Text-to-CAD tools are beginning to generate useful 3D models from prompts, but the most important missing feature is not geometry — it is intent.
cad
Prometheus Raises Billions to Develop ‘Artificial General Engineer’ for Physical Product Creation
Prometheus Industries is a company that might become very important to additive manufacturing in the future.
New AI Tools Move Toward Easier 3D Design
Anthropic’s latest strategy to position Claude as a tool for creative work points toward a future where describing an object could become as important as learning difficult CAD software.
Noctua Releases CAD Models to Support Hardware Integration in Custom Designs
Noctua has released CAD files of many of their hardware components.
Tripo Secures $50M Investment to Advance AI-Generated 3D Models for Industrial and Creative Use
Tripo announced a massive US$50M investment to power their AI 3D generation company.
FreeCAD 1.1 Release Introduces Enhanced Assembly Tools, UI Improvements, and More
FreeCAD has been updated to version 1.1.
DreamPartGen Brings Part Aware Text To 3D
A new research model called DreamPartGen could make text generated 3D models far more usable for printing and assembly.
New Colorado Bill Targets 3D Printing and CNC Manufacturing of Firearms
Another US state has proposed laws governing the use of 3D printing.
Design of the Week: Secret Apple Designs
This week’s selection are the secret Apple product designs recently stolen by hackers.
Design of the Week: iPhone Fold Replica
This week’s selection is the iPhone Fold Replica by MakerWorld contributor Subsy.
Siemens Offers Free Solid Edge Community Edition for Makers Seeking Advanced CAD Tools
Looking for a free advanced CAD 3D modeling tool? Solid Edge offers a free version.
VideoCAD Trains AI Agents On a Real CAD Interface
New research may lead to future simplification of automated CAD model generation.
Maxon Finally Unveils Modern ZBrush Interface
Finally, after many years, ZBrush is ditching their incredibly confusing interface.
CASTOR Shuts Down After Eight Years of Guiding Companies into Additive Manufacturing
It seems that CASTOR is no more.
OpenVCAD, an Open-Source Tool for Voxel-Based 3D Design
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed “OpenVCAD”.
New Tinkercad Features Expand Capabilities Beyond Entry-Level 3D Design
It’s been a while since I looked at Tinkercad, but it seems there have been some updates.
From Files to Felonies: The Crackdown on 3D Printed Ghost Guns
Charles R. Goulding and Jacob T. Nolan report on how New York is combining court rulings, AI content filters, and forensic science to shut down 3D printed firearms. 3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing, enabling everything from custom household items to industrial prototyping. However, it also enables what many consider one of the most dangerous technological… Continue reading From Files to Felonies: The Crackdown on 3D Printed Ghost Guns
SOLIDWORKS Partners Criticize Mandatory Revenue Share and Sales Disclosure Requirements
Some controversy is brewing over a recent decision by Dassault Systèmes.
Fusion 360 Adds Mesh Texture Extrude Feature for Advanced Surface Detailing
Autodesk provided their usual monthly update to Fusion 360, and there were a couple of new features of interest.
Zoo Design Studio is a Free AI-Powered 3D CAD Tool With Parametric Modeling
There’s a new free AI-powered 3D CAD tool called “Zoo Design Studio”.
New FreeCAD Plugin by Rahix Adds Optimized FFF 3D Printing Features
Do you use FreeCAD? There’s a plugin you definitely should install.
Hands On With Part3D
I took a quick look at a new 3D CAD system, Part3D.
New Vixiv Platform Uses AI to Streamline Functional AM Part Design
Vixiv will soon provide new software to optimize 3D printable designs.
Backflip’s 3D Scan to CAD Could Disrupt Almost Everything
There are considerable implications from this week’s announcement of a 3D Scan to CAD service from Backflip.
New Research Identifies Key Workflow Improvements for 3D Concrete Printing
A new research paper explores the workflow used in 3DCP.
Backflip Introduces Revolutionary AI Tool for Automated CAD Modeling
I had a chat with Greg Mark about the incredible new release from his new startup, Backflip. Mark is the namesake behind a company you’ve likely heard of: Markforged. Mark and partners built that company up and cashed out a few years ago to start an entirely new company, Backflip. Backflip has been operating in… Continue reading Backflip Introduces Revolutionary AI Tool for Automated CAD Modeling
Autodesk Layoffs: Is AI Reshaping the Future of CAD and 3D Design?
Autodesk is to reduce its staffing by nine percent: is AI to blame?
nTop Takes a Major Step Toward AI-Powered Design with CloudFluid Acquisition
nTop is making a significant acquisition.
FreeCAD 1.0 Released: Open-Source CAD Tool Reaches Milestone
I didn’t notice until just today, but it turns out that FreeCAD 1.0 was released a couple of weeks ago.
