solidworks-cad
- Repo stars 20
- Author updated Live
- Author repo claude-engineering-skills
- Domain
- Design
- Compatible agents
-
- Claude Code
- Cursor
- Cline
- Codex
- Windsurf
- Gemini CLI
- +20
- Trust score
- 85 / 100 · community maintained
- Author / version / license
- @Soljourner · no license declared
- Token usage
- Lean
- Setup complexity
- Plug-and-play
- External API key
- Not required
- Operating systems
- macOS · Linux · Windows
- Runtime requirements
- Python
- Permissions
-
- Read-only
- Write / modify
- Network behavior
- Local-only
- Install commands
- 26 variants
Profile is derived at build time from SKILL.md and install vectors. Subject to drift from author intent.
Heads up: 未限定 allowed-tools,默认拥有全部工具权限。; 上游仓库已 211 天未更新,可能与最新 agent 行为不一致。
---
name: solidworks-cad
description: Automate parametric pump impeller design in SolidWorks via API This skill provides guidance for…
category: design
runtime: Python
---
# solidworks-cad output preview
## PART A: Task fit
- Use case: Automate parametric pump impeller design in SolidWorks via API This skill provides guidance for automating parametric pump impeller design and other mechanical component modeling using the SolidWorks API. SolidWorks provides a comprehensive API that allows users to automate design tasks, create parametric models, manipulate assemblies, and generate drawin….
- Inputs: target material, constraints, expected output, and acceptance criteria.
- Evidence boundary: follow “Overview of SolidWorks API / Licensing Requirements / API Access Methods” and do not present inference as author intent.
## PART B: Execution result
- **01** The card summarizes the use case; runtime output centers on “Automate parametric pump impeller design in SolidWorks via API This skill provides guidance for automating parametric pump impeller design and other mechanical component modeling using the SolidWorks API. SolidWorks provides a comprehensive API that allows users to automate design tasks, create parametric models, manipulate assemblies, and generate drawin…”.
- **02** When the source has headings, the agent prioritizes “Overview of SolidWorks API / Licensing Requirements / API Access Methods” so the result follows the author’s structure.
- **03** Typical output includes task judgment, concrete steps, required commands or file edits, validation, and follow-up options.
- **04** Risk context follows the fingerprint: read files, write/modify files; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
## Running Rules
- read files, write/modify files; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
- Validate with a small sample before expanding scope.
- Return the result, validation criteria, and next iteration options. The source does not require a stable slash command. After installation, invoke the skill by name and describe the task.
Name target files or source material, expected output, forbidden changes, and whether network or shell access is allowed. Permission fingerprint: read files, write/modify files.
Start with a small task and check whether the result follows “Overview of SolidWorks API / Licensing Requirements / API Access Methods”. Inspect diffs, logs, previews, or tests before expanding scope.
Confirm the final output includes a concrete result, evidence, and next action. If it stays generic, tighten inputs, boundaries, and acceptance criteria.
---
name: solidworks-cad
description: Automate parametric pump impeller design in SolidWorks via API This skill provides guidance for…
category: design
source: Soljourner/claude-engineering-skills
---
# solidworks-cad
## When to use
- Automate parametric pump impeller design in SolidWorks via API This skill provides guidance for automating parametric…
- Use it when the task has clear inputs, repeatable steps, and validation criteria.
## What to provide
- Target material, scope, expected result, and forbidden changes.
- Whether network, commands, file writes, or external services are allowed.
## Execution rules
- Organize steps around “Overview of SolidWorks API / Licensing Requirements / API Access Methods” and keep inference separate from source facts.
- read files, write/modify files; mostly runs locally; usually needs no extra API key.
- Validate with a small sample before expanding the task.
## Output requirements
- Return the deliverable, key evidence, validation method, and next action.
- Mark missing information as unknown; do not invent commands, platforms, or dependencies. The author source anchors workflow facts; repository files anchor sources and commands; Fluxly only adds fit, limitations, and quality judgment.
skill "solidworks-cad" {
input -> user goal + target files + boundaries + acceptance criteria
context -> Overview of SolidWorks API / Licensing Requirements / API Access Methods
rules -> SKILL.md triggers / order / output contract
runtime -> Python | read files, write/modify files | mostly runs locally
guardrails -> usually needs no extra API key + small-sample validation + diff/log review
output -> copyable result + checklist + next iteration
} SolidWorks CAD Integration
This skill provides guidance for automating parametric pump impeller design and other mechanical component modeling using the SolidWorks API.
Overview of SolidWorks API
SolidWorks provides a comprehensive API that allows users to automate design tasks, create parametric models, manipulate assemblies, and generate drawings programmatically. The API exposes the full functionality of SolidWorks through COM interfaces, enabling external applications to control SolidWorks and access its features.
