3D Design with OpenSCAD

Vicky Sommavicky@tgaw.com@TGAWhttp://tgaw.wordpress.comhttp://www.Shapeways.com/shops/tgaw

This presentation is on SlideShare at: http://www.slideshare.net/VickyTGAW/3d-design-with-openscad

OpenSCAD – Download• Free 3D Modeling Software• Available for Windows, Linux, and MacOS• Good at “clean” models (taking some of

worry out of the process– you can be oblivious to “non-manifold” and “bad face normals”)

• Because it’s instruction-base, it’s easy to visualize measurements and come back and tweak it

http://www.openscad.org/downloads.html

OpenSCAD – User ManualDon’t Be Intimidated! You Don’t Have to Memorize the Syntax!

Online User Manualhttps://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual

Quick Cheat Sheethttp://www.openscad.org/cheatsheet/

OpenSCAD – Anatomy of User Interface

Text Editor – Where we put our instructions (“code”)

Viewing Area – Your handiwork! Renders of the model.

Console – Technical information about what’s going on (progress on rendering, any error messages)

OpenSCAD – Text Editor Commands

Icons to create new files, save, undo, redo, indent, preview, render, and most importantly for 3D Printing-- export to STL format.

OpenSCAD – Text Editor to Viewing Area

To see how your work looks, you can:• Use Preview ( ) or Render ( ) icons• Use the Design->Preview or Design->Render menu options• Or the fastest option - use F5 for Preview and F6 for Render

OpenSCAD – Viewing Area Commands

Commands for Viewing, Rendering, Zooming In, Changing Views, Turning On or Off Axis and Measurements Display, Showing Edges Versus Faces

OpenSCAD – The Mouse & the Viewing Area

• Left clicking and dragging allows you to rotate your view• Right clicking and dragging pans the view• Scroll wheel allows you to zoom in and out

OpenSCAD – Syntax Common Themes• ; - The end of an instruction (ie make a cube;)

• // - A comment or label– for your purposes– will be ignored by the viewing area

• { } - Grouping of commands

• [x,y,z] – “Vectors” (Coordinates, 3D sizes)

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/General

OpenSCAD – Primitive Objects – Cube

cube([10,10,10]); cube([10,20,30]);cube([x, y, z]);

Draws 3D boxesNot necessarily perfect cubes – you can make rectangles with it as well.

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Primitive_Solids#cube

OpenSCAD – Primitive Objects – Cylinder

cylinder(r=10,h=22);

cylinder(r1=10,r2=3,h=22);cylinder(r=x,h=z);cylinder(r1=x,r2=y,h=z);

Draws cylinders – and not necessarily perfect cylinders

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Primitive_Solids#cylinder

OpenSCAD – Primitive Objects – Cylinder

cylinder(r1=9, r2=0, h=9, $fn=4);

$fn parameter controls # of fragmentsIncrease– you can make really smooth objectsDecrease it– you can make Triangles, Pentagons, Pyramids, etc.

cylinder(r=9,$fn=3);cylinder(r=9,h=10,$fn=300);

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Primitive_Solids#cylinder

OpenSCAD – Primitive Objects – Sphere

sphere(d=22); sphere(d=22, $fn=100);sphere(d=x);Draws spheres – and you can control resolution

$fn parameter controls how smooth it looks

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Primitive_Solids#sphere

OpenSCAD – Primitive Objects

You can build a lot out of standard shapes

OpenSCAD – Primitive ObjectsYou can build a lot out of these standard shapes- “Bipedal Mech” by Mathew Ridgehttp://shpws.me/GQX5

OpenSCAD – 2D Objects - Text

text("TGAW");

Text(“x”);Draws text. Text is great for customizing your models, engraving, and embossing.

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Text

OpenSCAD – 2D Objects - TextText(“x”, Font=“Font Name”);Since OpenSCAD is installed on your machine, you can use any font already on your machine!

text("TGAW", font="Rockwell Extra Bold");

text("TGAW", font="Old English Text MT");

text("TGAW", font="Wingdings");

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Text

OpenSCAD – 2D Objects - Polygons

polygon([[-24,0],[0,0],[0,32] ,[-16,32],[-15,28],[-13,24] ,[-12,20],[-12,15],[-13,10]

,[-15,6],[-19,3]]);

Polygon([x1,y1],[x2,y2],etc);You specify the points to make customized shapes (which you can then extrude to 3D if needed)

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/2D_Primitives#polygon

OpenSCAD – 2D Objects - Polygons

Need visual help making Polygons?

http://daid.eu/~daid/3d

A graphical interface that builds your polygon code for you.

