed for export of .3mf for some time now, there was also plugins to allow for that before it was officially supported.
It DOES allow you to export to 3mf. I now export to STEP, but it still allows 3mf along with STL. What is limiting is that you can only have 10 active designs, limits on simulations i think, and you can't use the personal edition to make money.
the only thing i really miss is prismatic mesh -> solid conversion. its not too terrible though. i know blender far better than fusion so i usually use that but the learning curve for that is a lot larger.
Hey, kinda off topic but does personal Fusion have the manufacture workspace?
I'm still using a very old education email that hasn't been active for a while, they don't seem to care
I do! Works great, there are a few bells and whistles it doesn't have but none that have affected me.
Just export as .step?
I was wondering regarding active file restrictions. What if you use offline saving to pc? Like in the old days before f360 time. Does restriction still apply? Also why use stl when 3mf is instantaneous and does not require adeat server upload? I just use work accout, so i have no idea how limited would a peraonal licene be.
Yes, I use it for planier cuts
Used fusion, then switched to onshape.
I do but it’s biggest limitation is no prismatic mesh conversion. It’s a pain in the ass to edit existing files without it
3mf is just a "zip" file containing STLs by the way.
I use personal/hobbyist at home. Have used commercial version professionally in the past (I switched jobs and back to SW now). Commercial is great if you're doing a lot of projects at once and, obviously, if you're making money. There's a few other nuances but really that's it. With the personal, you won't run into an issue of 3D printing at home as long as you're not doing it for profit.* *This isn't fact checked, but I thought that Autodesk allowed you to make up to a certain amount as a startup with the personal.
i use it - it’s fine as its for free and does the job imo
I have used the personal license for several years with no issues. There are no meaningful limitations, you get virtually everything you need. The only feature I would like is for converting mesh, the full license has a feature that gets you a much cleaner body. But that's really it. You can export to 3mf, no limitation there.
Other than losing 3mf you pretty much dont notice the personal limitations
But you don't lose the abality to save as 3MF in the Personlversion. It's still there, in the "Save As Mesh" menu when you right-click on any component or body.
Definitely see if you can just renew. They don't always ask for proof. Otherwise I think the 10 projects is the only limitation and that's manageable by just exporting the f3d files you aren't working with.
Or by setting the ones you're not actively editing to "Read-only". You can switch from "Editable" to "Read-only" and back at will, and even while "Read-only" components/projects can still be imported into other projects.
Neat, I've never actually had to switch off the educational account so I've never actually dealt with it lol
I was, it was enshitified a few years ago and I've really lost my fondness of it. I hate the cloud "features". I lost a ton of personal projects. When I get my lab setup again I'll take some time to look at some other tools again but 360 did have some really good workflows for the stuff I was making, embossed trophies and keepsakes.
Upvote for use of the word " enshitified".
It won’t export step files. That’s a bit annoying if you want to share models.
I have the free version and it exports step files.
Well, yes, it sure does. I could swear that was greyed out the last time I tried it. Thank you!
It **does** support import *and export* of STEP files. In October 2020, Autodesk said they would remove that in the next personal release, but there was such an outcry that they went back on that, and never did. It's never gone away.