Worked Examples: SolidWorks MCP + Agent Workflow¶

This page shows three practical reconstruction examples using the same inspect -> classify -> delegate loop:

Read the original model state.
Classify the feature family before writing geometry.
Build with direct MCP tools only when the family supports it.
Compare against mass properties and visual output.
Reflect and tighten the next prompt.

Example 1: Paper Airplane (Feature-Tree Audit)¶

Source file: C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2026\samples\learn\Paper Airplane.SLDPRT

Example 1 Stage 1: Read¶

open_model(file_path="...\\Paper Airplane.SLDPRT")
get_model_info()
list_features(include_suppressed=True)
get_mass_properties()
classify_feature_tree(include_suppressed=True)

Observed result:

Field	Value
Family	`sheet_metal`
Recommended workflow	`vba-sheet-metal`
Confidence	`high`
Why	Feature tree contains sheet-metal markers and bend/fold style operations

Example 1 Stage 2: Plan¶

Use the feature tree and classifier output as the source of truth.
Do not simplify this into a silhouette-only extrusion.
Generate a dependency-preserving sheet-metal reconstruction strategy and flag VBA boundaries.

Example 1 Stage 3: Build¶

Use a delegated plan that preserves:
1. Base feature
2. Downstream bend/flange dependencies
3. Any unfold/fold state transitions

Example 1 Stage 4: Compare¶

Check	Original	Rebuild target
Family	`sheet_metal`	`sheet_metal`
Dependency order	Base + bends/folds	Same pattern
Validation signal	Feature tree first	Mass + image second

Example 1 Stage 5: Reflect¶

Worked	Change next time
Classifier blocked wrong direct extrude path	Always classify before geometry planning
Audit exposed true root feature	Treat silhouette as secondary evidence

Example 2: Baseball Bat (Classifier-Backed Revolve)¶

Source file: C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2026\samples\learn\Baseball Bat.SLDPRT

Example 2 Stage 1: Read¶

open_model(file_path="...\\Baseball Bat.SLDPRT")
get_model_info()
list_features(include_suppressed=True)
get_mass_properties()
classify_feature_tree(include_suppressed=True)

Classifier result:

Field	Value
Family	`revolve`
Recommended workflow	`direct-mcp-revolve`
Confidence	`high`

Example 2 Stage 2: Plan¶

Confirm revolve family first.
Create a half-profile sketch with a centerline axis.
Pause for human review before create_revolve.

Example 2 Stage 3: Build¶

create_part(name="baseball_bat_rebuild")
create_sketch(plane="Front")
add_centerline(x1=0, y1=0, x2=210, y2=0)
# ...add profile lines...
exit_sketch()
create_revolve(sketch_name="Sketch1", axis_entity="Centerline1", angle=360)

Example 2 Stage 4: Compare¶

Check	Original	Rebuild
Family	`revolve`	`revolve`
Axis-based profile	Yes	Yes
Mass/image sanity	Required	Required

Example 2 Stage 5: Reflect¶

Worked	Change next time
Classifier gave safe direct-MCP route	Keep the human review checkpoint before revolve
Fast build sequence	Add arc fidelity when supported

Example 3: U-Joint Pin (Classifier-Backed Next Sample)¶

Source file: C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2026\samples\learn\U-Joint\pin.sldprt

Example 3 Stage 1: Read¶

open_model(file_path="...\\U-Joint\\pin.sldprt")
get_model_info()
list_features(include_suppressed=True)
get_mass_properties()
classify_feature_tree(include_suppressed=True)

Classifier-first decision:

Field	Value
Family	expected `revolve` or `advanced_solid` depending on tree
Decision gate	If `revolve` -> direct MCP. If `advanced_solid` -> VBA-aware plan
Rule	Do not start with assumed cylinder-only geometry

Example 3 Stage 2: Plan¶

Use classifier evidence first.
If family is revolve:
- build a centerline-based half profile and revolve.
If family is advanced_solid:
- emit VBA-backed reconstruction steps and keep direct MCP for only supported features.

Example 3 Stage 3: Build¶

# Branch A: direct revolve path
create_part(name="ujoint_pin_rebuild")
create_sketch(plane="Front")
add_centerline(x1=0, y1=0, x2=60, y2=0)
# ...profile...
exit_sketch()
create_revolve(sketch_name="Sketch1", axis_entity="Centerline1", angle=360)

# Branch B: VBA-aware path
1. Preserve feature-family ordering from list_features.
2. Generate macro-backed steps for unsupported operations.
3. Re-check mass properties and image output after execution.

Example 3 Stage 4: Compare¶

Check	Expected
Family alignment	Rebuild family matches classifier + original tree
Build path alignment	Direct MCP only for supported features
Validation	Mass properties within tolerance and visual sanity

Example 3 Stage 5: Reflect¶

Worked	Change next time
Classifier prevented blind geometry assumptions	Add feature-level dependency notes into the planning prompt
Branching plan reduced rework	Keep explicit gate between direct MCP and VBA paths

Reusable Template¶

open_model(file_path="C:\\path\\to\\part.SLDPRT")
get_model_info()
list_features(include_suppressed=True)
get_mass_properties()
classify_feature_tree(include_suppressed=True)

# Decide workflow from classifier:
# - direct-mcp-extrude
# - direct-mcp-revolve
# - vba-sheet-metal
# - vba-advanced-solid
# - assembly-planning
# - drawing-review

Prompt pattern:
"Use the attached get_model_info, list_features, get_mass_properties, and
classify_feature_tree outputs as source of truth. Propose only the next
few reconstruction steps, preserve parent-child dependencies, and pause
before the first irreversible feature operation."

Common Failure Modes¶

Failure	Root cause	Guardrail
Wrong family selected	Planned from silhouette only	Always run classifier before planning
Correct shape but wrong method	Dependency chain collapsed	Preserve tree order in prompt
Tool errors mid-build	Unsupported feature path	Route unsupported families to VBA plan

Next Steps¶

Expand U-Joint coverage from pin to yoke and spider with the same classifier gate.
Add structured capture_part_state records to feed retrieval indexing.
Use retrieval evidence snippets directly in planning prompts for provenance.