Backflip AI

Overview

Backflip AI is a CAD copilot built on a foundation model trained on CAD rather than on meshes. Its main tool is scan-to-CAD: it takes a 3D scan or other mesh data and rebuilds it as native parametric geometry with a feature tree, sketch constraints and external references, constructed from standard operations such as extrude, revolve, pattern, chamfer and fillet, so a dimension can be changed afterwards instead of the result arriving frozen. The company puts a conversion at one to five minutes per part. A second tool generates 3D-printable parts from text or photo prompts, the capability it launched with in December 2024 alongside a 30 million dollar Series A. Backflip runs as an add-in inside Autodesk Fusion and as a browser app, exports STEP, and is sold on monthly credits: Fast Mode jobs cost 10 credits and Thinking Mode jobs 50, with a free account carrying 60 credits and paid plans from 20 dollars a month.

Best for mechanical engineers who need a 3D scan or mesh turned back into editable parametric CAD.

Backflip is the pick when the thing you want in 3D already exists as a physical part, and the reason to reach for it over a general AI 3D generator is that the result stays engineerable: a feature tree you can edit is worth more to a mechanical workflow than a watertight mesh. That focus is also the limit, so anyone after textured characters or props for a game or a render should look elsewhere in this category. Costs are credit-based and do not accumulate, which suits steady reverse-engineering work better than occasional bursts.

Key Facts

Features

What it makes

Editable parametric CAD from 3D scans and mesh files, plus 3D-printable parts from text or photo prompts

Detail and topology

Native parametric CAD with a feature tree, sketch constraints and external references, built from extrude, revolve, pattern, chamfer and fillet operations rather than a frozen mesh

Rigging and textures

No. The result is parametric CAD geometry with a feature tree, so it carries no materials, textures or rigging

Speed

One to five minutes per part for scan-to-CAD

Export and pipeline fit

Autodesk Fusion add-in and a browser app, with STEP export; plug-ins for Onshape and other CAD packages announced

Commercial use

Backflip claims no ownership of inputs or outputs and states that, between the two of you, you own your content. It does not guarantee that the output is exclusively yours or free of third-party rights, and it leaves the legality and suitability of anything you produce or print to you

API

No public API is published. Backflip is used through the Autodesk Fusion add-in and the browser app

Integrations

• Autodesk Fusion

Deployment and Support

Deployment

• Cloud (SaaS)
• Browser-based

Support

• Email helpdesk

Company size

• Freelancers
• Small and mid-sized
• Enterprise

Suitability

The table combines the industries the vendor addresses with the company sizes the tool is aimed at. An empty cell means the combination is not stated, not that it is ruled out.

Pros and Cons

Pricing

• Free

  $0

  60 credits to try the scan-to-CAD tools, no credit card required.

• Builder

  $20

  Per month, 100 credits. Aimed at individual and casual users.

• Pro

  $50

  Per month, 300 credits. Aimed at power users and small teams.

• Business

  $380

  Per month, 2,500 credits.

• Enterprise

  Not stated

  Custom pricing and a custom credit allocation.

Best For

• Architecture & Engineering
• Technology

Alternatives and Comparisons

What users say

Reviews

Share your experience

Write a Review