CAD/CAM Integration Platform

Part of the worlds-biggest-software-project initiative.

An open, AI-native design-to-manufacturing platform that unifies DFM analysis, toolpath generation, and quoting from a single STEP file.

The CAD/CAM Integration Platform ingests 3D part geometry and produces machinability feedback, optimised toolpaths, cycle-time estimates, and machine-ready G-code. It is built for CNC programmers, manufacturing engineers, hardware start-ups, and manufacturing-as-a-service (MaaS) platform builders who need a cloud-capable alternative to expensive desktop-bound CAM suites.

Why CAD/CAM Integration Platform?

Mid-tier desktop CAM seats (Mastercam, SolidCAM, CAMWorks) cost roughly $4,000–$10,000 per seat per year and remain desktop-bound, with no cloud collaboration story.
Enterprise suites (Siemens NX, CATIA) deliver the deepest automation but are effectively inaccessible to SME job shops due to cost and implementation complexity.
Autodesk Fusion's subscription-only model is controversial with power users, and its post-processor library is smaller than Mastercam's for complex 5-axis work.
DFM, quoting, and CAM programming are sold as separate products by most vendors; a unified, shop-aware AI workflow embedded in design is still rare.
Closed-loop optimisation that feeds CMM measurement data back into toolpaths is not delivered automatically by any incumbent surveyed.

Key Features

Geometry Ingestion and DFM

STEP AP242 ingestion and B-Rep geometry processing
Automatic feature recognition for holes, pockets, ribs, and faces
DFM checks: wall thickness, hole depth/diameter, draft angles, undercuts, thin-wall detection
Precise measurement and NURBS-to-analytical surface conversion

AI-Native Toolpath Generation

AI-powered 3-axis strategy selection and toolpath generation (2.5-axis, 3-axis milling)
Physics-based feeds and speeds optimisation balancing tool life and cycle time
Cycle-time and cost estimation parameterised by user's machine and tool inventory
Human-in-the-loop review of every AI-generated strategy

Manufacturing Output

Post-processor framework producing G-code (ISO 6983) for common CNC controllers
Machine simulation and collision/gouge detection prior to NC output
Turning and simple mill-turn toolpath support (v1.1)
3+2 (positional 5-axis) toolpath generation for multi-setup parts (v1.1)

Collaboration and Integration

Web-based interface for upload, DFM review, and toolpath approval
REST API for embedding in third-party quoting, ERP, and MaaS platforms
Shop-specific knowledge base for machining rules, tool preferences, and parameter defaults
Multi-user collaboration and part version management

AI-Native Advantage

AI-driven toolpath optimisation is reaching production readiness in 2026, with generative algorithms that reduce cycle time 15–30% versus expert-programmed paths. The platform combines generative toolpath optimisation, instant DFM feedback inside the design environment, automated post-processor selection across heterogeneous machine fleets, AI-assisted quoting from a STEP file in seconds, and a roadmap toward closed-loop process optimisation that ingests CMM data and adjusts toolpaths to compensate for fixture variation and tool wear.

Tech Stack & Deployment

The platform targets cloud-native and hybrid deployment with a web-based front end, eliminating the IT overhead of traditional desktop CAM. Geometry interchange is built on STEP AP242, IGES, DXF/DWG, and Parasolid; machine output uses ISO 6983 G-code; shop-floor connectivity is planned via MTConnect and OPC-UA. A REST API exposes ingestion, DFM, toolpath generation, and quoting so third-party MaaS, ERP, and quoting platforms can embed the engine.

Market Context

The global CAM software market is projected to grow from USD 3.40 billion in 2024 to USD 5.70 billion by 2030 (9.0% CAGR), within a broader CAD and PLM market projected at USD 19.11 billion in 2026 (Business Research Insights; MarketsandMarkets). Incumbent pricing ranges from ~$545/year for Fusion personal to $4,000–$10,000+/seat for mid-tier desktop CAM and six-figure enterprise contracts for Siemens NX and CATIA. Primary buyers are CNC programmers and machinists at job shops, manufacturing engineers at OEMs and contract manufacturers, hardware start-ups, and MaaS platform builders.

Project Status

This project is in the research and specification phase.
Contributions, feedback, and domain expertise are welcome.

Contributing

We welcome contributions from developers, domain experts, and potential users. See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.

Important: All contributions must be your own original work or clearly attributed open-source material with a compatible licence. Copyright infringement and licence violations will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal of the offending contribution. If you are unsure whether a piece of code, text, or other material is safe to contribute, open an issue and ask before submitting.

Contributors should avoid replicating patented incumbent algorithms such as SolidCAM's iMachining or CAMWorks' TechDB; the project should build its own AI-native CAM logic on neutral standards (STEP AP242, ISO 6983).

Licence

Licence to be determined. See discussion for context.