Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
OpenSCAD
There's a great tool called OpenSCAD that you might find useful once you get
comfortable using your 3D printer and creating 3D models. It's a bit more ad-
vanced than typical visual tools like Tinkercad or the 123D apps, but OpenSCAD
can be an important tool.
First, open a web browser and point it to
www.openscad.org
.
Before panic sets in,
let me explain what you're seeing. You probably saw the word “Programmer” on
the screen and got a bit nervous (I know I did), and I will admit that OpenSCAD
does create 3D models in a different manner than most 3D modeling applications.
An entire book could be written on the intricacies of OpenSCAD, so I can't go
too deep into how to use this tool. But just for a moment, think back to the g-code
that you saw created (back in
Chapter 6
,
“
Free 3D Modeling Software
”) that in-
structs the 3D printer motors on how to operate. That g-code is simply text. Want
the hot-end to move up 10mm? Send a g-code command of Z10. Want the hot-end
to move 20mm toward the front of the print bed? Issue a g-code command of Y20.
It's just code. You get a pretty drawing on the screen of your 3D model, but be-
hind the scenes, all those lines and curves are nothing but simple math equations
as shown in
Figure 9.5
.
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