Autodesk Software in the Design of Virtual Prototypes of Machines and Mechanisms

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Autodesk software (Inventor and Fusion 360) in the design of virtual prototypes of machines and mechanisms. A mixed-method research design was adopted, combining quantitative efficiency metrics with empirical validation against a physical prototype. Using a belt conveyor as a case study, key performance indicators (KPI) were applied to assess modeling time, number of design iterations, simulation accuracy, and prototyping costs. Results indicate that Autodesk software reduced the total design cycle by 28.5%, decreased design iterations by 33%, and lowered prototyping costs by 41%. The deviation between simulation and experimental results was 3.1%, confirming high analytical accuracy. These findings demonstrate that integrated CAD/CAE/CAM environments in Autodesk significantly enhance design efficiency and support digital transformation in mechanical engineering.