42 CAD Creative

Parametric STEP/STL with DFM validation. Manufacturing-grade, not 3D art.

Coming soon · Beta testing Beta pricing — join the waitlist 10–45 seconds
Join beta waitlist → Preview API

What it does

Describe a part. 42 CAD Creative generates a procedural, parametric CAD model with full dimensional control — not a blobby AI-diffusion mesh. The output is a STEP file that opens in SolidWorks, Fusion 360, OnShape, and Inventor, with every feature editable downstream.

Each part is run through a real DFM (Design For Manufacturing) validator: wall thickness, draft angles for injection moulding, overhang for FDM, tolerance bands for the chosen material. You get a report of what the factory will complain about — before you send it.

Why this one

  • 01 Procedural, parametric output. Not AI diffusion — actual CAD geometry that is editable, quotable, manufacturable.
  • 02 Real DFM validation: wall thickness, draft angles, overhang, material tolerances. Zoo.dev and peers give you geometry; we give you geometry + feasibility.
  • 03 Component-type aware. You ask for a bracket, you get a bracket, not a dragon-bracket hybrid that looked bracket-ish.

Inputs

  • Component type
  • Dimensions (JSON)
  • Features list
  • Material + manufacturing target

Outputs

  • STEP (parametric)
  • STL
  • IGES
  • PNG preview

Example prompts

01 Bracket to mount a 80mm fan to an aluminium chassis. Four M3 holes, 4mm thickness, aluminium 6061, CNC-milled.
02 Enclosure for a Raspberry Pi 5: 90×65×30mm, ventilation slots, M2.5 mounting bosses, injection-moulded ABS.
03 Distance tube for a bicycle dropout: 8mm outer diameter, 6mm inner, 12mm length, 6061 aluminium, CNC-turned.

API

Single endpoint, JSON in, URL out. Standard REST — works with any HTTP client, n8n, Make, Zapier, and MCP.

curl -X POST https://api.42rows.com/v1/cad-creative \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_..." \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "component": "bracket",
    "dimensions": { "length_mm": 80, "width_mm": 40, "thickness_mm": 4 },
    "features": [{ "type": "hole", "diameter_mm": 6, "count": 4 }],
    "material": "aluminium-6061",
    "manufacturing": "cnc-milling",
    "format": "step"
  }'

FAQ

When does this leave beta?

We are expanding the feature library (currently 7 component families) and polishing the DFM rule-set for non-metal materials. Join the waitlist for early access.

Is the STEP file really editable?

Yes — it is true parametric B-Rep geometry. Open in Fusion 360 or SolidWorks and every hole, fillet, and pocket is an editable feature.

What manufacturing processes does DFM cover?

CNC milling, CNC turning, sheet metal bending, FDM 3D print, SLA resin print, injection moulding. Each has its own rule-set for thickness, draft, and tolerance.

Does it produce assemblies?

Not yet — single-body only. Multi-part assemblies are on the roadmap but require a different parametric approach.

Can I upload a reference photo or existing CAD?

Photo input is planned. Existing CAD import (STEP/IGES) for modification workflows is a longer-term roadmap item.

Get early access

42 CAD Creative is in private beta. Drop us a line with your use case and we will send an invite.

Join beta waitlist