FreeCAD Automation Skill

AI-powered automation for FreeCAD CAD operations with natural language processing, batch processing, and marine engineering specialization.

When to Use

• CAD automation and scripting
• Batch processing of FreeCAD files
• Parametric design and design tables
• Assembly management and constraint solving
• FEM preprocessing and mesh generation
• Drawing generation with automatic dimensioning
• Marine engineering hull design
• Natural language CAD commands
• Integration with OrcaFlex/AQWA workflows

Agent Capabilities

This skill integrates agent capabilities from /agents/freecad/:

Core Capabilities

• CAD Automation: Script-based FreeCAD operations
• Batch Processing: Parallel file processing with pattern matching
• Parametric Design: Design tables and parameter variations
• Assembly Management: Constraint solving and assembly creation
• FEM Preprocessing: Mesh generation and boundary conditions
• Drawing Generation: Automatic dimensioning and views
• Natural Language Processing: Convert commands to CAD operations
• Script Generation: Auto-generate Python scripts from prompts

Marine Engineering Specialization

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

Integration Points

• OrcaFlex: Data exchange for hydrodynamic analysis
• AQWA: Diffraction analysis geometry
• Signal Analysis: Module connectivity
• REST API: External system integration

Prerequisites

• Python 3.8+
• FreeCAD 1.0+ (November 2024 release)
• digitalmodel package installed

Configuration

Agent Settings

{
  "settings": {
    "parallel_workers": 4,
    "max_workers": 8,
    "cache_enabled": true,
    "cache_size_mb": 500,
    "auto_save": true,
    "auto_save_interval": 300,
    "validation_level": "strict",
    "error_recovery": true,
    "retry_attempts": 3,
    "timeout_seconds": 600
  }
}

Marine Engineering Settings

{
  "marine_engineering": {
    "units": "metric",
    "standards": ["DNV", "ABS", "API"],
    "vessel_types": ["FPSO", "FSO", "FLNG", "Semi-sub", "TLP", "Spar"],
    "analysis_types": ["stability", "mooring", "structural", "hydrodynamic"]
  }
}

Python API

Basic Operations

from digitalmodel.agents.freecad import FreeCADAgent

# Initialize agent
agent = FreeCADAgent()

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

# Check result
print(f"Created: {result['object_name']}")
print(f"Volume: {result['properties']['volume']} mm3")

Batch Processing

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

# Process results
for file_name, result in results.items():
    if result["success"]:
        print(f"Exported: {file_name}")
    else:
        print(f"Failed: {file_name} - {result['error']}")

Parametric Design

# Generate parametric variations
agent.parametric_study(
    base_model="hull_template.FCStd",
    parameters={
        "length": [150, 175, 200, 225],
        "beam": [25, 30, 35],
        "draft": [10, 12, 15]
    },
    output_directory="hull_variations/",
    export_formats=["STEP", "STL"]
)

Script Generation

# Generate Python script from natural language
script = agent.generate_script(
    "Create parametric gear with 20 teeth, module 2mm,
     pressure angle 20 degrees, exportable to STEP"
)

# Save script
with open("gear_generator.py", "w") as f:
    f.write(script)

# Execute script
exec(script)

Hull Design Automation

from digitalmodel.agents.freecad.marine import HullDesigner

# Initialize hull designer
hull = HullDesigner()

# Create hull from parameters
hull_model = hull.create(
    length=280.0,
    beam=48.0,
    depth=26.0,
    draft=18.0,
    block_coefficient=0.85,
    hull_type="FPSO"
)

# Generate panel mesh for hydrodynamics
hull.generate_panel_mesh(
    model=hull_model,
    panel_size=2.0,
    output_file="hull_panels.dat"
)

# Export for OrcaFlex
hull.export_orcaflex(
    model=hull_model,
    output_file="orcaflex_models/fpso_hull.yml"
)

Command Line Interface

# Show 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 \
    --output-directory ./exports \
    --parallel 4

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

Batch Processing Patterns

Output Formats

Supported export formats:

• STEP - Standard for CAD exchange
• IGES - Legacy CAD exchange
• STL - 3D printing, mesh applications
• DXF - 2D drawings
• PDF - Technical documentation

MCP Tool Integration

Swarm Coordination

// Initialize CAD processing swarm
mcp__claude-flow__swarm_init { topology: "star", maxAgents: 4 }

// Spawn specialized agents
mcp__claude-flow__agent_spawn { type: "coder", name: "freecad-automator" }
mcp__claude-flow__agent_spawn { type: "reviewer", name: "geometry-validator" }

Memory Coordination

// Store CAD operation status
mcp__claude-flow__memory_usage {
  action: "store",
  key: "freecad/batch/status",
  namespace: "cad",
  value: JSON.stringify({
    operation: "batch_export",
    files_processed: 45,
    files_total: 100,
    format: "STEP"
  })
}

// Share geometry with analysis agents
mcp__claude-flow__memory_usage {
  action: "store",
  key: "freecad/geometry/hull",
  namespace: "shared",
  value: JSON.stringify({
    file: "hull_panels.dat",
    panels: 5000,
    ready_for_analysis: true
  })
}

Performance Metrics

Error Handling

FreeCAD Import Error

# Add FreeCAD to Python path
import sys
sys.path.append('/path/to/FreeCAD/lib')

Memory Issues

# Reduce parallel workers for large files
agent = FreeCADAgent(config={
    "settings": {
        "parallel_workers": 2,
        "memory_limit_mb": 2048
    }
})

Related Skills

• gmsh-meshing - Advanced mesh generation
• cad-engineering - General CAD expertise
• orcaflex-modeling - Hydrodynamic analysis integration
• aqwa-analysis - Panel mesh for diffraction

References

• FreeCAD Documentation: https://wiki.freecadweb.org/
• FreeCAD Python API: https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Python_scripting_tutorial
• Agent Configuration: agents/freecad/agent_config.json

Version History

• 1.0.0 (2025-01-02): Initial release from agents/freecad/ configuration