Key capabilities:
- Parametric part and assembly creation
- Feature manipulation and dimension control
- Sketch creation and editing
- Drawing automation and annotation
- File import/export operations
- Simulation and analysis integration
- Bill of materials (BOM) generation
Licensing Requirements
Important: SolidWorks API access requires:
Valid SolidWorks License: A full SolidWorks license is required to use the API. The API cannot be used with viewer-only licenses.
License Types:
- SolidWorks Standard, Professional, or Premium
- Network (concurrent) or standalone licenses both support API access
- SolidWorks PDM integration requires additional PDM licenses
Windows Platform: SolidWorks and its API are Windows-only. The API utilizes COM/ActiveX technology specific to Windows.
Version Compatibility: Ensure your API code matches your SolidWorks version. API methods may vary between versions.
API Access Methods
1. VBA Macros
VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is the built-in scripting environment in SolidWorks.
Advantages:
- Native integration with SolidWorks
- No external dependencies
- Easy to debug within SolidWorks
- Direct access to UI elements
Use Cases:
- Quick automation scripts
- User interaction through forms
- Prototyping API workflows
Access: Tools > Macro > New or Edit in SolidWorks
2. Python (via win32com)
Python can control SolidWorks through the win32com package (pywin32).
Advantages:
- Modern, readable syntax
- Extensive Python ecosystem for data processing
- Integration with scientific libraries (NumPy, pandas)
- Easier to version control and test
Requirements:
pip install pywin32
Use Cases:
- Batch processing of parts
- Data-driven design automation
- Integration with engineering calculations
- Export/import workflows
3. C# .NET
C# provides strong typing and robust development tools for SolidWorks automation.
Advantages:
- Best performance
- Strong typing and IntelliSense support
- Comprehensive error handling
- Professional application development
Requirements:
- Visual Studio
- SolidWorks Interop Assemblies (installed with SolidWorks)
Use Cases:
- Custom SolidWorks add-ins
- Enterprise integration applications
- Complex automation workflows
- Standalone applications controlling SolidWorks
Common Tasks
Parametric Part Creation
Create parts with dimensions that can be modified programmatically:
- Define sketches with dimensional constraints
- Create features (extrude, revolve, sweep, loft)
- Add relations between features
- Set global variables and equations
Impeller Blade Geometry
Specialized tasks for pump impeller design:
- Blade Profile Generation: Create complex 3D curves for blade profiles
- Swept Features: Use guide curves and profiles to create blade surfaces
- Circular Patterns: Array blades around the central axis
- Hub and Shroud Modeling: Create the central hub and outer shroud geometries
- Fillet Operations: Add fillets for manufacturing and performance optimization
- Parametric Control: Link blade angles, thickness, and count to design variables
Assembly Automation
Automate assembly creation and modification:
- Insert components into assemblies
- Apply mates (coincident, concentric, distance, angle)
- Create patterns of components
- Detect interferences
- Manage assembly configurations
Drawing Generation
Automatically create and populate engineering drawings:
- Create drawing sheets from templates
- Insert model views (standard, section, detail)
- Add dimensions and annotations
- Generate BOMs and balloons
- Export to PDF or DWG
File Export
Export SolidWorks models to neutral formats:
- STEP (ISO 10303): Industry-standard for CAD data exchange
- IGES: Legacy format, widely supported
- Parasolid: High-fidelity geometry transfer
- STL: For 3D printing and mesh-based analysis
- DXF/DWG: 2D drawing export for manufacturing
Best Practices
- Error Handling: Always implement robust error handling as API operations can fail
- Version Control: Keep API code separate from CAD files for better version control
- Documentation: Document units, coordinate systems, and design intent
- Testing: Test API scripts on simple models before applying to complex designs
- Performance: Suppress screen updates and rebuild operations for better performance
- Cleanup: Always release COM objects properly to avoid memory leaks
Learning Resources
- SolidWorks API Help: Access from Help > API Help in SolidWorks
- API SDK: Includes examples and documentation (installed with SolidWorks)
- Online Community: SolidWorks Forums and user groups
- Sample Code: Available in SolidWorks installation directory
Limitations and Considerations
- Platform: Windows-only, no macOS or Linux support
- Performance: Complex operations may be slow; consider batch processing during off-hours
- Licensing: Requires active SolidWorks session (consumes a license)
- Version Dependencies: API changes between SolidWorks versions may break scripts
- COM Complexity: Understanding COM object model is essential for advanced use
Integration with Engineering Workflow
The SolidWorks API is particularly valuable for:
- Design Optimization: Parametric studies with multiple design variants
- CFD Preprocessing: Automated geometry preparation for OpenFOAM or ANSYS
- Manufacturing: Automated drawing generation and BOM creation
- Product Configurators: Customer-driven product customization
- Data Management: Integration with PLM/PDM systems
Decide Fit First
Design Intent
How To Use It
Boundaries And Review