When choosing an AI tool that creates editable parametric CAD from text, check the process of changing dimensions, reviewing geometry and exporting to STEP on the same model. For a small design team, check directly whether the dimensions you need are available as adjustable parameters and how the exported file opens in the CAD software you intend to use.
Compare requirements and geometry in a public model
You can inspect the public prompt and generated model in CADlingo’s swivel caster example. The prompt specifies seven separate solids: a top plate, thrust washer, kingpin bolt, nut, fork, wheel and axle. It sets the swivel axis to the Z axis and the ground to Z=0, and requires a central Ø12 hole and four Ø9 holes at coordinates (±30, ±30) in the top plate. The example page lists 7 bodies in the generated model.
Suppose you want to review the hole layout in this caster’s top plate, then check which dimensions can be changed. Open the model using ‘Open in studio’ on the example page, and compare the central hole and four mounting holes with the public prompt in the 3D view and cross-section. Then open the dimension controls to see which values are available. This example page lists 2 adjustable dimensions.
Change the available dimensions and review the same design again
CADlingo describes a workflow for editing the parameters a model provides, previewing the geometry with adjusted dimensions and then applying the changes. For the hypothetical review task above, select one of the dimensions actually available, change its value and inspect which part changes in the preview. After applying the change, check the top plate holes and surrounding geometry again.
If the change you need is not available in the dimension controls, request it through chat and review the updated model. CADlingo offers chat-based edits and restoration of previous versions. When evaluating the tool, check how the requested part changed and the state of the geometry you intended to preserve, and try restoring a previous version yourself.
Download STEP and check it in the CAD software used for handoff
CADlingo’s workflow introduces dimension changes, chat-based edits and STEP export. You can choose STEP for further CAD editing, or STL if you need a file for 3D printing. To continue the caster review, download the modified model as STEP and open it in the CAD software you will use for handoff.
Export checks continue after downloading the file. Inspect the body structure and modified dimensions in the opened file, and check the top plate’s central hole and four mounting holes again. When choosing an AI CAD tool, check the adjustment range of the dimensions you need, the geometry after edits and the state of the STEP file in the receiving CAD software.