# why is it still so expensive, I'd love to use this for small business or hobby

Industrial design background that uses Cad to cam often. offering other software tie ins would be sexy especially in 3d printing or plasma cutting or cnc router applications

##### Post Metadata
- Posted at: almost 7 years ago
- Author title: Design engineer
- Net upvotes: 1


## Comments
### Comment 1

Hi David,

Yeah, Inventor can be pricey, but considering the FEA tools, design accelerators, plastic mold tools, and data management that comes packaged, it's easy to see why they continue to charge for it.

That being said, have you considered Fusion 360? It's the same geometric kernel (Shape Manager) and has ~90% of the same modeling capability with added CAM, expanded FEA, and more powerful rendering. It's also free for small businesses (with less than $100k revenue) and hobbyists/students. If you're not on board with Fusion, you're missing out!

##### Comment Metadata
- Posted at: almost 7 years ago
- Author title: Generative Design and Topology Optimization Consultant at Innovation Forge, Inc.
- Net upvotes: 1



## Related Product
[Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews)

## Related Category
[Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)

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