ForgeCADFeature-based parametric CAD on a formally certified B-rep kernel. 5-axis CAM, FEA, and CFD in the same file. Every geometry operation backed by a test. Every downstream artefact traced to the design decision that produced it.
Why ForgeCAD is different
"The only macOS-native parametric CAD with a formally certified B-rep kernel — 2,224 tests, Ed25519-signed on every release."
Every geometry operation — boolean, fillet, sweep, loft, shell — has a named test in the ForgeCertify manifest. The manifest is signed with an Ed25519 key at build time. Customers can verify the signature independently. SolidWorks does not publish a test manifest. Fusion 360 does not publish a test manifest.
"5-axis CAM, FEA, and CFD are built in — not add-ons with separate license keys."
CAM toolpaths are in the same model file as the geometry. FEA results link to the design revision that produced them. When a dimension changes, ForgeCAD flags which simulations are stale. No file exports, no round-trips, no version mismatch.
"The full modelling kernel will be available as a Python package."
Automate part families, drive parametric studies, integrate with your own toolchain. The same B-rep kernel that runs the desktop app runs in your Python environment. Air-gapped, no cloud dependency, same certified geometry operations.
Feature-based parametric modelling. Sketch → extrude → boolean → fillet. Every operation is logged in the feature tree. The certified kernel validates geometry at each step.
Run linear static, modal, or thermal FEA directly on the model. Steady-state CFD for fluid analysis. Results are revision-stamped — change a dimension and ForgeCAD marks which results are stale.
5-axis toolpath generation in the same file. NC programs export directly to ForgeMachine job queues. When the design changes, CAM updates and ForgeMachine knows before the next job runs.
Auto-generated drawing views from 3D geometry. Full GD&T annotation per ASME Y14.5 and ISO 1101. Drawing packages export to PDF, DXF, SVG. Every drawing traces back to a model revision.
Change a dimension. Every downstream artefact that depends on it — drawings, CAM programs, ForgeMachine job specs, ForgeOps monitoring parameters — is flagged automatically. Nothing silently goes stale.
2,224 geometry tests. Ed25519-signed manifest. Every ForgeCAD release ships with cryptographic proof that the kernel works.
Python API — coming soon. The full certified kernel in your Python environment — automate part families, drive parametric studies, integrate with your toolchain.
5-axis toolpath generation in the same model file. NC programs export to ForgeMachine. Design change → CAM update → machine job update. No round-trips.
Linear static, modal, thermal FEA. Steady-state CFD. Results revision-stamped — change a dimension and ForgeCAD tells you which simulations are stale.
Auto-generated drawing views from 3D geometry. Full GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and ISO 1101. PDF, DXF, SVG export.
Change a dimension in ForgeCAD and every downstream artefact that depends on it is flagged — drawings, CAM programs, ForgeMachine job specs, ForgeOps parameters.
Full constraint-based assemblies with interference detection, clearance analysis, and large-assembly performance mode. BOM exports to ForgeProcure on every revision.
STEP, IGES, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CATIA V5, DXF, STL, 3MF import. All geometry validated through the certified B-rep kernel on ingestion.
2,224
Kernel tests
Ed25519-signed on every release
5-axis
CAM built in
Same file as the model — no export
Python
Python API
Coming soon — full certified kernel
macOS
Native platform
Not Electron. Not a web app.
Every other CAD platform assumes the design stops at the drawing. ForgeCAD connects it to the machine.
| Capability | ForgeCAD | SolidWorks | Fusion 360 | Onshape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kernel test manifest | 2,224 tests, Ed25519-signed | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| CAM | Built in — same file | Add-on (CAMWorks) | Built in | Add-on |
| FEA | Built in — same file | Add-on (Simulation) | Built in | Add-on |
| Python API | Full kernel — pip install | COM API only | Limited API | REST API |
| macOS native | Yes | No | Electron | Browser only |
| Air-gapped deployment | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Digital thread to ops | ForgeOps, ForgeMachine | No | No | No |
| Pricing model | Per-seat, no cloud lock-in | Per-seat + annual | Subscription | Subscription |
Every geometry operation backed by a named test. Every test manifest signed. Every downstream artefact traced. ForgeCAD is the only CAD platform that ships proof alongside the product.