Adam (YC W25) Launches Open-Source AI CAD Platform, CADAM
Adam, a YC W25 company, has launched CADAM, an open-source AI-powered platform for mechanical computer-aided design (CAD). The platform generates parametric 3D models from natural language and image references, producing OpenSCAD code with interactive parameters. CADAM aims to make AI the primary medium for mechanical design, treating CAD generation as code. The React application, built with a Supabase backend, runs fully in-browser by compiling OpenSCAD to WebAssembly. It supports various export formats, including .STL and .SCAD, and is model-agnostic, integrating with AI models from Anthropic, Google, and OpenAI.
Adam, a company from the YC W25 cohort, has introduced CADAM, an open-source platform designed to integrate artificial intelligence into mechanical CAD software. The initiative operates on the principle that AI will become the primary tool for creating mechanical designs, similar to its role in software development. It also emphasizes generating CAD as code, converting text prompts into actionable design instructions.
Zach, representing Adam, highlighted that CADAM functions as a "Text to CAD" platform. It enables the generation of parametric 3D models using natural language prompts and image references. The system outputs OpenSCAD code, with automatically extracted parameters that users can adjust via interactive sliders. These parameter tweaks are handled deterministically through regex updates on the SCAD source, bypassing the need for an additional large language model (LLM) call.
The platform supports various export formats, including .STL, .SCAD, OBJ, GLB/GLTF, FBX, and DXF. Under the hood, CADAM features an agentic endpoint with two modes: a parametric mode for writing and editing OpenSCAD code, and a mesh mode for generating 3D textured meshes.
CADAM is model-agnostic, utilizing the Vercel AI SDK to integrate with various providers such as Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini), and OpenAI. Evaluations suggest that Gemini 3.1 Pro currently performs as the top model. The application itself is a React app built with TanStack Start, using Supabase for authentication, database management, and file storage.
For execution, OpenSCAD is compiled to WebAssembly, running within a Web Worker to ensure a non-blocking user interface, and rendered using Three.js via React Three Fiber. The platform supports BOSL, BOSL2, and MCAD libraries, alongside custom font support like Geist.
Future enhancements planned for CADAM include support for build123d and CadQuery, which would expand its capabilities beyond Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) primitives to constraint-driven modeling. Improvements in spatial context, such as UI for face/edge selection and viewport image integration, are also anticipated to enhance LLM understanding. The repository for CADAM is open for local cloning, and contributions are encouraged.
(Source: Hacker News Frontpage)
