Is anyone around here using OpenSCAD for creating models for 3D printing?

I've just recently discovered it and I find it very cool. I've been using mainly Tinkercad and some Fusion 360 before, but I'm not nearly as good at Fusion 360 to be any productive, and as much as I love Tinkercad, I find it difficult to create more complex models there. Mainly I miss more advanced undo/redo and previous steps history. Another thing that really bugs in Tinkercad me is the rotation functionality. It's pretty much impossible to resize an object after it was rotated, the rotation is somewhat fixed (so for example rotating first around Z axis and then Y axis is not working as I would expect). I acknowledge that I might be missing some settings/options that would address those issues, but nevertheless.

So here comes OpenSCAD: it's pretty much programming and 3D designing combined! Perfect for me as I do programming for living - this way of thinking/workflow comes natural to me. You can compose more complex shapes out of simple primitives, use variables, iteration loops for generating shapes, conditions etc. Perfect.

I've only just stared playing around with it, but I already see the potential.

Yup - OpenSCAD my main program for 3D design!  Glad to see someone else has discovered it!

I've tried learning Fusion 360, but as a former computer science teacher and programmer, OpenSCAD just matches the way I think.

The most involved object I have designed (and built) using OpenSCAD is an entire 3D printer: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:918072
(Check out my other things - I've included a lot of my .SCAD files.)






(The attached is an animated GIF of the above.)

I shall give OpenSCAD a try!! I mostly use solidworks but like to keep some skill in the more basic software so i can help people out

OpenSCAD doesn't have "free-form" tools (like F360), so designing nice "flowing" shapes (like canopies) isn't easy/possible:


But for many things, I find it much quicker and easier.

I use Fusion360 since it was the most talked software when I got my 3D printer, however I could give OpenSCAD a try since I don't use those mesh and flow thingies

Maybe this weekend if I got the time.

Hi everyone!I'll take advantage of this thread (excuse me sir) to ask you for some advice about #D printing and design.
Recently i got an Ender 3 in exchange for my PS4 Pro (my brothe had the printer so e exchange machines, i'llgive him my PS4 after buying the PS5 ) and i'm really lost ith 3D modeling; i wonder if you know some good youtube tutorials for an easy and (preferible free) 3D modeling software. Thank you!

No problem mate

Usually a good starting point to the world of 3D modelling is Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/) - it's free, runs completely in web browser, is really easy to use for basic stuff and even I, who is a complete 3D modelling noob, was able to put together quite nice and useful models. Plus there's tons of existing models which you can use and modify. Pro tip: it works to copy (ctrl+c) a model or a part of it from one design opened in one browser tab and paste it to another design opened in another browser tab.

Next level is usually Fusion 360, which is a full blown 3D modelling software. It's free for hobbyists and students and it's very powerful. The learning curve is quite steep, but there's tons of resources, tutorials and forum discussions online.

I don't have much experience with other tools. But there's another thread where the OP is asking about similar topic right here, you might want to check it out too https://intofpv.com/t-looking-for-a-mode...-tinkercad

(24-Mar-2020, 05:03 PM)izzy26 Wrote: No problem mate

Usually a good starting point to the world of 3D modelling is Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/) - it's free, runs completely in web browser, is really easy to use for basic stuff and even I, who is a complete 3D modelling noob, was able to put together quite nice and useful models. Plus there's tons of existing models which you can use and modify. Pro tip: it works to copy (ctrl+c) a model or a part of it from one design opened in one browser tab and paste it to another design opened in another browser tab.

Next level is usually Fusion 360, which is a full blown 3D modelling software. It's free for hobbyists and students and it's very powerful. The learning curve is quite steep, but there's tons of resources, tutorials and forum discussions online.

I don't have much experience with other tools. But there's another thread where the OP is asking about similar topic right here, you might want to check it out too https://intofpv.com/t-looking-for-a-mode...-tinkercad

Thank you so much! I'll go with the basics to get the grip!

(17-Mar-2020, 07:26 PM)sloscotty Wrote: Yup - OpenSCAD my main program for 3D design!  Glad to see someone else has discovered it!

I've tried learning Fusion 360, but as a former computer science teacher and programmer, OpenSCAD just matches the way I think.

The most involved object I have designed (and built) using OpenSCAD is an entire 3D printer: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:918072
(Check out my other things - I've included a lot of my .SCAD files.)

(The attached is an animated GIF of the above.)

Very impressive.

I'm also a big fan of OpenSCAD. It has a learning curve, but it is very powerful and straightforward. Another favorite CAD proggy I use quite often is solvespace. It's not as well known, but I am a fan of the interface and the simplicity. It is also free: https://solvespace.com

(19-Nov-2020, 01:40 PM)nuxnik Wrote: Very impressive.

I'm also a big fan of OpenSCAD. It has a learning curve, but it is very powerful and straightforward. Another favorite CAD proggy I use quite often is solvespace. It's not as well known, but I am a fan of the interface and the simplicity. It is also free: https://solvespace.com

Thanks!  I'll have to check that one out.