AI-Powered SolidWorks Add-in
SolidWorks Add-in · CAD Automation · AI
An add-in project that unifies parametric design, CAD automation, and AI-assisted workflows inside SolidWorks.
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Parametric 2D → 3D Conversion
2D inputs converted to a 3D SolidWorks model via parametric rules.
In This Article
When developing this add-in, my goal was not only to speed up repetitive engineering work inside SolidWorks. I wanted to define CAD workflows in software, combine parametric design logic with automation, and make AI a natural layer of that process.
SolidWorks is a powerful parametric CAD platform; the project does not aim to replace it, but to use its API and automation capabilities to build team-specific CAD workflows.
Problem
In traditional CAD processes, similar parts are modeled repeatedly, a manual bridge is built between 2D technical data and the 3D model, and different users may create the same design in different ways. This leads to standardization and sustainability issues.
- Modeling the same type of parts repeatedly
- Repeating the same operations for similar constructions
- Manual dimension entry and validation overhead
- Design changes affecting multiple parameters
- Manual workload between 2D technical data and 3D model
- Different users creating the same design in different ways
Vision
This project was designed not to replace the engineer's decisions, but to reduce repetitive CAD work and make design decisions faster to apply.
In a classic workflow, 2D drawing, manual modeling, dimension entry, and separate output preparation proceed in a chain. The automation approach restructures that chain through parametric interpretation, automation, and AI-assisted interaction.
2D / technical data
Engineering rules
Parametric 3D model
Production-oriented output
From 2D Drawing to 3D Parametric Model
In engineering processes, 2D technical drawings, dimensions, sections, and profile data often form the starting point for 3D model creation. The 2D → 3D converter component aims to make this information flow more systematic.
2D / technical data
Dimensions, sections, profile data, and production parameters become the entry point.
Parametric interpretation
Geometric and engineering information is read and validated systematically.
Modeling rules
Defined rules are applied to the SolidWorks model; design intent is preserved.
3D parametric model
The updated model is produced with configuration and parameter relationships.
AI-Assisted CAD Workflow
While the AI layer helps interpret user intent, CAD operations are governed by the SolidWorks API and in-application engineering rules. This platform is not a chatbot — it is an engineering-focused automation platform.
Example usage flow
- User intent and design request
- AI interpretation and parameter extraction
- Engineering rules and validation
- CAD automation logic
- Model operations through SolidWorks API
SolidWorks Add-in Architecture
Add-in UI
CommandManager, TaskPane, and settings screens keep the user inside SolidWorks.
AI layer
Natural language interaction aims to translate intent into parameters and rules.
Engineering logic
Parameter relationships, template rules, and production-oriented validation.
SolidWorks API
ModelDoc2, FeatureManager, Configuration, and dimension/feature lifecycle.
Architecture diagram
Parametric Design
Parametric design is not only about changing dimensions; it is about representing design intent, relationships, and engineering rules sustainably inside the model.
- Design intent — sustainable engineering logic inside the model
- Dimension-driven design — controlled updates through parameters
- Reusable templates — standard product families
- Rule-based modeling — defined engineering rules
- Configurable models — variant management
CAD Automation
CAD automation is the standardization and automation of repetitive CAD operations through software. This project aims to combine parametric modeling, SolidWorks API, user interface, engineering rules, and AI-assisted interaction.
Macro Automation
Quickly automates a specific task; a strong starting point for prototypes and field needs.
Add-in Automation
Deeper CAD platform integration with modular architecture, UI, and sustainable deployment.
AI-Assisted Automation
Aims to make interaction between the user and automation more accessible through natural language and AI.
This solution is not an enlarged macro; it is CAD automation experience from real production problems moved into a more scalable software architecture.
Feature Set
Parametric Templates
Standardized model templates as a foundation for repetitive product families.
2D → 3D Converter
A conversion pipeline that moves 2D inputs into 3D models through parametric rules.
RAL Color Selection
Standardized color selection based on project or production requirements.
Sheet Thickness
Parametric management of sheet thickness.
Material Selection
Including material data in the design workflow.
Production Outputs
Converting design into outputs usable in production processes.