Novineer: Topology Optimization with Editable CAD Models
We had a chat with Novineer, a new company offering 3D generative design software. The Daytona-based company is quite new, having been founded in 2022 by Dr. Ali Tamijani and Dr. Zhicao Wang. Tamijani had previously been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They began development of their product in 2023, and… Continue reading Novineer: Topology Optimization with Editable CAD Models
Introducing Dune 3D: A New Open-Source CAD Tool for Simplified 3D Design
There’s a new open-source 3D CAD tool on the loose: Dune 3D.
Hands on with Backflip.ai
Last week, Backflip’s AI-powered generative CAD system was revealed. We took it for a test drive.
New AI Technique Pioneers Accurate Mechanical 3D Model Generation Using BREP Geometry
Research is proceeding on ways to use AI techniques to generate solid mechanical 3D models.
The Case for Learning CAD Before Purchasing Your First 3D Printer
What should you do first? Buy a desktop 3D printer or learn a CAD tool?
Top Free and Low-Cost Professional CAD Software for 3D Printing Enthusiasts
What is the current state of “free” professional CAD tools for 3D modeling?
Alibre Atom3D: Affordable CAD Solution for 3D Printing Enthusiasts
There’s an inexpensive option for 3D CAD you may not have heard of: Alibre Atom3D.
KATALYST LABS Introduces Parametric Text-to-3D Tool to Simplify CAD Design
A new text-to-3D tool has surfaced with a big difference: it’s parametric.
LEAP 71 Proves Automated Rocket Engine Design: A Breakthrough in Computational Engineering
There’s been a major development for 3D printed aerospace: LEAP 71 has proven the viability of automatically designed rocket engines.
What Software is Available for 3D Printing?
From beginner-friendly options to cloud-based collaborative CAD, these are some of the most popular software solutions for additive manufacturing.
Book of the Week: Sculpting in ZBrush Made Simple
This week’s selection is “Sculpting in ZBrush Made Simple” by 3D artist Lukas Kutschera.
Hands on With the Meshy.ai Text-to-3D Service
I’m looking at Meshy.ai, a new Text-to-3D service.
Book of the Week: Fusion 360 for Makers
This week’s selection is “Fusion 360 for Makers” by Lydia Sloan Cline.
Plasticity Blends Artistry with CAD in a User-Friendly 3D Modeling Tool
I’m looking at a new 3D modeling tool, Plasticity.
Rhino3D 8 Revolutionizes 3D Scanning with Innovative Shrinkwrap Function
Robert McNeel & Associates has released a new version of Rhino3D, version 8.
Hands on With Alpha3D’s AI 3D Model Generator
Alpha3D offers an AI-powered 3D model generator that works with text and images.
Spare Parts 3D’s Theia: Transforming Technical Drawings into Digital Inventories
Spare Parts 3D has developed a unique system for generating 3D models from technical drawings.
Introducing CADScribe: A Text-to-3D Tool for Quick 3D Parts Modeling
I’m looking at a new free online tool called “CADScribe”, which can seemingly generate 3D models.
Beyond CAD: ChatGPT’s Experiment Paves the Way for AI-Designed 3D Parts
Can you design any 3D printable part using ChatGPT? That’s the claim of a new experiment.
John Walker: The Entrepreneur Who Brought CAD to Desktops and Enabled 3D Printing’s Rise
Last week we lost John Walker, founder of Autodesk.
Enabling Complex 3D Models for Industry and 3D Printing with Metafold
We had a chat with the folks from Metafold about their generative design tool.
Book of the Week: 3D Modeling and Printing with Tinkercad
This week’s selection is “3D Modeling and Printing with Tinkercad: Create and Print Your Own 3D Models” by James Floyd Kelly.
What is Parametric Modeling?
PTC made parametric modeling famous.
Will AI Finally Put the Aid in Computer-Aided Design?
Moribund software about to get an innovation boost from the AI tsunami.
Trinckle: Simplified 3D Tooling Design Software for Non-CAD Users
Trinckle continues to innovate with a new version of their tool-making software.
Book of the Week: 200 3D Practice Drawings
This week’s selection is “3D PRINTING PROJECTS: 200 3D Practice Drawings For 3D Printing On Your 3D Printer” by Sachidanand Jha.
Blender 4.0 and Rhino 8 Debut Advanced 3D Tools
Last week saw two very popular 3D modeling software tools receive major upgrades.
Rethinking Construction: The Potential of Generative Design for 3D Printed Buildings
I’ve been thinking about a new concept for designing 3D printed buildings that just might change the way we work and live quite a bit.
Book of the Week: Mastering Fusion 360
This week’s selection is “Mastering Fusion 360” by Jake O Sugden and Joshua Manley.
Fundamentals of Computational Engineering: Part 5 — All You Need is a Few Functions
With the rendering of implicit functions into the voxel field, we have created the ability to work with lattices and complex infills.
Fundamentals of Computational Engineering: Part 4 Implicits
We will dive a bit into the technicalities of a Voxel-based kernel here, how do we interact with it?
