AUTODESK FUSION

Woodworking & furniture design software

Autodesk fusion is easy-to-use 3D modelling design software that lets you design, validate and manufacture your woodworking and furniture products. Each phase of the product journey is integrated into one CAD/CAM solution.

Image courtesy of Grovemade

What is woodworking?

Woodworking is the craft of making usable and functional objects, and like every craft, woodworking starts with design. 3D design software for woodworking allows you to design, visualise and experiment with your parts in 3D before you start cutting wood by hand or on a CNC router. Furniture makers, designers, cabinet makers and craftspeople use furniture design software to design and make anything.

What is furniture design software?

Furniture design software refers to computer programs specifically designed to assist designers and manufacturers in creating, visualising and modelling furniture designs. These tools provide a vast range of features and functionalities that enable users to create detailed and accurate representations of furniture pieces before they are created.

3D design of dresser on laptop

3D design software for woodworking

3D design software for woodworking allows you to design, visualise and experiment with your parts in 3D, before you start cutting wood by hand or on a CNC router. Furniture makers, designers, cabinet makers and craftspeople use woodworking software to design and make anything. Autodesk fusion is easy-to-use 3D design software that allows you to design, test, modify and visualise your projects in 3D before bringing them to life.

Chairs created by artificial intelligence (AI) in collaboration with humans.

Image courtesy of Kartell. Starck. Autodesk.

3D modelling software for furniture design

3D modelling software has become an important tool for furniture designers. It allows for sculpting in a 3D environment and delivers more flexibility compared to 2D drawings. Autodesk fusion is easy-to-use 3D design software that allows you to design, test, modify and visualise your design projects in 3D before bringing them to life.

Entertainment centre with vases

Carpentry & CAD

CAD software can help streamline the various stages of production in carpentry from design to manufacturing and ensure accuracy and efficiency of the requirements for each furniture design project. 2D drawing and drafting, 3D modelling and design automation using CAD software can improve workflows for designers, engineers and woodworkers.

Benefits of using furniture design software

Whether you’re a designer or manufacturing engineer, furniture design software like Autodesk Autodesk fusion can help improve workflows for woodworking and furniture design.

Save time & money

Expand your products possibilities with integrated fabrication tools to help save time and money, including sheet metal, simulation, electronics and CAM.

Reduce waste

Design and edit cabinetry or ergonomics more accurately with parametric controls.

Collaborate on complex designs

Create complex, organic shapes and traditional joinery with complete 3D modelling tools that integrate surface, free-form and solid bodies.

Nesting and fabrication software in use.

Optimise and automate nesting processes

The Nesting & Fabrication Extension adds powerful features to Autodesk fusion for woodworking with customisable grain controls to enhance the design of your models. This will help improve the aesthetics of the final product by allowing users to fine-tune wood grain components in the design stage.

Types of CNC machining processes for woodworking and furniture design

Various types of CNC machining are utilised in woodworking and furniture design to fabricate components of cabinetry and various types of furniture pieces during manufacturing.

Two women working on computer.

CNC lathes and turning machines

Create wooden bars, columns and more by using a CNC lathe to rotate or turn wooden components to remove material to reach a specific diameter and shape.

 

Creating Toolpaths for a CNC Lathe (US Site)
Grovemade’s use of Fusion 360 to design and manufacture wooden speakers

CNC milling

Design furniture with custom carvings and cuts by using a CNC milling machine to hold the wood in a stationary position while rotating cutting tools to produce various shapes.

 

Advanced Manufacturing with 4-Axis CNC Milling (US Site)

Image courtesy of Grovemade

Man working on laser cutting machine.

CNC laser machines

Add high detail engravings to your furniture design with CNC laser machines that use a focused laser beam for precision cutting and slicing of wooden material.

 

Learn more about CNC machining software
People working in the CNC Machine Shop.

CNC routers

CNC routers combine multiple functions of carpentry shop machines into one device that can be used for cutting and boring.

 

Learn more about CNC programming

See how people are using furniture design software

Custom bespoke furniture by Ganas Manufacturing

GANAS MANUFACTURING

Driving efficiency on cabinetry projects with Autodesk fusion

See how Autodesk fusion provides GANAS Manufacturing all the capabilities they needed and more, including 2D CAD, 3D modelling, CAM and CNC support, and nesting.

 

Watch video (2:40 min.)

Image courtesy of GANAS MFG

Grovemade’s use of Fusion 360 to design and manufacture wooden speakers

GROVEMADE

Grovemade creates one-of-a-kind wooden desktop speakers

Grovemade uses Autodesk fusion to create an aesthetically appealing set of desktop speakers using a mix of maple and walnut wood.

 

Watch video (2:32 min.)

Image courtesy of Grovemade

CLT interior created by XLAM South Africa

XLAM

XLAM South Africa designs & manufactures sustainable cross-laminated timber

XLAM South Africa has improved consistency, precision and efficiency by using Autodesk Autodesk fusion for its entire process, from 3D modelling to CAM.

 

Read story (US Site)

Woodworking & furniture design resources

Learn more about furniture design and woodworking software using Autodesk Fusion with the following resources.

Learn how to design furniture in Autodesk fusion from start to finish in this series of step-by-step video tutorials.

 

Elevate your design processes with parametric design by leveraging algorithmic computing for efficiency and speed to improve your furniture design workflow.

 

Autodesk fusion offers many functions that can help improve your furniture designs and streamline the process from design to production.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on woodworking and furniture design software

Can I use furniture design software on a Mac?

Yes, Autodesk fusion runs on both Mac and Windows.

Is Autodesk fusion furniture design software?

Yes, Autodesk fusion can be used for woodworking and furniture design. It allows you to design, test, modify and visualise your projects in 3D before bringing them to life.

How much does furniture design software cost?

Autodesk fusion is paid monthly, paid annually or paid every three years.

What is the difference between parametric design and generative design?

Parametric design in Autodesk fusion allows you to create history-based features, including extrude, revolve, loft and sweep that update with design changes. Generative design in Autodesk fusion allows you to explore multiple manufacturing-ready outcomes that meet your design specifications while reducing weight, improving performance and consolidating parts through generative design.

Can you use parametric design for furniture?

Using Autodesk fusion to create a parametric model, woodworkers can re-evaluate cutlists, eliminate unnecessary fabrication expenses, provide a visual representation to clients and suppliers, and check parameters all in one digital platform.

What is the best 3d modelling software for woodworking and furniture design?

Autodesk fusion is an easy-to-use 3D modelling design software for hobbyists and professionals alike that offers specialised features for woodworking and furniture design to help throughout every stage of the design and manufacturing process.

See more FAQ