CADAM

What is CADAM?

CADAM is an open-source browser app that turns a plain-English description of a part into an editable 3D model you can export as an STL. It comes from Adam, a startup backed by Y Combinator that also sells a CAD copilot for engineers. You type what you need, for example a knob with a D-shaped shaft hole or a jar with a screw-on lid, and you can attach a reference image. An AI model writes OpenSCAD code behind the scenes, and the app turns the main measurements into sliders. Moving a slider rebuilds the part in your browser without another AI request.

Parametric mode, the default, downloads an STL for printing, the OpenSCAD source as a .SCAD file and a flat DXF outline. A Mesh button switches to Creative mode, which makes organic shapes such as figures and props from a prompt or an image and downloads them as STL, OBJ, GLB or FBX.

It suits makers who want brackets, knobs, spacers or gears without learning CAD and who can describe a part clearly. You need a free Adam account, and the free plan has a small daily allowance. Complex requests can still come out wrong, so check the dimensions before you print. The code is on GitHub under GPL-3.0, so developers can also run their own copy.

What you can make

• Functional parts such as brackets, knobs and mounts
• Gears and threaded jars with lids
• Simple parametric vases and decor
• Organic figures and props from a prompt or image
• Flat DXF outlines of a part

How to use CADAM

1. Open adam.new/cadam and sign in with a free Adam account
2. Keep the default Parametric mode and describe the part, adding a reference image if you have one
3. Adjust the generated sliders until the sizes are right
4. Download the STL (or the .SCAD file) and slice it