Intro to OpenSCAD
This Wednesday at 7pm we'll be hosting a Intro to OpenSCAD workshop. If you've been wanting to make stuff on the MakerBot but didn't know where to start, this is the class to attend! OpenSCAD is a free open source 3D modeling program that uses scripting instead of your typical graphical elements. While editing text files to do anything graphical is counter intuitive at first it can be very quick and effective once you learn the basics. (It also works a lot better on small notebook screens)
This class will focus on creating simple 3D models with only a few key dimensions. When prototyping a part only a handful of dimensions actually matter and the rest are derived somehow from those key dimensions. For example, when making a coupling to fit two pipes together the outer diameter of the coupler doesn't matter, only the inner diameter and wall thickness of the coupler do. Instead of manually setting the outer diameter OpenSCAD allows dimensions to be derived from formulas (in this case, inner_diameter+2*wall) so that when one of the key dimensions is updated the rest of the part updates automatically.
I will also cover importing and using drawings from Thingiverse (why reinvent the wheel when you can copy someone elses?) and the basics of using the MakerBot for those who wish to print their drawings/test their patience.
Requirements:
Computer with OpenSCAD (we have a few people can use, but not too many)
Basic Algebra
Trig is optional but very helpful
$5 Attendance fee (will go towards LVL1)
