OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a free software application for creating solid 3D computer-aided design (CAD) objects. It is a script-only based modeller that uses its own description language; parts can be previewed, but cannot be interactively modified by mouse in the 3D view. An OpenSCAD script specifies geometric primitives (such as spheres, boxes, cylinders, etc.) and defines how they are modified and combined (for instance by intersection, difference, envelope combination and Minkowski sums) to render a 3D model. As such, the program does constructive solid geometry (CSG). OpenSCAD is available for Windows, Linux and macOS.

Previewing

For fast previewing of models using z-buffering, OpenSCAD employs OpenCSG and OpenGL.

The 3D model position can be interactively manipulated in the view with a mouse similarly to other 3D modellers. It is also possible to define a default "camera" position in the script.

Part colors can be defined in the 3D view (including transparency).

Preview is relatively fast and allows interactive modifications while modifying the script.

The model renderer takes into account lighting, but the lighting source is not modifiable.

Use

OpenSCAD allows a designer to create accurate 3D models and parametric designs that can be easily adjusted by changing the parameters.

OpenSCAD documents are human-readable scripts in plain ASCII text and potentially syntacitically better suited to integrate with version control systems such as GIT.

As such, OpenSCAD is a programmer-oriented solid-modeling tool and has been recommended as an entry-level CAD tool for designing open-source hardware such as scientific tools for research and education.

It is mostly used to design 3D printed parts, which are exported in STL format.

Animation is possible with a speed of a few images per seconds for simple models. The animation can have effect on any parameter, being it the camera position or the parts dimensions, position, shape or existence.
It can be recorded as a set of images usable to build films.

An experimental coupling with Calculix for FEM (Finite Element Method) is available.
FreeCAD can import OpenSCAD files also for FEM with Calculix or other supported FEM solvers. FreeCAD features a workbench for interoperability with OpenSCAD.

Exportation

* Views can be exported in PNG format.
* 2D models can be exported in SVG, AutoCAD DXF and PDF.
* 3D parts can be exported in 3MF, AMF, OFF, STL, as simple volumes. There is no color, material nor parts definition in the exported model (July 2016).

Importation

* 2D drawings in DXF, SVG and PNG can be imported, then extruded as monolithic parts.
* 3D parts can be imported in STL, OFF, AMF and 3MF and can be scaled and submitted to subtractive or additive operations.

Design

OpenSCAD is a wrapper to a CSG engine with a graphical user interface and integrated editor, developed in C++. As of 2016, it uses the Computational Geometry Algorithms Library (CGAL) as its basic CSG engine.

Its script syntax reflects a functional programming philosophy. Much as in Haskell, within a scope each "variable" is treated as a constant, immutable with at most one value.

Platform Implementations

OpenSCAD
has its own standalone version written in C++
* FreeCAD: has an OpenSCAD command line interface that can be used in-lieu of the part solver or part workbench

Browser

* https://cadhub.xyz
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See also

* Comparison of computer-aided design software
* PLaSM is another open source scripting language for creating 3D objects

References

External links

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Primary IRC Chat

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