OpenSCAD – 2D to 3D

linear_extrude(height = 10)polygon([[-24,0],[0,0],[0,32],[-16,32] ,[-15,28],[-13,24],[-12,20],[-12,15] ,[-13,10],[-15,6],[-19,3]]);

Linear_Extrude(height=x)Makes your 2D object (circle, square, polygon) 3DIt can even twist the object as it grows up

NO SEMICOLON AFTER IT (It’s not the end of the statement– we have to tell it what to extrude)

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/2D_to_3D_Extrusion#Linear_Extrude

OpenSCAD – 2D to 3D

linear_extrude(height = 20, center = false , $fn = 100, twist=30)text("TGAW");

Linear_Extrude(height=x, twist=degrees)Works on text and you can do fancy stuff like twisting

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/2D_to_3D_Extrusion#Linear_Extrude

OpenSCAD – 2D to 3D

rotate_extrude(convexity = 10, $fn=300)polygon([[-24,0],[0,0],[0,32],[-16,32],[-15,28] ,[13,24],[-12,20],[-12,15],[-13,10] ,[-15,6],[-19,3]]);

Rotate_Extrude()Your 2D object (circle, square, polygon) is rotated around to make a 3D object (like a cross section)

NO SEMICOLON AFTER ITIt’s not the end of the statement-- we need to tell it what to extrude.

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/2D_to_3D_Extrusion#Rotate_Extrude

OpenSCAD – Import STL

import("C:\\Downloads\\VT.stl",convexity=10);

import(filepath, convexity=10);The import function lets you bring in existing 3D models into your project.

Note: In Your filepath, backslashes need to be doubled.C:\Downloads\MyStl.stl -> C:\\Downloads\\MyStl.stl

Tip: If you are using other people’s models, be sure to check and respect their licensing

(http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:818805 by GlynnLo)

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Importing_Geometry

OpenSCAD Basics – Transformations - Translate

cube([22,22,5]);

sphere(d=22, $fn=100);

cube([22,22,5]);

translate([11,11,0])sphere(d=22, $fn=100);

translate([x,y,z])Translate MOVES objects– lets you define the how far to move along each of the axes.

NO SEMICOLON AFTER IT (It’s not the end of the statement– we have to tell it what to translate)

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Transformations#translate

OpenSCAD – Transformations – Rotate

rotate([x,y,z])Rotate angles the object.

Guide to the axis is in your preview panel

NO SEMICOLON AFTER IT (It’s not the end of the statement– we have to tell it what to rotate)

It’s Okay if you Need Some Trial and Error : )

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Transformations#rotate

OpenSCAD - Transformations – Rotate

rotate([0,-45,0])cube([22,22,5]);

rotate([0,0,30])cube([22,22,5]);

rotate([x,y,z])

rotate([30,-45,30])cube([22,22,5]);

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Transformations#rotate

OpenSCAD - Transformations – Resizeresize([x,y,z],auto=true|false)Resize allows you to make your object different sizes where x, y, and z are your new dimensions

NO SEMICOLON AFTER IT (It’s not the end of the statement– we have to tell it what to resize)

If auto=false, anything left zero stays the same.

If auto=true, anything left zero is sized proportionally. resize([200,0,10], auto=true)import("VT.stl", convexity=10);

resize([200,0,10], auto=false)import("VT.stl", convexity=10);

import("VT.stl", convexity=10);

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Transformations#resize

OpenSCAD – CSG ModelingCSG stands for Constructive Solid Geometry. You don’t need to remember that

Do Remember:• Powerful!• Combines your primitive parts/objects. • Adding, Subtracting, Intersections

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructive_solid_geometry#/media/File:Csg_tree.png

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/CSG_Modelling

OpenSCAD – CSG Modeling - UnionAdds objects into a one

union () { object1; object2;}

union(){ cube([5,10,5]); translate([5,10,2.5]) { rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=5, $fn=30); } translate([5,0,2.5]) { rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=5, $fn=30); }}

Two cylinders and a cube

After union – single rounded object

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/CSG_Modelling#union

OpenSCAD – CSG Modeling - DifferenceSubtracts objects from each otherdifference () { object1; object2;}

difference(){ cube([5,10,5]); translate([5.5,10,2.5]) { rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=6, $fn=30); } translate([5.5,-1,2.5]) { rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=6, $fn=30); }}

Two cylinders and a cube

After “subtracting” the cylinders from the cube

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/CSG_Modelling#difference

OpenSCAD – CSG Modeling - DifferencePractical Use of Difference – Engraving Text!difference(){ cube([5,10,5]); translate([5.5,10,2.5]) { rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=6, $fn=30); } translate([5.5,-1,2.5]) { rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=6, $fn=30); }

translate([2,6.5,0.5]) rotate([90,0,-90]) linear_extrude(height=2) text("V", font="Old English Text MT", size=4);}

