Creating Parts
Use CAD tools or natural language to create parts. Both are powered by AI.
Ways to Create Parts
PartWork AI gives you three ways to create new parts:
Natural Language
Type what you want in the chat. Describe your part and the AI creates it. Great for complex parts or when you know what you want but not how to draw it.
From Sketch
Draw a 2D profile using sketch tools (rectangle, circle, polygon, etc.), then extrude it into 3D. Best for precise control over exact shapes.
Import File
Upload an existing STEP, IGES, or DXF file and modify it. Perfect for working with existing designs or CAD files from other software.
When to Use Each
Use Natural Language when you can describe what you want. Use From Sketch when you need precise 2D profiles. Use Import File when starting from existing CAD files.
Writing Effective Prompts
When using natural language, be specific. Describe what you want as if explaining it to another engineer.
Key Principle
Be specific about dimensions. "Create a 2 inch cube" works better than "create a small box".
Good Prompts Include:
- Dimensions — width, height, depth, diameter, radius
- Units — inches, mm, cm (defaults to inches if not specified)
- Position — centered, offset, near the edge
- Quantity — two holes, four fillets, all edges
Basic Shapes
| Shape | Example Prompt |
|---|---|
| Box | Create a 2 x 3 x 1 inch box |
| Cylinder | Create a cylinder, 1 inch diameter, 2 inches tall |
| Plate | Create a 4 x 6 inch plate, 0.25 inches thick |
| Tube | Create a tube, 1 inch OD, 0.75 inch ID, 3 inches long |
| L-Bracket | Create an L-bracket with 2 inch legs, 0.25 inch thick |
Adding Features
| Feature | Example Prompt |
|---|---|
| Through Hole | Add a 0.25 inch hole through the center |
| Blind Hole | Add a 0.5 inch hole, 0.75 inches deep |
| Counterbore | Add a counterbore for an M5 socket head cap screw |
| Countersink | Add a countersink for a #10 flat head screw |
| Fillet | Add 0.125 inch fillets to all edges |
| Chamfer | Add 0.0625 inch chamfers to the top edges |
Add a 1 x 2 inch pocket, 0.5 inches deep |
Complete Examples
Mounting Bracket
Create a mounting bracket: 3 inches wide, 2 inches tall, 0.25 inches thick.
Add two 0.25 inch mounting holes centered horizontally, 0.5 inches from top and bottom.
Add 0.125 inch fillets to all edges.Spacer
Create a cylindrical spacer: 1 inch OD, 0.5 inch ID, 0.75 inches tall.
Add small chamfers to both ends.Enclosure Base
Create a rectangular enclosure base: 4 x 6 inches outer, walls 0.25 thick, base 0.125 thick.
Add four M3 mounting holes in the corners, 0.25 inches from each edge.
Fillet the inner corners with 0.125 inch radius.