AI-generated 3D models are meshes, not CAD: they have no exact dimensions, no parametric features and no tolerances. That makes them unsuitable for production, but useful at the very start of product development.

🏭 Where they help

  • 💡 Early concepts: explore several shapes or styles before anyone opens CAD
  • 🤝 Conversations with clients: a 3D model is easier to discuss than a sketch
  • 🎨 Presentations and marketing visuals before a physical sample exists

🚫 Where they do not

  • Exact dimensions, fits and tolerances
  • Threads, holes and other functional features
  • Anything sent directly to CNC machining or injection molding

🛠️ A realistic workflow

  1. Generate concepts: describe the product or upload a sketch on the create page. Text-to-3D and image-to-3D cost 10 credits per model.
  2. Share them: host a model to get a link, a QR code and an embeddable viewer; on supported phones it can be seen in AR at approximately real size.
  3. Choose a direction with the client or the team.
  4. Model the part properly in CAD (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, FreeCAD...), using the AI mesh only as a visual reference.
  5. Prototype from the CAD model.

🔧 File formats

  • 3DView.ai delivers GLB. Blender imports it directly (File → Import → glTF 2.0).
  • Most CAD programs import meshes as OBJ or STL; convert the GLB in Blender first.
  • Converting a mesh to STEP does not create usable parametric geometry; rebuild the part in CAD.
  • For a quick 3D-printed concept model, export STL from Blender and check that the mesh is watertight.

🔌 Automation

After your first credit pack purchase, the REST API can generate concept models from text prompts or image URLs inside your own tools.

🚀 Start

🏭 Generate a concept model →

💼 Questions about API use →