HiCAD - An open-source AI parametric 3D CAD modeling platform - AiBoss

What is HiCAD?

HiCAD is an open-source AI parametric 3D CAD modeling platform designed for 3D printing enthusiasts. Users describe their needs in natural language, and the AI can generate editable JSCAD parametric code in seconds. Combined with real-time 3D preview, Monaco code editor, and parametric slider panel, it enables a one-stop workflow from idea to printable STL model.

HiCAD's main functions

AI Intelligent Modeling: Automatically generates parametric JSCAD 3D code based on natural language input, supporting intent analysis and deterministic generation of complex models.
Real-time 3D preview: WebWorker's isolated execution, combined with Three.js rendering, delivers results within 300ms after code changes and supports 360° interactive rotation.
Monaco code editor: It features a built-in editor similar to VS Code, offering syntax highlighting, intelligent auto-completion, and AI-powered editing mode to accurately locate and retain original structural modifications.
Parametric control panel: It automatically extracts code variables to generate a visual slider control, allowing real-time adjustment of model size parameters without modifying the code.
STL / OBJ import and export: It supports online preview of external STL files, and after the model is completed, it can be exported to a standard format with one click, directly connecting to slicing software and 3D printers.
Template Market: It includes 24 free templates covering industries such as phone stands, robotic arms, and jewelry, and supports AI-powered secondary editing and community sharing and publishing.
Multiple AI Adapters: Supports large models from DeepSeek, OpenAI, Qwen, etc. .env A single line of configuration allows you to switch between different AI backends.
Model sharing: Generate a unique sharing link, allowing others to preview the parametric 3D model online without logging in.

HiCAD's technical principles

Two-stage precision modeling engineFor complex models such as robotic arms and tanks, the system first performs intent analysis on the large model to understand the spatial structure and functional requirements described by the user; then it calls the deterministic code generator (jscad-codegen) to convert the analysis results into precise JSCAD parametric scripts, achieving modeling output with zero positioning error.
Front-end real-time rendering architectureThe front end is built with Vue 3 + Vite, the 3D rendering layer is implemented based on Three.js WebGL, the JSCAD code execution environment is isolated by WebWorker, and zero-copy data transmission is achieved with Transferable Objects to ensure smooth 60fps preview and 300ms real-time response.
AI Streaming Response and Multi-Adapter DesignThe backend is built on NestJS and pushes AI-generated streaming code snippets to the client via SSE (Server-Sent Events); the AI layer encapsulates unified adapter interfaces for DeepSeek, OpenAI, and Qwen, based on... .env Configure the client to dynamically inject the corresponding model to achieve hot switching between multiple models.

HiCAD's core advantages

Zero-threshold natural language modeling: No need to master complex CAD software operations; professional-grade parametric 3D models can be generated using descriptions in Chinese or English.
Open source, can be deployed privately: It is open source under the GPL v3 license, providing complete front-end and back-end source code, and supports one-click deployment and secondary development with Docker/PM2.
Ultimate real-time interactive experience: WebWorker isolated computing + Three.js hardware-accelerated rendering ensure that parameter adjustments and code modifications are synchronized to the 3D view within 300ms.
Native 3D printing compatibility: The generated model can be directly exported as ASCII/Binary STL or OBJ, with dimensions accurate to the millimeter, and seamlessly integrated with slicing software such as Cura and PrusaSlicer.
Flexible switching between multiple models: A single configuration line allows switching between DeepSeek V3, GPT-4o, and Qwen-Max, balancing cost-effectiveness, quality, and network stability.

How to use HiCAD

Online experience:
- Visit the official website: Visit the HiCAD official website: https://hicad.mvtable.com/.
- Description of requirements: Describe the desired 3D model in natural language in the input box on the homepage, such as "a phone stand with M3 screw holes".
- AI-generated: The AI automatically outputs JSCAD parametric code and renders a 3D preview in real time on the right.
- Parameter fine-tuning: Adjust the model size using the visual slider on the left panel and observe the changes in the 3D view in real time.
- Export and print: After confirming that everything is correct, export the STL file with one click and import it directly into slicing software such as Cura for 3D printing.
Local deployment:
- Environmental preparation: Ensure that Node.js >= 18.0.0 and pnpm >= 9.0.0 are installed locally.
- Cloning project: implement git clone git@github.com:MrXujiang/HiCAD.git Then navigate to the HiCAD directory.
- Configuration key: copy .env.example for .envFill in DEEPSEEK_API_KEY API Key for other AI models.
- Installation and startup: run pnpm install && pnpm startAccess after service starts http://localhost:3000.
- Switching models: Revise .env middle AI_ADAPTER The field is deepseek,openai or qwenSimply restart the service to switch the AI backend.

HiCAD's Competitive Product Comparison

Comparison Dimensions	HiCAD	Text-to-CAD (Zoo)
AI-driven approach	Generate JSCAD parametric code from natural language, supporting intent analysis and code-level editing.	Text descriptions generate standard CAD models, outputting in STEP/GLB format.
Open source and deployment	GPL v3 is fully open source, supporting private deployment and secondary development.	Partially open source, core API billed on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Real-time interaction	WebWorker + Three.js enables 300ms real-time rendering and instant parameter slider adjustment.	Asynchronous generation, does not support real-time preview and parameterized interaction.
Editing ability	Monaco code editor allows manual modification of JSCAD source code and further modification using AI.	The underlying code cannot be directly edited after generation.
Export format	STL / OBJ, natively compatible with 3D printing slicing software	STEP / GLB / OBJ, leaning towards engineering and manufacturing
Multiple AI support	Supports one-click switching between DeepSeek, OpenAI, and Qwen.	Using only the self-developed Zoo model
Template ecosystem	A marketplace of 24+ industry templates, supporting community sharing and AI-powered secondary editing.	Template-free market
Target audience	3D printing enthusiasts, makers, and educators	Mechanical engineers, professional product designers

HiCAD Application Scenarios

Personal 3D Printing Creations: 3D printing enthusiasts can quickly turn their ideas into printable models without learning traditional CAD software.
STEM Education for Beginners: In the education field, it is used in STEM teaching, where students understand the principles of parametric design and 3D modeling through natural language.
Hardware prototype iteration: Makers and hardware developers rapidly iterate on mechanical prototypes, such as phone stands, robotic arm joints, and casing accessories.
Jewelry and Industrial Design Customization: Jewelry and industrial design professionals use template markets for secondary customization, shortening the time from concept to physical product.
Enterprise Privatization Model Library: Enterprise teams can privately deploy internal 3D model libraries to achieve secure management and collaborative sharing of design assets.