AI TaskPane
Engineering-focused AI interface inside the SolidWorks TaskPane; parameter requests in natural language.
Offline Licensing
.lic-based offline license verification and license information UI.
Roll-form Outputs
RoadmapAdvanced data preparation for production lines and roll-form machines.
AI Design Validation
RoadmapAI-assisted validation layer for design verification processes.
Classic Workflow Comparison
A comparative engineering view — not a claim that automation replaces the classic approach in every case.
| Classic approach | Automation approach |
|---|---|
| Manual CAD operations | Automation-supported workflow |
| Repeated modeling | Parametric modeling |
| Multiple manual entries | Central parameter approach |
| Manual 2D → 3D transition | 2D → 3D automation approach |
| Usage through CAD commands | Add-in interface |
| Fixed workflow | Configurable workflow |
| Traditional user interaction | AI-assisted interaction |
Productization
Turning CAD automation from a macro into a product requires more than API calls alone. During development, UI, configuration, licensing, error handling, and sustainable code architecture were considered together.
Development journey
- 1
VBA macro experience
CAD automation in real production problems
- 2
CAD automation
Standardizing repetitive operations in software
- 3
SolidWorks API
Programmatic access to model, feature, and configuration
- 4
C# / .NET Add-in
Modular architecture, UI, and licensing layer
- 5
Productization
Parametric design + AI interaction + sustainable architecture
Roadmap (planned)
- Advanced AI-assisted CAD interaction
- Expanded parametric template library
- Advanced production outputs (roll-form, machine data)
- Workflow customization and team-based rules
- AI-assisted design validation research
Mehmet Seyrimez
R&D Technical Design Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about SolidWorks Add-ins, CAD automation, AI, and parametric design.
What is this project?
An AI-assisted SolidWorks Add-in and CAD automation project. It aims to bring parametric design, automation, and AI-assisted user interaction together inside SolidWorks.
Is this solution a SolidWorks Add-in?
Yes. It is an Add-in approach that runs inside SolidWorks, manages CAD operations through the API, and integrates with CommandManager and TaskPane.
What is a SolidWorks Add-in?
A SolidWorks Add-in is a software component integrated into the application that adds custom tools, automations, and interfaces to the CAD environment.
What does the SolidWorks API do?
It provides programmatic access to models, assemblies, dimensions, features, configurations, and technical output processes. It is the foundation of CAD automation.
Which technologies is it built with?
SolidWorks API, C# / .NET, parametric modeling logic, and an AI-assisted software layer.
What is the difference between a SolidWorks macro and an Add-in?
A macro quickly automates specific tasks. An Add-in provides deeper integration, modular architecture, UI, and long-term sustainability.
Why use C# / .NET?
It is one of the most common and sustainable choices for SolidWorks Add-in development, suitable for modular structure, error handling, licensing, and UI development.
What does the AI layer do?
It aims to simplify interaction between the user and the CAD automation system through a natural language layer. CAD operations themselves are governed by the SolidWorks API and engineering rules.
How can AI be used in SolidWorks design processes?
It can help interpret design requests, extract parameters, and simplify workflow access. Decision and validation responsibility remains in engineering rules.
Is automation from 2D drawing to 3D model possible?
Yes, in certain scenarios. This project aims to make this flow systematic through parametric interpretation and rule-based modeling.
What is CAD automation?
CAD automation is the standardization and automation of repetitive CAD operations through software.
Why is parametric design important?
Parametric design is not only about changing dimensions; it is about sustainably representing design intent, relationships, and engineering rules inside the model.
How can SolidWorks automation contribute to production processes?
It can be used to manage standard outputs, sheet thickness, materials, and production parameters together with design.
How can it be used in production-oriented CAD processes?
It aims to create a consistent workflow in repetitive product families through parametric templates, material/thickness management, and production outputs.
How is a SolidWorks Add-in developed?
It is developed using SolidWorks API, C# / .NET, and Add-in architecture. CommandManager integration, engineering logic, and sustainable code structure are critical layers.
Conclusion
I develop custom automation solutions for repetitive CAD work, parametric design, and engineering workflows. If you want to transform CAD processes with software, we can talk.