Turn an AI idea into a part that fits
The goal: adapt a generated design to real dimensions – for example, set an enclosure to the required width or position a mounting surface precisely.
REVERSE ENGINEERING · PAID BETA
Mesh → CAD.From AI-generated polygon models to real parametric CAD.
You created a 3D model with Meshy or another AI tool – and want to turn it into a precisely editable part? That is why we are developing Mesh → CAD: to convert polygon models from AI tools and other 3D projects into real parametric models with editable dimensions and CAD features.
Available in the beta today: analyse suitable technical shapes in STL/3MF meshes and reconstruct them as CAD geometry. Live reconstruction displays validated intermediate results. Results and editability depend on the source mesh; full conversion of arbitrary models is not guaranteed.
Mesh → CAD requires an enabled paid plan. Free accounts and guest access do not include this beta.
- STL + 3MF source meshes
- Technical CAD reconstruction
- Original mesh preserved
AI GIVES YOU A SHAPE. YOU NEED A PART.
A polygon model does not yet have editable CAD dimensions.
The exported mesh contains the shape as a network of polygons. A hole starts as a ring of facets, not a CAD feature with an adjustable diameter. One flat enclosure wall might consist of thousands of triangles. Mesh → CAD aims to reconstruct geometric surfaces and parametric features so you can develop an AI concept into an engineered design.
What we are developing parametric conversion for
Change dimensions instead of moving polygons
A validated reconstructed hole can have an editable diameter. Check detected features and the result against the source before changing dimensions.
Keep designing from exported models
Use suitable technical meshes as starting points for CAD. The beta reconstructs supported shapes; incomplete or unsuitable results still need another design workflow.
GETTING STARTED
Start with your AI model: what you can do today.
Prepare your polygon model
Use your model from Meshy, another AI tool or an existing 3D project as an STL or 3MF file. If it is in another format, convert it first with a suitable 3D tool.
Start Mesh → CAD
Import your file into ShapeAnywhere, select the mesh and start “Mesh → CAD”. With beta access enabled, analysis and reconstruction run through the live workflow.
Inspect and edit the reconstruction
Compare the finished CAD result with the original mesh. Check openings, surfaces and dimensions. Then edit the CAD faces and features that were actually reconstructed.
MEASUREMENTS, NOT GUESSWORK
How flat is your surface really?
A surface can look smooth on screen while still deviating slightly from a plane. The beta makes that difference measurable. Results describe the analysed geometry; they do not replace inspection of the physical part.
- RMSOverall deviation
- Root mean square deviation summarises how closely a region fits the detected plane.
- MAXLargest deviation
- The maximum distance shows how far the strongest deviation lies from the detected plane.
- nPlane orientation
- The surface normal describes spatial orientation. Area and triangle count add further context.
For AI concepts you want to develop into engineered parts.
An enclosure needs to fit your electronics, and an adapter needs defined mating dimensions. The beta is best suited to technical models with measurable surfaces, openings and profiles. Organic characters and arbitrary AI meshes cannot reliably be turned into meaningful parametric designs.
Technical reconstruction with clear limits.
Available today
- STL and 3MF source meshes
- Detect suitable planes, cylinders and holes
- Reconstruct measured technical shapes as CAD
- Display validated CAD results during live reconstruction
What the beta does not guarantee
- Complete reconstruction of arbitrary meshes
- Recovery of the original design history
- Parametric reconstruction of arbitrary organic shapes
- Flawless results without your own inspection
FAQ
Mesh to CAD and reverse engineering: your questions
Is Mesh → CAD intended for AI-generated models from Meshy?
Yes. You can use STL or 3MF files from Meshy, other AI tools and existing projects. The beta attempts to reconstruct supported technical shapes; success depends on the geometry. There is no direct Meshy integration, so the workflow uses files.
Why not simply save the polygon model as STEP?
A different file format does not create meaningful parameters or a construction history. Even a CAD file containing many individual facets is not automatically a model with an editable hole, wall thickness or sketch. Mesh → CAD therefore aims to reconstruct geometric shapes and parametric features.
Can I convert an STL file into an editable CAD model?
For suitable technical meshes, the beta can create editable CAD geometry with reconstructed features. An arbitrary mesh does not automatically become fully parametric. Always check which shapes and details were actually recovered.
Does the Mesh-to-CAD beta support 3MF?
Yes. Imported STL and 3MF meshes can be used as sources. Analysis works on the mesh geometry they contain.
Is Mesh → CAD free?
No. The beta requires its own entitlement in an enabled paid plan. Regular STL/3MF import remains independent and does not become a paid feature because of this beta. The plan overview lists the features included in each plan.
Will my original STL or 3MF mesh change?
Analysis leaves the original mesh unchanged. Detected planes are evaluated; unrecognised regions stay untouched.
Does it recognise holes, cylinders or organic shapes?
Suitable supported holes, cylinders, planes and measured profiles can be reconstructed. Arbitrary organic surfaces do not gain a reliable parametric design history.
How is reverse engineering different from mesh import?
Import brings in the triangle mesh. Reverse engineering examines its geometric relationships and attempts to rebuild suitable technical shapes as CAD geometry with editable features.
Can it analyse large meshes?
Analysis runs in a dedicated Web Worker. A sample first identifies candidate planes; those candidates are then checked against all triangles. Runtime and memory requirements depend on the mesh and device.
MESH → CAD · BETA
AI shapes should become models you can engineer.
Try technical reconstruction of your STL and 3MF meshes in the paid beta and inspect the result against your source.
Mesh → CAD requires an enabled paid plan. Free accounts and guest access do not include this beta.