Scan to CAD
Turn a 3D scan into editable CAD with AI.
Scan to CAD with AI: Oscar reads a 3D scan, rebuilds the part as a feature tree with named dimensions, and exports STEP. It runs in your browser and in FreeCAD.
How Oscar turns a scan into CAD
A 3D scan gives you a mesh of triangles. Oscar reads the mesh like an engineer and rebuilds the part as parametric CAD. You check each decision. Then you export STEP, or build the feature tree in FreeCAD.
- 01
Upload the scan
Upload an STL, OBJ, PLY, or 3MF file in your browser.
- 02
Oscar finds the design intent
Oscar finds the datums: the axes and the planes. Then it finds the intended shape and ignores the wear and the scan noise.
- 03
Oscar builds the features
Oscar builds sketches and features, such as pads, revolves, and holes. Each key dimension becomes a named parameter.
- 04
You confirm the uncertain dimensions
Oscar flags each dimension that the scan cannot prove and shows its evidence. You accept the value or change it.
- 05
Check and export
Compare the model with the scan on a deviation map. Then export STEP or STL, or build the feature tree in FreeCAD.
Worked example: a stepped shaft
- Input
- shaft_scan.stl · 8,000 points
- Datum
- One rotation axis
- Features
- Profile sketch · Revolve 1 · Taper 1
- Dimensions
- Ø24, Ø36, and Ø28 mm · 120 mm overall · 21.80° taper
- For review
- Shoulder position at z −35.00 mm: confirm
- Output
- shaft.step · a feature tree with named parameters
Common questions
On the blog: Scan to CAD, explained
What is scan to CAD?
Scan to CAD is the process that turns a 3D scan of a physical part into a CAD model. A scan gives a mesh of triangles. A CAD model has features and dimensions that you can edit.
How is AI scan to CAD different from mesh conversion?
A mesh converter wraps the triangles into a solid, so the wear and the noise stay in the model. Oscar rebuilds the intended design as features with named dimensions, and it flags anything uncertain for review.
How do I know that the CAD matches the scan?
Oscar compares the model with the scan. It shows the deviation as a color map, a histogram, and sections, and it can write an inspection report.
Do I need a scanner?
You need a mesh of the part. If you do not have a scan, send us the part. We will plan the capture with you.
Have a part without usable CAD?
Rebuild it with Oscar in your browser. If you do not have a scan, send us the part. We will plan the capture with you.