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
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.