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/CSG_Modelling#difference

OpenSCAD – CSG Modeling - IntersectionTakes where both objects overlap (like a Venn Diagram)intersection () { object1; object2;}

intersection(){ cylinder(r=5,h=3); translate([4,0,0]) cylinder(r=5, h=3);}

Two cylinders

Intersection – an Almond Shape

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/CSG_Modelling#intersection

OpenSCAD – CSG Modeling - IntersectionPractical Use of Intersection – Curving Details!

intersection(){ sphere(r=9.25, $fn=100); resize([0,0,11],auto=false) resize([12,0,0], auto=true) import("VT.stl", convexity=10);}

A sphere and a VT Logo Intersection – A curved VT Logo

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/CSG_Modelling#intersection

OpenSCAD – CSG Modeling - CombinationsPractical Use of Intersection – Curving Details!

union(){ sphere(r=9, $fn=100); intersection() { sphere(r=9.25, $fn=100); resize([0,0,11],auto=false) resize([12,0,0], auto=true) import("VT.stl", convexity=10); }}

Add a slightly smaller sphere and we have a curved, embossed VT logo on a sphere.

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/CSG_Modelling

OpenSCAD – Advanced - ModulesTo help readability and reusability, you can make modules.module name(){ //your code }

module base_sphere(){ sphere(r=9, $fn=100); }

module curved_VT(){ intersection() { sphere(r=9.25, $fn=100); resize([0,0,11],auto=false) resize([12,0,0], auto=true) import("VT.stl", convexity=10); } }

union(){ base_sphere(); curved_VT(); }

union(){ sphere(r=9, $fn=100); intersection() { sphere(r=9.25, $fn=100); resize([0,0,11],auto=false) resize([12,0,0], auto=true) import("VT.stl", convexity=10); }}

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Modules

Fun Fact – All objects in a model are already merged into one, no unions necessary

OpenSCAD – Advanced - LoopsLoops are powerful for repeated tasksfor ( i = [start : increment : end] ) { //your code } for (i=[0:5:15]){ translate([i,0,0]) cylinder(r=1, h=15, $fn=36); }

Translation– We are going to start at 0. Every 5 mm, draw a cylinder until we reach 15mm.

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Conditional_and_Iterator_Functions#For_Loop

OpenSCAD – Advanced - Loops“Nested Loops”for ( i = [start : increment : end], j = [start : increment : end] ) { //your code } for (i=[0:5:15],j=[0:5:20]){ translate([i,j,0]) cylinder(r=1, h=15, $fn=36); }

Translation– We going to end up with 20 pegs in 4 columns and 5 rows.

Reference: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/OpenSCAD_User_Manual/Conditional_and_Iterator_Functions#For_Loop

OpenSCAD – TroubleshootingHaving Unexpected Results?

• Check Your Syntax(maybe there’s a semi colon after a translate)• Check the Console for error messages (which would include a

line number)

OpenSCAD – Troubleshooting• echo allows you to send details to the Console

• // allows you to comment out instructions so you can narrow down the culprit

echo("i:", i, " j:", j);

OpenSCAD – Troubleshooting• # allows you to have objects highlighted

difference(){ cube([5,10,5]); translate([5.5,10,2.5]) { rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=6, $fn=30); } translate([5.5,-1,2.5]) { #rotate([0,-90,0]) cylinder(d=5, h=6, $fn=30); }}

OpenSCAD – Saving and Exporting• Be sure to Save your code often

• When you’re ready to print, you’ll want to Export to STL file.• Pre-requisite– Do your official render (F6).• The system will remind you. : )

OpenSCAD – Code Scavenging!

OpenSCAD even comes with its OWN examples which you can open, review, and tweak to meet your needs.

OpenSCAD – Code Scavenging!

Thingiverse has a OpenSCAD area full of shared source code– just search “OpenSCAD”

http://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=OpenSCAD

You can download the final .STL file AND the original .SCAD files, so you can read and find out how it was made.

OpenSCAD – Code Scavenging!

• OpenSCAD Community Forumshttp://www.openscad.org/community.html

• OpenSCAD reddithttp://www.reddit.com/r/OpenSCAD/

• Good ole Google

OpenSCAD – OpenJSCAD

http://openjscad.org• Web-based• Has its own JavaScript, object-oriented

language• BUT 95% of the OpenSCAD Language is

supported

Quick Tips• User Guide at

https://github.com/Spiritdude/OpenJSCAD.org/wiki/User-Guide• //!OpenSCAD at the top tells it you’re using OpenSCAD• Shift-Enter in the “Text Editor” renders• Holding down the Left or Right Mouse Button lets you rotate the

View Pane • Holding down Shift Left Mouse Button lets you pan in the View Pane

THANK YOU!!!

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Vicky Sommavicky@tgaw.com