PowerShape is available as a separate subscription under the "Fusion with PowerShape" brand, not as a standard component of basic Fusion 360. The rebranding reflects closer integration between the products but does not make PowerShape free with a standard Fusion 360 subscription.
Autodesk PowerShape is a manufacturing CAD software that combines surface, solid, and mesh modeling into a single, expert toolkit designed specifically for manufacturers of molds, dies, electrodes, and other highly complex parts. Originally developed by Delcam and later acquired by Autodesk in 2014, PowerShape has evolved into a critical tool for toolmakers, manufacturing engineers, and CNC programmers worldwide.
: Organize your work by assigning different components (core, cavity, slides) to specific layers using the Layer Selection box on the bottom toolbar.
PowerShape allows users to combine surface modeling (ideal for freeform shapes), solid modeling (for B-rep data), and mesh modeling (for scanned STL files) within a single environment. This flexibility is indispensable for reverse engineering and preparing 3D scan data for CAM programming. powershape autodesk
At its core, PowerShape is not a tool for creating a design from scratch. Instead, it is an expert toolkit that excels at processing and perfecting digital models that are ready for the manufacturing floor. It is designed for manufacturing engineers and CNC machine operators who receive finished product designs and must convert them into manufacturable molds, electrodes, and tools.
Exports electrode data directly to PowerMill for automated toolpath generation. 3. Reverse Engineering and Meshes
One of the most powerful features of PowerShape is its automated electrode design capability. In mold making, deep corners and complex details often cannot be machined by standard cutting tools; they require Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). PowerShape automates the extraction of electrode shapes from the CAD model, adds necessary blanks and holders, and manages the drawing and documentation process, drastically reducing the time required for this tedious task. PowerShape is available as a separate subscription under
: Enables the manipulation of scanned data (STL meshes), which is critical for reverse engineering and working with legacy parts. Key Features for Manufacturing Fusion with PowerShape | Features - Autodesk
PowerShape integrates seamlessly with Autodesk PowerMill (the industry standard for high-speed CNC machining).
One of PowerShape's standout features is its ability to handle "dirty" CAD data. When you import a third-party design filled with gaps, overlaps, or missing surfaces, PowerShape's analytical tools can identify and fix these faults. The tolerant modeling engine converts problematic CAD designs into watertight models ready for CAM programming without requiring a perfect history tree. Originally developed by Delcam and later acquired by
Creating tooling for composite layup molds, stretch-forming blocks, and specialized turbine blade inspection fixtures.
The Complete Guide to Autodesk PowerShape: Advanced Mold, Tool, and Die Design