freecad

name	freecad
version	1.0.0
category	engineering
description	The FreeCAD Agent is an AI-powered automation tool for FreeCAD that enables natural language CAD operations, intelligent batch processing, and seamless integration with engineering analysis workflows.
type	reference
tags	[]
scripts_exempt	true

Freecad

FreeCAD Agent

Overview

The FreeCAD Agent is an AI-powered automation tool for FreeCAD that enables natural language CAD operations, intelligent batch processing, and seamless integration with engineering analysis workflows.

Features

• Natural Language Processing: Convert plain English commands to FreeCAD operations
• Batch Processing: Process multiple CAD files in parallel with pattern matching
• Python Script Generation: Automatically generate Python scripts from prompts
• Marine Engineering Tools: Specialized functions for offshore and marine applications
• API Integration: RESTful API and WebSocket support for external systems
• FEM Preprocessing: Automated mesh generation and boundary condition application

Installation

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8 or higher
• FreeCAD 1.0 or higher (November 2024 release)
• Git for version control

Setup

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/your-org/digitalmodel.git
cd digitalmodel/agents/freecad

# Create virtual environment
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate

# Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt

Usage

Command Line Interface

# Basic usage
python run_freecad_agent.py --help

# Show agent capabilities
python run_freecad_agent.py --show-capabilities

# Process single file
python run_freecad_agent.py --file model.FCStd --operation "add fillet radius 5mm"

# Batch processing
python run_freecad_agent.py --pattern "*.FCStd" --input-directory ./models --parallel 4

# Natural language command
python run_freecad_agent.py --prompt "Create a hull with 150m length and 25m beam"

Python API

from freecad_agent import FreeCADAgent

# Initialize agent
agent = FreeCADAgent()

# Natural language operation
result = agent.execute_prompt("Create a box 100x50x25mm with chamfered edges")

# Batch processing
results = agent.batch_process(
    pattern="*.FCStd",
    input_directory="./models",
    operation="export_step",
    parallel_workers=4
)

# Script generation
script = agent.generate_script("Create parametric gear with 20 teeth")

Configuration

Configuration is managed through agent_config.json:

{
  "name": "FreeCAD Agent",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "capabilities": [
    "cad_automation",
    "batch_processing",
    "parametric_design",
    "assembly_management",
    "fem_preprocessing",
    "drawing_generation"
  ],
  "settings": {
    "parallel_workers": 4,
    "cache_enabled": true,
    "auto_save": true,
    "validation_level": "strict"
  }
}

Capabilities

CAD Operations

• Parametric modeling and design tables
• Assembly creation and constraint solving
• Drawing generation with automatic dimensioning
• Feature-based modeling and modification

Batch Processing

• Pattern-based file discovery (glob, regex)
• Parallel execution with adaptive worker scaling
• Progress tracking and error recovery
• Result aggregation and reporting

Marine Engineering

• Hull design automation
• Stability calculations
• Mooring system configuration
• Structural analysis preprocessing

Integration

• OrcaFlex data exchange
• AQWA diffraction analysis
• Signal analysis module connectivity
• REST API for external systems

Architecture

freecad_agent/
├── src/
│   ├── core/
│   │   ├── agent.py           # Base agent implementation
│   │   ├── capabilities.py    # Capability registry
│   │   └── config.py          # Configuration management
│   ├── api/
│   │   ├── wrapper.py         # FreeCAD API wrapper
│   │   ├── document.py        # Document management
│   │   └── geometry.py        # Geometry operations
│   ├── nlp/
│   │   ├── parser.py          # Natural language parser
│   │   ├── generator.py       # Script generator
│   │   └── templates.py       # Operation templates
│   ├── batch/
│   │   ├── processor.py       # Batch processing engine
│   │   ├── discovery.py       # File discovery
│   │   └── parallel.py        # Parallel execution
│   └── marine/
│       ├── hull.py            # Hull design tools
│       ├── stability.py       # Stability calculations
│       └── mooring.py         # Mooring systems
├── tests/
│   ├── unit/                  # Unit tests
│   ├── integration/           # Integration tests
│   └── fixtures/              # Test fixtures
├── config/
│   ├── agent_config.json      # Agent configuration
│   └── workflows.yml          # Workflow definitions
└── docs/
    ├── user_guide.md          # User documentation
    ├── api_reference.md       # API documentation
    └── examples/              # Example scripts

Development

Running Tests

# Run all tests
pytest

# Run specific test module
pytest tests/unit/test_api_wrapper.py

# Run with coverage
pytest --cov=src --cov-report=html

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Add tests for new functionality
5. Ensure all tests pass
6. Submit a pull request

Performance

• Batch Processing: Up to 5x faster than sequential processing
• Memory Optimization: Efficient handling of large assemblies
• Caching: Intelligent caching of frequently used operations
• Error Recovery: Automatic retry with exponential backoff

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. FreeCAD Import Error

   • Ensure FreeCAD is installed and Python bindings are available
   • Add FreeCAD to Python path: sys.path.append('/path/to/FreeCAD/lib')

2. License Error

   • Some operations require FreeCAD GUI license
   • Use headless mode for server deployments

3. Memory Issues

   • Reduce parallel workers for large files
   • Enable garbage collection between operations

Support

• Documentation: See docs/ directory
• Issues: Report bugs on GitHub Issues
• Questions: Post in Discussions section
• Email: [e-mail]

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• FreeCAD development team for the excellent Python API
• Community contributors for addons and macros
• OpenCASCADE for the geometry kernel

Roadmap

Version 1.1

• Machine learning integration for design optimization
• Cloud processing capabilities
• Real-time collaboration features

Version 2.0

• AR/VR visualization support
• Cross-platform CAD support
• Industry-specific templates

Related Projects

• OrcaFlex Agent - Hydrodynamic analysis automation
• AQWA Agent - Diffraction analysis tools
• DigitalModel - Parent ecosystem

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For detailed technical documentation, see the specification