Fundamentals of Computational Engineering: Part 3 — Voxels to the Rescue
Thanks to the previous articles, we should have a pretty good understanding of the reasoning behind Computational Engineering and the fundamental technology necessary to support it.
Fundamentals of Computational Engineering: Part 2 — The Technology
After setting the stage in the first two installments of this series of article, let’s dive a bit deeper.
Fundamentals of Computational Engineering: Part 1 — A Bit of History
Let’s define what Computational Engineering is and how it differs from the way we currently use computers to design physical parts.
Fundamentals of Computational Engineering: Prologue
For the last decade, I have relentlessly pushed for a change in the way we humans engineer physical things. Our future depends on it.
Book of the Week: CAD Projects with Tinkercad
This week’s selection is “CAD Projects with Tinkercad” by Johannes Wild.
LEAP71: Exploring Computational Engineering in the 3D Space
LEAP71 announced a deal with The Exploration Company, but what’s this all about?
AI Startup Exposed: The Use of Humans in 3D Model Generation
A report on 404 Media reveals an AI startup was secretly using humans to generate 3D models.
EOS North America Launches ‘Can I 3D Print This?’ Service
EOS North America announced today a new service called “Can I 3D Print This?”
Book of the Week: 400 CAD Exercises
This week’s selection is “400 CAD Exercises” by Sachidanand Jha.
3D Printing in the Years Ahead: A Glimpse into the AI-Powered Future of Desktop Printers
Last week I forecasted what a typical desktop FFF 3D printer of 2026 might look like. This week let’s go further ahead.
AI Meets 3D Scanning: How Scan to 3D Could Transform the 3D Printing Process
I’ve realized there is yet another way to leverage AI for 3D printing that might be easy to do.
3D Spark: Transforming the Manufacturing Process through Intelligent Analysis
3D Spark offers a service that can optimize part production for manufacturers.
Major Problems Ahead for 3D Model Repositories?
There could be a huge problem for 3D model repositories like Printables, Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory and others in the very near future.
AM-Flow Makes 3D Printing at Scale Simpler with Automation
3D printing at scale just might get a lot simpler with AM-Flow’s automation solution.
Text to 3D: The Massive Implications of Luma AI’s Imagine 3D Technology
This week Luma AI announced a new 3D model generation technology, that while crude today, will ultimately dominate in the future.
Hyperganic’s New Simulation Tech
Hyperganic announced a new and very speedy 3D simulation technology.
3D Printing and Canva
Charles R. Goulding and Valentina Alzate look at how Canva could relate to 3D printing.
There’s a Growing Focus on Post Processing
Post processing was for a long time the forgotten step in 3D printing. Now, that’s changing.
Intelligent Depowdering Is Here
I’m looking at a new solution from Solukon that can automatically depowder 3D prints.
Stratasys’ Latest Acquisition Increases Part Quality, But Raises a Question
Stratasys announced the acquisition of quality software startup Riven.
Have You Tried CadQuery?
CadQuery might eventually become more popular than OpenSCAD.
Book of the Week: Advanced Jewellery CAD Modeling in Rhino
This week’s selection is “Advanced Jewellery CAD Modeling in Rhino” by Jack Meyer.
trinckle’s Fixture Designer Shows How It’s Done
I’ve been looking at trinckle’s Fixture Designer software, and it’s quite impressive.
Book of the Week: The AI Cookbook
This week’s selection is “The AI Cookbook: A taste of the future” by Paolo Rosson.
Could Sketch2Pose Show The Way To Easy 3D Modeling?
Sketch2Pose provides an intriguing capability that might eventually lead to a new way of 3D modeling.
Carbon Acquires Advanced Generative Software System
Carbon announced today their first corporate acquisition, and it’s a big deal.
Question of the Week: 3D Printing A Skeleton Model
This week’s question relates to a very unusual 3D printing requirement.
Book of the Week: FreeCAD 0.20 Learn by Doing
This week’s selection is “FreeCAD 0.20 Learn by doing: Sketcher, Part Design, Assemblies, Technical Drawings” by T Kishore.
Adobe’s Solutions Open the Way for 3D Innovation
Charles Goulding & Andressa Bonafe look at Adobe’s innovations in the 3D print world.
NVIDIA Omniverse: A New World for 3D Creation and Simulation
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafé look at NVIDIA’s contribution to 3D design and 3D printing.
Beyond Generative Design: Where 3D Modeling May Go
I caught a glimpse of a potential future for 3D modeling tools, and it’s breathtaking.
Design of the Week: Functioning Model Car
This week’s selection is the Functioning Model Car by Charlie Ashman.
3D Printed Digital Inventory Gets Real in Oil & Gas
News from Spare Parts 3D reveals interesting results from a digital inventory move.
Blender Gains CAD Functions!
At long last, it appears that Blender will soon be able to perform proper CAD functions.
3Dfindit Shows How To Find 3D Models
A 3D model lookup site has quite a variety of search methods.