OpenSCAD: 3D Model Programming

In a recent trip to the local FabLab, I learned about a cool 3D modeling tool unlike most others.  In OpenSCAD, you write code to make models.

It is really cool and fast to make very precise 3D models.

Here's a quick code sample that defines a procedure to make cones, then calls it!

To run it in openSCAD:

F5: quick visualize

F6: compile and check (note, this code is only to demo the programming, it cannot generate a proper STL file for 3D printing)

// cone construction defs

r_upper=0.5;

r_lower= 20;

// the next var determines how 'smooth' the curves are

definition=100;

// cone placement defs

cone_height=20;

cone_h_step=10;

cone_step= 2*r_lower;

// this makes a single cone of 'height' tall,

// at [0,0,0]

module cone(height){

  cylinder(h=height,

           r1=r_lower,

           r2=r_upper,

           $fn=definition);

}

// this makes 'nb' cones,

// each is taller than the previous,

// while shifting them along the x-axis

// note:this code will not make STL, because of 'holes'

module make_cones(nb){

  for (i= [0:nb-1]){

    translate([cone_step*i,0,0])

      cone(cone_height+(cone_h_step*i));

  }

}

// this does the work

make_cones(3);

Here's the Result:

Cool, eh?