CAD MCP Server — Claude Code MCP server: setup
This MCP server lets an AI assistant measure STEP models, inspect geometry, and compare revisions when CAD dimensions need checking.
claude mcp add cad-mcp-server -- npx -y cad-mcp-serverWhat CAD MCP Server does
CAD MCP Server reads STEP files and exposes their geometry to an AI assistant. It can return overall dimensions, volume, surface area, hole and boss diameters, wall thickness, clearances, draft, sections, and changes between two model revisions.
Its tools are inspect, find_entities, measure, and diff. Open CASCADE computes the measurements from the model geometry; each result carries entity IDs and the SHA-256 revision used, while stale IDs are rejected after a file changes. The server runs locally over stdio, reads files by path, and does not write to CAD data. It requires Node.js 24+ and Windows x64, macOS ARM64, or Linux x64. Without Node.js 24+, it will not start.
What it helps with
- measure a STEP part’s size and volume
- locate cylindrical faces and report diameters
- check wall thickness and minimum clearances
- compare dimensions and topology across revisions
- create a planar section at a chosen coordinate
Example prompts for the agent
- Measure the overall dimensions and volume of
part.step. - Find cylindrical faces in
part.stepand list their diameters and axes. - Compare
revision-a.stepwithrevision-b.stepand describe the changes.
How to install CAD MCP Server
Platform CLI
claude mcp add cad-mcp-server -- npx -y cad-mcp-serverPlatform CLI
codex mcp add cad-mcp-server -- npx -y cad-mcp-serverConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"cad-mcp-server": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"cad-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"cad-mcp-server": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"cad-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add cad-mcp-server npx -y cad-mcp-serverStep 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 CAD MCP Server
How do I install CAD MCP Server in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add cad-mcp-server -- npx -y cad-mcp-server. Then give the assistant the path to a STEP file.
What does CAD MCP Server do?
It examines STEP geometry and provides measurements for size, volume, holes, wall thickness, clearance, draft, sections, and revision differences.
Does it require a CAD application?
No. It reads STEP files directly, so a CAD application or license is not required.
