Using OpenSCAD to build custom 3D pieces Build Your Own Body
Final Piece
Listing 6 shows how you would bring all the bits and pieces together. You import all the modules from their files (lines 1 to 3), then subtract the slots and holes from the body (lines 5 to 8), and finally add the reinforcement beam (line 10).
Listing 6
support.scad
01 use <body.scad>;
02 use <reinforcement.scad>;
03 use <slots.scad>;
04
05 difference () {
06 body();
07 slots();
08 }
09
10 reinforcement();
Press F6 to build the piece and then use the STL button at the end of the editor's toolbar to export the piece to STL.
You can then use a slicer like Cura [3] (Figure 10 again) to make the object ready for your printer. Cura is available in the repositories of most Linux distributions and will open your STL file. Cura also comes with configurations for many of the most popular printers. Choose yours from the list, and it will allow you to place, rotate, and scale your object, as well as let you set the resolution and infill, and so on.
Just in case, the piece you have seen in this article does require supports, as you can see in Figure 11.
Conclusion
Although this example is very specific, you should be able to use the object for your own printer even if it is a different model with some minor tweaks.
The more interesting point is that, with OpenSCAD, you can create pretty complex pieces that then translate into real world, useful objects. The potential for these kinds of things is huge, and OpenSCAD is a good way to reach it.
Infos
- "Designing Your Own Stuff with OpenSCAD" by Paul Brown, Linux Magazine, issue 222, May 2019, pp. 90-94, http://www.linux-magazine.com/Issues/2019/222/Designing-your-own-stuff-with-OpenSCAD
- OpenSCAD: http://www.openscad.org/
- Cura: https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-cura-software
« Previous 1 2
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
The First Point Release For Ubuntu 22.04 is Now Available
Canonical has released the first point upgrade for Jammy Jellyfish which includes important new toolchains and fixes.
-
Kali Linux 2022.3 Released
From the creators of the most popular penetration testing distributions on the planet, comes a new release with some new tools and a community, real-time chat option.
-
The 14" Pinebook Pro Linux Laptop is Shipping
After a considerable delay, the 14" version of the Pinebook Pro laptop is, once again, available for purchase.
-
OpenMandriva Lx ROME Technical Preview Released
OpenMandriva’s rolling release distribution technical preview has been released for testing purposes and adds some of the latest/greatest software into the mix.
-
Linux Mint 21 is Now Available
The latest iteration of Linux Mint, codenamed Vanessa, has been released with a new upgrade tool and other fantastic features.
-
Firefox Adds Long-Anticipated Feature
Firefox 103 has arrived and it now includes a feature users have long awaited…sort of.
-
System76 Refreshes Their Popular Oryx Pro Laptop with a New CPU
The System76 Oryx Pro laptop has been relaunched with a 12th Gen CPU and more powerful graphics options.
-
Elive Has Released a New Beta
The Elive team is proud to announce the latest beta version (3.8.30) of its Enlightenment-centric Linux distribution.
-
Rocky Linux 9 Has Arrived
The latest iteration of Rocky Linux is now available and includes a host of new features and support for new architecture.
-
Slimbook Executive Linux Ultrabook Upgrading Their CPUs
The Spanish-based company, Slimbook, has made available their next generation Slimbook Executive Linux ultrabooks with a 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake CPU.