vcad

# vcad - Parametric CAD for AI Agents Create 3D CAD models programmatically using the vcad MCP tools. ## Available Tools ### create_cad_document Build geometry from structured primitives and operations. ### export_cad Export to STL (3D printing) or GLB (visualization). ### inspect_cad Get volume, surface area, bounding box, and triangle count. ## Primitive Origins Understanding where primitives are positioned is critical for correct placement: | Primitive | Origin | Extent | |-----------|--------|--------| | Cube | Corner at (0,0,0) | Extends to (size.x, size.y, size.z) | | Cylinder | Base center at (0,0,0) | Height along +Z | | Sphere | Center at (0,0,0) | Radius in all directions | | Cone | Base center at (0,0,0) | Height along +Z | ## Positioning Operations The `at` parameter accepts three formats: 1. **Absolute**: `{x: 25, y: 15, z: 0}` - exact coordinates in mm 2. **Named**: `"center"`, `"top-center"`, `"bottom-center"` - relative to base primitive 3. **Percentage**: `{x: "50%", y: "50%"}` - percentage of base primitive bounds ## Common Patterns ### Plate with Centered Hole ```json { "parts": [{ "name": "plate", "primitive": {"type": "cube", "size": {"x": 50, "y": 50, "z": 5}}, "operations": [ {"type": "hole", "diameter": 6, "at": "center"} ] }] } ``` ### Plate with Corner Holes ```json { "parts": [{ "name": "mounting_plate", "primitive": {"type": "cube", "size": {"x": 100, "y": 60, "z": 5}}, "operations": [ {"type": "hole", "diameter": 4, "at": {"x": 10, "y": 10}}, {"type": "hole", "diameter": 4, "at": {"x": 90, "y": 10}}, {"type": "hole", "diameter": 4, "at": {"x": 10, "y": 50}}, {"type": "hole", "diameter": 4, "at": {"x": 90, "y": 50}} ] }] } ``` ### Cylinder with Blind Hole ```json { "parts": [{ "name": "bushing", "primitive": {"type": "cylinder", "radius": 15, "height": 20}, "operations": [ {"type": "hole", "diameter": 10, "depth": 15, "at": "center"} ] }] } ``` ### L-Bracket ```json { "parts": [{ "name": "bracket", "primitive": {"type": "cube", "size": {"x": 40, "y": 40, "z": 5}}, "operations": [ {"type": "union", "primitive": {"type": "cube", "size": {"x": 5, "y": 40, "z": 30}}, "at": {"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 5}}, {"type": "hole", "diameter": 5, "at": {"x": 20, "y": 20}}, {"type": "difference", "primitive": {"type": "cylinder", "radius": 2.5, "height": 40}, "at": {"x": 2.5, "y": 20, "z": 20}} ] }] } ``` ### Linear Pattern of Holes ```json { "parts": [{ "name": "rail", "primitive": {"type": "cube", "size": {"x": 200, "y": 20, "z": 10}}, "operations": [ { "type": "difference", "primitive": {"type": "cylinder", "radius": 3, "height": 15}, "at": {"x": 20, "y": 10, "z": -2} }, { "type": "linear_pattern", "direction": {"x": 1, "y": 0, "z": 0}, "count": 5, "spacing": 40 } ] }] } ``` ### Circular Pattern ```json { "parts": [{ "name": "flange", "primitive": {"type": "cylinder", "radius": 40, "height": 10}, "operations": [ {"type": "hole", "diameter": 20, "at": "center"}, { "type": "difference", "primitive": {"type": "cylinder", "radius": 4, "height": 15}, "at": {"x": 30, "y": 0, "z": -2} }, { "type": "circular_pattern", "axis_origin": {"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 0}, "axis_dir": {"x": 0, "y": 0, "z": 1}, "count": 6, "angle_deg": 360 } ] }] } ``` ## Workflow 1. **Create**: Use `create_cad_document` to build geometry 2. **Inspect**: Use `inspect_cad` to verify dimensions and volume 3. **Export**: Use `export_cad` to save as `.stl` or `.glb` ## Tips - Holes default to through-holes; specify `depth` for blind holes - Use percentage positioning for parametric designs that scale - Cube origin is at corner - add half-size to center operations - Cylinder/cone origins are at base center - no X/Y offset needed for centered holes - Always extend cutting cylinders past the part (the hole operation does this automatically) ## Setup **Recommended:** Install the vcad Claude Code plugin for zero-config setup (includes MCP server, skills, and slash commands): ```bash claude plugin add vcad ``` **Manual setup:** Add the vcad MCP server to your Claude Code config: ```json { "mcpServers": { "vcad": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@vcad/mcp"] } } } ``` Or run from local checkout: ```json { "mcpServers": { "vcad": { "command": "node", "args": ["packages/mcp/dist/index.js"] } } } ```