Project Microsite · v3

Parametric CAD from AI

The route the mesh tools could not give: AI that outputs editable, dimensioned CAD — plus the two confirmed colourways.

Diff from v2

v2 → v3. v2 proved generative mesh AI (Meshy/Higgsfield) can reconstruct shape from photos but never holds exact mm. v3 adds the missing class — text-to-CAD AI that emits parametric, editable B-rep/STEP — and the two colourways (RAV4 blue + glossy red, shiny aluminium trim) from locked prompt v1.0.

Why parametric CAD (not mesh)

Mesh AI (v2) gives a triangle skin — good for a render, useless for fabrication: no exact dimensions, no editable features, messy topology. Parametric CAD gives a feature tree and true geometry: change a number, the model updates; export STEP for the metal shop. For a simple, dimensioned object like this box, that is the correct end state.

AI CAD tools — text/image → parametric model

Zoo (Text-to-CAD / KittyCAD)

Prompt → editable B-rep CAD, exports STEP. "Zookeeper" conversational agent. Best for mechanical parts.

zoo.dev

AdamCAD

Web text-to-CAD, parametric 3D from prompts (YC W25). Fast single-part output.

adamcad.com

CADGPT

Browser assistant → structured DWG/DXF; 2D technical drawing focus.

yeschat.ai

Claude for CAD

Generates CadQuery / OpenSCAD scripts, design briefs, prompt refinement — code-defined parametric models.

claude.ai

Text-to-CadQuery

Research paradigm: LLM emits CadQuery code → exact parametric solids. The code-gen route.

arxiv.org

Fusion 360 (manual)

The reliable baseline — model the box from the fact sheet. ~1 hr, exact, editable, STEP-out.

autodesk.com

Use-case rule. Single dimensioned part (this trailer box) → text-to-CAD (Zoo / AdamCAD) is production-ready in 2026. Complex multi-part assemblies still need a human in Fusion. Output formats to insist on: STEP / STL for the shop.

Deterministic model — doors placed exactly

Built from the fact sheet in code, not generated. The three doors sit at exact coordinates — two rear barn doors (900 + 600, off-centre) and one full-height door on the right-hand tapered prow face. Original silver / aluminium finish. Orbit it.

Why this, not a prompt. Image-gen can't pin where a door goes — every prompt reword drifted and added doors. Code places geometry exactly. This is the geometry source of truth; a photoreal render is a separate finishing pass (one inpaint, not a re-roll).