ARCNM — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
ARCNM estimates CNC and sheet-metal part costs from STEP, DXF, and PDF inputs, then exposes process plans and cost drivers to an agent.
claude mcp add --transport http arcnm https://api.arcnm.io/mcp-server/mcpWhat ARCNM does
ARCNM gives an MCP client a way to estimate the manufacturing cost of CNC and sheet-metal parts. A new quote can use a STEP model, a DXF flat pattern with material and sheet thickness, plus an optional PDF drawing. Results include operation times, the routing, cost breakdowns, and the factors behind the estimate.
The server can run another quote for a different lot size, material, or costing environment. It can compare calculations, inspect cost-saving levers, and find the quantity with the lowest total cost. Read-only tools cover results and process plans; other toolsets add direct uploads, sheet-metal nests, and material catalogs.
You need an ARCNM account or an API key to connect. The Free plan allows 10 calculations per month, and a successful calculation uses quota. The server will not connect without ARCNM sign-in or credentials.
What it helps with
- price a part from a STEP model
- estimate a sheet-metal batch from a DXF pattern
- identify the main drivers of part cost
- compare quotes across costing environments
- find the lot size with the lowest total cost
Example prompts for the agent
- Price
bracket.stepat lot sizes 1, 10, and 100, then explain where the cost comes from. - Compare this part across our costing environments and show the price difference.
- Read the process plan for
panel.dxfand point out the operations with the longest cycle times.
How to install ARCNM
Platform CLI: remote server
claude mcp add --transport http arcnm https://api.arcnm.io/mcp-server/mcpPlatform CLI: remote server
codex mcp add arcnm --url https://api.arcnm.io/mcp-server/mcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"arcnm": {
"url": "https://api.arcnm.io/mcp-server/mcp"
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"arcnm": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://api.arcnm.io/mcp-server/mcp"
}
}
}Platform CLI: remote server
gemini mcp add -t http arcnm https://api.arcnm.io/mcp-server/mcpStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about ARCNM
How do I install ARCNM in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add --transport http arcnm https://api.arcnm.io/mcp-server/mcp, then open /mcp in Claude Code and sign in to ARCNM.
What does ARCNM do?
ARCNM estimates CNC and sheet-metal manufacturing costs from STEP or DXF files. It also exposes process plans, operation times, cost drivers, lot-size comparisons, and costing-environment comparisons.
What do I need before using ARCNM?
You need an ARCNM account or API key. The Free plan includes 10 calculations per month; reading results does not use quota, while a successful calculation does.
