| > Download model, done. Note how that is not a parametric model with the appropriate variable parameters nor does it have the set screw I specified in my prompt. Even if precisely the model you want has been made by somebody else, it still takes time and effort to hunt it down. By the same logic who needs to generate 2D images when stock photos are a thing? > If you are making something complex enough to warrant you yourself designing it (something unique, custom, new), then CAD on its own is the best tool (right now!). I make CAD models every day, professionally. Most are not complex at all. Unique, custom, and new don't imply any level of complexity, and none of the above correspond to difficulty to describe. As a simple example from today, I need a funnel with a specific volume and sizing for the inlet and outlets. No one makes it, there is no model I can download, it is unique, custom and new. The modelling itself is not hard but the tricky bit is doing the math to ensure I get the right volume without compromising the geometry. The CAD software solves the equation but I had to spend time and effort to figure out the equation to type in. This is exactly the sort of task that LLMs excel at. > I have models with thousands of parametric features linked to hundreds of other parts in an assembly. I would need to write a novel to achieve those same features with an LLM. Did you hit a button to create that whole assembly and form all those links with a single short action, or did you spend hours if not days meticulously making or modifying models for each of those parts then manually link them each together to create those relationships? You put in the time and effort to write a novel, you just wrote it in a different language. > If what you want to make is simple enough that an LLM would be able to nearly one-shot it, then that model either: 1. Already exists somewhere (like the gear above) or 2. Is simple enough that a couple hours of training videos will give you all the skills you need to make it yourself You've got it completely backwards. CAD tools are well set up for doing standard work, where LLMs would excel would be where you're departing from the normal to do more complex stuff. Simple example: let's say you want a 10x10 grid of 1/4-20 threaded holes, most any cad software you can do that in under a minute. Now let's say you want 100 1/4-20 threaded holes arranged in a spiral pattern where the distance between each pair increases by 1% as you move outwards. Is that doable in CAD? Most certainly, but it's gonna be a pain in the butt. Does a model exist on the internet? I doubt it, maybe for some generic flat plate but definitely not the part you need this feature on. On the other hand, typing out a prompt to describe it takes virtually no time at all. It's unique, custom, new but much like my funnel it isn't complex, at least not conceptually. |
For your funnel, it seems mainly the problem area is a volumetric calculation, not CAD. A simple funnel would take 1 sketch and 1 revolve. I guess it'd come down to if you'd prefer to type all your variables in a text prompt vs in the CAD dialogue box.
Otherwise, I think mainly the point where we disagree is that it is easier to specify mechanical designs in natural language vs the typical inputs in CAD.
Let's try the spiral pattern example. Which direction is the spacing increasing in distance? Radially? Hole to hole along the spiral pattern? How many instances establish the radiating arms of the spiral? Which direction is the spiral going? Is this a planar pattern? What is the radial pitch of the spiral? How many extra details would I need to type out into my prompt in order to achieve the precise results desired, and how many re-tries?
Vs: Fill out this box of variables. https://i.imgur.com/juDH435.png