Import and Edit CAD Files in Flux
Flux is an AI hardware engineer. It imports mechanical parts and assemblies, edits their models, and keeps each original file unchanged.
Import native CAD files
Attach the CAD files in chat and ask Flux to import them.
You can also do it in the editor. Use the mechanical import flow to bring native part and assembly files into the project library.
Open the project that needs the models.
Select Flux menu → Import → 3D part or assembly….
In Import Parts, select Choose files or Choose folder, or drop files into the dialog.
Select the parts that you want to add.
Select Import N parts to add the selected models to the library.
Select Import more parts to add another group, or select Close when you finish.
Select Copy report when you want to copy the import summary.
The dialog accepts SOLIDWORKS .sldprt and .sldasm files, NX and other Parasolid-based tools' .x_t and .x_b files, and Fusion .f3d and .f3z files. Each import creates new parts in the library. Flux keeps your existing library parts as they are.
You can drop several files and formats into the dialog at once. Choose the parts in the next step. For an assembly, Flux keeps the position, color, and repeated instances of its parts.
Add CAD and design assets
Attach the file in chat and ask Flux to add it to the project.
To do it in the UI, add a model as a project asset when you want to keep the file with the project or ask Flux to edit it.
Open Assets in the Inspector.
Select Manage Assets.
Select Add Item.
Choose a file from your computer or drop it into the asset area.
Ask Flux to inspect or edit the new model asset.
Project assets can include STEP (.step, .stp, .stpz), IGES (.iges, .igs), BREP (.brep), mesh (.stl, .obj, .glb, .gltf), DXF, SVG, and editable CAD code assets. You can also add images such as PNG, JPG, and HEIC files to the project.
Use an asset for a model that Flux will edit or reference in the project. Use the mechanical import menu when you want a new library part. Both flows keep files organized with your product work.
Edit an imported model
Ask Flux to change the imported model. Name the part and give the new dimensions.
Flux measures an imported model and converts its parts to editable CAD code. Describe the change in terms of the feature, dimension, or relationship that matters to your design.
Import a part or assembly, or add a model asset.
Tell Flux which part to change.
Give the new dimensions or describe the feature to add, move, or remove.
Ask Flux to preserve the details that must stay fixed, such as mounting faces, hole spacing, or neighboring parts.
Ask Flux to save the updated model to the project.
Flux saves each edit as a new model asset. The original file stays unchanged in the project. For an assembly, Flux keeps the positions, colors, and repeated instances of the other parts. You can compare the original and edited models in the project and continue from either one.
Describe a model by its part name or its role in the assembly. Give dimensions in a clear unit, such as millimeters. State the relationship between a changed feature and the surfaces around it. For example, name the face that a mounting hole must remain centered on.
Continue in your CAD tool
Ask Flux to export the edited part as STEP.
You can also do it in the project assets.
Export an edited part as STEP when you want to continue the work in the CAD tool your team uses.
Ask Flux to save the edited part as a model asset.
Open the project asset and choose the STEP output.
Download the STEP file.
Open the file in your CAD tool and continue your work.
STEP provides a practical handoff between Flux and your team's CAD workflow. Keep the source asset in Flux with your project so the part remains connected to the board, assembly, and product requirements.