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Design for 3D-Printing

(blog.rahix.de)
837 points q3k | 1 comments | 04 May 25 17:38 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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lawn ◴[04 May 25 18:17 UTC] No.43888379[source]▶
What an impressive looking article (I've only skimmed it so far).

I've been meaning to try my hand at CAD and designing models to print but I haven't quite made the jump.

One thing that has given me pause is a good CAD program for Linux, does anyone has any good tips for a complete Newbie where to begin?

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1. Vox_Leone ◴[04 May 25 21:06 UTC] No.43889581[source]▶
OpenSCAD is an underrated but powerful modeling tool, especially for developers and engineers who appreciate precision and code-driven design. It has a low barrier to entry — the syntax is simple, yet expressive — and with just a bit of practice, you can build tight, parametric models that are incredibly robust.

One of its standout features is the `hull()` function, which computes the convex hull of multiple shapes. When used skillfully, `hull()` becomes more than a geometric operation — it’s a design primitive that lets you smoothly bridge components, create enclosures, and generate complex organic forms without manual sculpting. It's like having a smart “connective tissue” for your model.

If you're comfortable with code and want exact control over your 3D prints or CAD designs, OpenSCAD delivers precision with minimal overhead. It rewards clean thinking and composability — making it ideal for rapid prototyping, parametric part libraries, and even mechanical design.