Program Kit. Dream Big. Learn Code. WisCode Literati

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Clyde Harvey
5 years ago
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1 Program Kit At WisCode Literati, we believe that teaching our communities how to code is essential for the future! Learning to code allows individuals to interact and compete in a highly digital society by teaching computational thinking, critical decision-making, experimentation, troubleshooting, and cause and effect. We offer various kits and resources to help librarians and educators offer coding and problem-solving programs to their communities. WisCode Literati was started by a group of librarians interested in problem solving, technology, and learning. Coding Physical Objects with OpenSCAD OpenSCAD is a free and open source 3D modeling software that allows users to design objects using a basic programming language. This kit introduces OpenSCAD and works through the creation of a 3D model. Those who have access to a 3D printer can go on to print the model, creating a tangible output for participants. Why? Many coding exercises lead to intangible results. This kit is different because the end result is a model that the participant can visualize as a 3D object and, with the appropriate tools (such as a 3D printer) actually produce a physical object based on the code they have written. Who? This kit could be adapted to work with a variety of ages. The size of the participant group should be limited based on at least: access to computers (ideally, each participant has access to one) and available assistants (attention to detail is very important, so extra sets of eyes can be helpful if there are more than a handful of participants to help). What? Ideally, participants would each have access to a computer with OpenSCAD installed. Current system requirements are: Mac OS X 10.7 or newer, or Windows XP or newer on x86 32/64 bit. To verify current requirements and download OpenSCAD, visit:

2 In order to produce physical objects, you will need access to a 3D printer. Since 3D printing takes a significant amount of time, you may need to run the prints after the activity has completed or invite the participants to come back with their files and do the printing at their convenience. How? After installing OpenSCAD, go to New, and you can immediately start creating objects. At this stage, make sure you have the OpenSCAD cheat sheet open for reference: There is a lot of flexibility in developing a program or activity around OpenSCAD but I suggest a basic structure of teaching and practicing some basic functions and then giving participants time to experiment with combining functions and trying new ones from the cheat sheet. The experimentation phase will benefit from having additional hands-on helpers. Make a cube In the text area to the left, enter: cube(2,2,2); Page 2

3 To preview your model at any time, press F5 or click the preview button. The 2 s in the cube command represent width, depth, and height respectively. Adjust these numbers and see how the model changes when you preview it again. Center your cube By formatting your cube command slightly differently and adding a word, you can center your cube on the origin point (dead center in the preview pane). cube([10,10,10], true); Add a sphere Let s combine the cube with a sphere to make a block with rounded domes on each face. cube([100,100,100], true); sphere(d=120); Preview again. Cool! You did it. But that sphere looks pretty rough. Let s increase the resolution of the sphere to 200 by adding $fn=200 to your sphere command. sphere(d=120, $fn=200); Page 3

We can do this with the difference() function, it takes the first shape you give it and then subtracts any subsequent shapes.

4 Making holes Okay, let s try converting the sphere part of our combined shape into empty space. So we ll have a cube-shaped frame with a sphere-shaped empty space in the middle. We can do this with the difference() function, it takes the first shape you give it and then subtracts any subsequent shapes. Pay attention to each character as since the syntax below is slightly different from the above examples. difference() { cube([100,100,100], true); sphere(d=120, $fn=200); } Whoa! It s hollow. Moving stuff around Let s add in another shape and move it to where we want it. On the next line, add: cylinder(20,d=120); 20 here is cylinder height. 120 is cylinder diameter. Page 4

Great! Let s do two more things. First, increase the resolution of the cylinder like we did for the sphere. Then, let s move the cylinder up so that it is flush with the top of the cube.

5 Great! Let s do two more things. First, increase the resolution of the cylinder like we did for the sphere. Then, let s move the cylinder up so that it is flush with the top of the cube. We can move objects by using the translate() function. Translate allows you to move things on the x, y, and z axes, in that order. The axes are labeled in the preview pane: In this case, we ll want to move the cylinder up on the z axis. How far? Well, the cube is 100 high and the cylinder starts in the center of it. The cylinder itself is 20 high, which leaves 30 to the top of the cube. difference() { cube([100,100,100], true); sphere(d=120, $fn=200); } translate ([0,0,30]) { cylinder(20, d=120, $fn=200); } PLAY!! At this point you understand the basics about how OpenSCAD works. Experiment with new functions and combining and nesting functions consult the cheat sheet extensively! Page 5

6 Exporting a file for printing The major file standard for 3D printing is the STL (short for stereolithography) file. Most 3D printers work with a piece of software to prepare STL files for printing follow the directions specific to your printing setup. OpenSCAD can export STL files directly using this button: Extras Once again, use the cheat sheet! OpenSCAD User Manual Contributor This kit was created by Joshua Cowles Page 6

OpenSCAD. About OpenSCAD. Open SCAD is focused on the CAD (Computer Aided Design) aspects of creating 3D

OpenSCAD. About OpenSCAD. Open SCAD is focused on the CAD (Computer Aided Design) aspects of creating 3D OpenSCAD OpenSCAD is a free software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and Mac OS X. About OpenSCAD Open SCAD is focused on the CAD (Computer Aided Design) aspects