Simplifying 3D Printing with OpenSCAD

A step-by-step full-color guide to OpenSCAD that makes 3D printing easier than ever

Key Features

• Learn more about 3D printing technology and the software used to design your objects
• Discover the various FDM slicer programs used to create G-code for 3D printer jobs
• Use a slicer program to create G-code to run your 3D printer job

Book Description

Want to bring your 3D designs to life with OpenSCAD, but don’t know where to start? Simplifying 3D Printing with OpenSCAD will teach you the key skills so that you can focus on your ideas, not troubleshooting your 3D printer.

With the help of this book, you’ll build a solid foundation in 3D printing technology, the software used for designing your objects, and an analysis of the G-code produced by the 3D printer slicer software. You’ll also get to know your 3D printer and find out how to set up a printing job effortlessly — from configuring the parameters to build well-defined designs.

Consider yourself a practical learner? Use real-world examples such as designing and printing a 3D name badge, model rocket, and laptop stand, to dive into the world of 3D printers build your skillset.

By the end of this 3D printing book, you'll be ready to start designing and printing your own 3D printed products using OpenSCAD and being your ideas into reality.

What you will learn

• Gain a solid understanding of 3D printers and 3D design requirements to start creating your own objects
• Prepare a 3D printer for a job starting from leveling the print bed and loading the filament
• Discover various OpenSCAD commands and use them to create shapes
• Understand how OpenSCAD compares to other CAD programs
• Get to grips with combining text and a cube to create an object
• Explore the common libraries in OpenSCAD

Who this book is for

This book is for engineers, hobbyists, teachers, 3D printing enthusiasts, and individuals working in the field of 3D printing. Basic knowledge of setting up and running 3D printers will help you get the most of this book.

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started with 3D Printing
2. What Are Slicer Programs?
3. Printing Our First Object
4. Getting Started with OpenSCAD
5. Using Advanced Operations of OpenSCAD
6. Exploring Common OpenSCAD Libraries
7. Creating a 3D-Printed Name Badge
8. Designing and Printing a Laptop Stand
9. Designing and Printing a Model Rocket
10. The Future of 3D Printers and Design

Colin Dow has been 3D printing since 2013 starting with the laser cut wooden frame version of the Ultimaker 3D printer. He has gone through a dozen or so 3D printers over the years from MakerBots, PrintrBots, early Prusa i3s, delta printers, and liquid resin printers. Colin has been working with OpenSCAD since 2014 using it with 3D printers to design and manufacture model rocketry parts for his model rocketry business. Through his aerospace workshops he has introduced many students to 3D printing including in-class demonstrations of 3D printing. Over the last few years Colin has been designing and building automated drones for his drone startup using 3D printers and OpenSCAD.