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 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

Fork the repository
Create a feature branch
Make your changes
Add tests for new functionality
Ensure all tests pass
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

FreeCAD Import Error
- Ensure FreeCAD is installed and Python bindings are available
- Add FreeCAD to Python path: sys.path.append('/path/to/FreeCAD/lib')
License Error
- Some operations require FreeCAD GUI license
- Use headless mode for server deployments
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: support@your-org.com

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

For detailed technical documentation, see the specification