goCAD Microservices · APIs for CAD/CAM

Powerful APIs for CAD/CAM workflows.

Three specialised microservices automate reading technical drawings, analysing STEP files, and decomposing assemblies. Integrate via REST API with your ERP, quoting tool, or webshop configurator.

See the microservices ↓
REST API, integrated in minutes Hosting in Germany, GDPR-compliant Self-hosting available on request
Overview

Three microservices, one platform.

Each service solves a specific task in quoting or order processing — and each can be used standalone.

STEP Reader

STEP Reader

Analyses STEP files and returns geometric data (volume, surface, bounding box), classifies the machining technology (turning, milling or sheet metal) and extracts features like holes — all via API.

Volume · Surface Hole detection Technology classification
To the STEP Reader →
PDF Reader

PDF Reader

Reads technical drawings automatically: dimensions, tolerances, threads, materials, surface treatments and GD&T symbols. Structured JSON output, ready to use in quoting and work prep.

Dimensions · Tolerances GD&T symbols Materials · Surfaces
To the PDF Reader →
Assembly Decomposer

Assembly Decomposer

Extracts individual parts from complex assemblies, returns count, dimensions and material properties — and distinguishes purchased parts (screws, fasteners) from manufactured parts. Ready for ERP routings and procurement.

BOM generation Buy vs. make ERP-ready
To the Assembly Decomposer →
Integration

Embedded in your workflows.

REST APIs integrate with any toolchain — we deliver the endpoints, you skip the in-house development.

01

ERP & PLM

The Assembly Decomposer auto-populates your ERP with bills of materials. STEP Reader provides material weights for stock planning. No more manual transfer from CAD.

02

Your own quoting tool

Have an existing quoting tool? Use STEP Reader and PDF Reader as pre-processing — geometry and drawing data arrive structured into your logic.

03

Webshop & configurator

Your customers upload CAD files — you deliver instant pricing. STEP Reader extracts geometry in seconds, PDF Reader adds tolerances and surfaces.

04

Work preparation

PDF Reader structures drawing data for work prep — dimensions, tolerances, threads — as JSON instead of typed manually. Saves 10-15 minutes per request.

05

Procurement

The Assembly Decomposer auto-identifies purchased parts — screws, bearings, fasteners — and hands them directly to purchasing, separate from manufactured parts.

06

Production planning

STEP Reader classifies parts by machining technology (turning, milling, sheet metal). Routing in your production planning runs automatically.

How integration works

Three steps from API key to production use.

i

Get the API key

After our intro call you get sandbox credentials — free, no setup. Endpoint, docs and example requests included.

ii

Test the integration

Send STEP or PDF files to the endpoint and verify the JSON response in your environment. We support your first roll-out — by phone, on a call, or with a pull request to your repo.

iii

Go to production

Switch to the production endpoint with an individual volume plan. Monitoring, SLA and support per agreement. Self-hosting on request.

Pricing

On request — individually by volume.

Microservices are priced individually by volume and integration depth. Get in touch — we discuss your use cases and put together a tailored model.

Pay-per-call
Billed per API call — ideal for low volumes and pilot projects.
Volume plan
Monthly package with tiered price per call — for steady production use.
Self-hosting
Dedicated tenant in your cloud or on-premise — for specific compliance requirements.
Frequently asked

What you should know about our microservices.

What are CAD/CAM microservices?
Microservices are specialised APIs that automate single tasks in CAD/CAM workflows — for example reading a STEP file, extracting technical data from a PDF drawing, or decomposing an assembly into its parts. They integrate via HTTP/REST into your existing systems — ERP, PLM, configurators, your own quoting tools.
What do goCAD Microservices cost?
Microservices are priced individually by volume and integration depth. Get in touch for a concrete quote — we discuss your use cases, load profiles and integration needs and put together a tailored model.
How fast do the APIs respond?
Typical response times are 1–15 seconds depending on the microservice and file size. STEP and PDF readers usually process parts in under 5 seconds; the Assembly Decomposer completes even larger assemblies in under 15 seconds.
Where is data processed?
By default microservices run on goCAD servers in Germany — GDPR-compliant, with a Data Processing Agreement (DPA). For customers with specific requirements we also offer a self-hosting model or dedicated tenants in your cloud environment.
Which file formats are supported?
STEP Reader and Assembly Decomposer support STEP (AP203, AP214, AP242) and IGES. The PDF Reader supports PDF drawings from all common CAD systems (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, Creo, NX, FreeCAD). DXF can be added on request.
How long does integration take?
A first production integration is typically possible within 1-2 days for standard REST stacks. For more complex setups (ERP integrations, custom frontends) we offer 0.5-3 consultant days of support — depending on depth.

Let's talk about your integration.

30 minutes — you show us your current workflow, we show you which microservices fit and what a concrete integration would look like.

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