When describing holes in a mounting part, specify the reference axes, the coordinate ranges occupied by the part, and the hole centers and through directions, in that order. CADlingo’s public swivel caster example demonstrates this structure. The page presents the input prompt and the generated seven-body model, and you can examine the 3D geometry and cross sections in the studio.
Define the Reference Axes and Reference Plane First
The caster example defines the kingpin axis, the center of rotation, as the Z-axis and the floor as Z=0, and requires the wheel to touch the floor. The top plate is specified as X=-40~40, Y=-40~40, Z=100~105.
Describe Holes by Their Centers, Diameters, and Through Directions
The central hole in the top plate is a Ø12 hole on the Z-axis, and the mounting holes are four Ø9 holes centered at (X, Y)=(±30, ±30). All are explicitly specified to pass through in the Z direction. Instead of simply writing “four holes near the corners,” include the position of each center and the direction in which the hole passes through.
For example, suppose you are reviewing the mounting pattern on this caster’s top plate. Open the swivel caster example and inspect it in the studio. As you compare the central hole and the four mounting holes against the input requirements in the 3D view and cross sections, the next items to check are each hole’s center position and whether it passes all the way through the top plate.
Assign a Separate Coordinate System to Rotated Parts
The caster’s fork uses a local coordinate system distinct from the global coordinate system. The local x-axis is (cos35°, sin35°, 0), the local y-axis is (-sin35°, cos35°, 0), and the z-axis is the same as the global Z-axis. The prompt places the wheel axle center at local x=-30, Z=37.5 and specifies the local y-axis as the axial direction of the wheel and axle. For rotated parts, supplement expressions such as “toward the rear” by stating which direction in which coordinate system you mean.
Modify the Same Model and Check It Again Before Handoff
CADlingo offers adjustment of the dimensions and parameters provided by the model, chat-based modifications, restoration of previous versions, and STEP and STL export. The caster example shows two adjustable dimensions, so first check whether the change you need corresponds to one of the provided dimensions. For other changes, you can review them by requesting them in chat with reference axes and coordinates, then comparing the modified geometry against the requirements again.
Before exporting a STEP file for further CAD editing, recheck the top plate’s coordinate ranges, the hole centers and through directions, and the relationships between the axes of the fork and wheel.