That's a great workflow — OpenSCAD is code-based, so you just describe what you want and I write the script. Perfect for parametric bike frame geometry where everything is defined by numbers.
But there's actually an even better option for your needs: CadQuery — it's a Python CAD library that works the same way (you prompt, I code) but exports STEP files directly, which factories prefer over OpenSCAD's STL. cadexchanger
| OpenSCAD | CadQuery (Python) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Script → 3D model | Python → 3D model |
| AI-promptable | ✅ | ✅ |
| STEP export (factory-ready) | ❌ STL only | ✅ native STEP |
| Curved tubes / fillets | Weak | Strong (NURBS) |
| Blender import | ✅ via STL | ✅ via STEP or STL |
| Parametric | ✅ | ✅ |
For a bike frame with curved seatstays, tube intersections, and smooth welds — CadQuery handles that much better than OpenSCAD's polygon mesh approach.
- You sketch on iPad — proportions, vibe
- You prompt me — "make the downtube 50mm OD, 581mm long, at 41° from horizontal, with a 435mm cutout on the underside..."
- I write the code — CadQuery or OpenSCAD, run it here
- You get files — STEP for factory, STL for Blender renders
- Blender on your Mac — materials, lighting, Instagram shots
Want me to test a quick CadQuery setup now with a basic frame triangle to see if it runs, or save it for after your sketch tomorrow?
That's still great — the M1 GPU handles WebGPU/WebGL rendering well. Lighttracer's web version runs directly on your GPU in the browser, so the M1's unified memory architecture actually helps since it shares RAM between CPU and GPU. [lighttracer](https://lighttracer.org)
Both Lighttracer and Vectary will work fine on M1 MacBook in Safari or Chrome. The renders might take a few seconds longer than on your M4 Mac Mini, but for a single bike frame STL it won't be an issue — it's not like rendering a full scene with thousands of objects.
Just go to [lighttracer.org/web.html](https://lighttracer.org/web.html), drag your STL in, and try it. If it feels sluggish, Chrome tends to have better WebGPU support than Safari on Mac. [develop3d](https://develop3d.com/visualisation/light-tracer-render-2-3-offers-1500-pbr-materials/)