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OpenSCAD the complete course

Nicolas Forgue

4.4

Based on 8 ratings

Nicolas Forgue

OpenSCAD is a 3D modeling software that is Open Source. It is free and easily accessible. OpenSCAD is different from many 3D modeling software. Indeed, the design is done with code. Therefore, it allows to create 3D models with programming. It is difficult to master the software when you don't know the programming language. It is also difficult to get started when you have used modeling software that uses features to create 3D models. Thus, the models are visualized from the moment the code is created. The software is ideal for people who want to create 3D models for printing, but also 3D models that can be exported for different uses. The advantages of coding 3D models are impressive. It is possible to modify models by using variables, or by modifying values on the code.

Why to use OpenSCAD

- Ergonomic software

- Free software

- Parametric design

- Fast rendering

- Data accuracy

- Software different from other modeling software

- Programming code

- Many possibilities with code

- Creation of models for 3D printing

- Creation of models for different uses

- Use of variables

Training course

In this training, you will learn OpenSCAD software from scratch. With a step by step course structure, you will be able to master the software to create 3D models using code. Starting with the dashboard, mastering navigation and parameter management. You will learn how to add shapes and add transformations using the different programming languages. You will see how to master operations between objects, create repetitions, add variables. At the end of the training, you will be able to work with OpenSCAD to create your 3D models with the programming language.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Master dashboard
Master navigation
Master views
Create 3d shapes
Add text
Change resolutions
Add colors
Master transformations
Create transformations
Create extrusions

Create revolutions
Create lofts
Master boolean operations
Create repetitions
Add variables
Work with animation
Create models
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Master dashboard
Master navigation
Master views
Create 3d shapes
Add text
Change resolutions
Add colors
Master transformations
Create transformations
Create extrusions
Create revolutions
Create lofts
Master boolean operations
Create repetitions
Add variables
Work with animation
Create models
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Start with software

Start with dashboard

Edit preferences

Edit views

Master navigation

Create document

Export work

Create cubes

Create cylinders

Create spheres

Create rectangles

Create circles

Create polygons

Add text

Change divisions

Add colors

Create translations

Create rotations

Change dimensions

Change sizes

Create offsets

Create mirrors

Create rounded corners

Create projections

Create extrusions

Create revolutions

Create lofts

Create unions

Create differences

Create intersections

Create linear repetitions

Create circular repetitions

Add variables part 1

Add variables part 2

Add variables part 3

Master animations part 1

Master animations part 2

Master animations part 3

Object modeling part 1

Object modeling part 2

Part modeling part 1

Part modeling part 2

Square modeling part 1

Square modeling part 2

Spatula modeling part 1

Spatula modeling part 2

Support modeling part 1

Support modeling part 2

Plot modeling part 1

Plot modeling part 2

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for OpenSCAD the complete course. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete OpenSCAD the complete course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Additive Manufacturing Engineer

An Additive Manufacturing Engineer specializes in designing, optimizing, and producing components using advanced 3D printing technologies. This role involves understanding material properties, process parameters, and design for additive manufacturing. The OpenSCAD course helps build a foundation of skills invaluable for this career, particularly because it focuses on creating 3D models for printing. Mastering programmatic 3D modeling allows for highly precise, parametric designs, essential for optimizing parts for specific additive processes and material characteristics. The ability to use variables for iterative design and to generate complex geometries with code directly supports the rapid prototyping and customization inherent in additive manufacturing, leading to success in creating innovative and functional printed parts. This field often involves an advanced degree.

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Computational Designer

A Computational Designer leverages algorithms and programming to create complex and innovative designs across various fields, from architecture to product development. This role is inherently aligned with the OpenSCAD course, which emphasizes designing 3D models with code. The course's focus on programmatic design, parametric modeling using variables, and creating repetitions directly translates into the core competencies of a computational designer. The ability to visualize models from code creation, master transformations, and apply boolean operations empowers learners to generate intricate forms and explore design possibilities systematically. This course helps build a robust foundation for those aspiring to this creative and technical field, which often involves an advanced degree.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, builds, and tests mechanical devices and systems. Precision, accuracy, and the ability to model complex components are critical in this field. The OpenSCAD course offers a powerful pathway into this discipline by teaching programmatic 3D modeling. This approach allows for highly accurate data representation and parametric design, which is essential for engineering applications where components need to be adjusted based on variables. Mastering transformations, boolean operations, and the creation of extrusions, revolutions, and lofts using code directly supports the design and analysis of mechanical parts, helping to ensure functional and manufacturable designs. This role often involves an advanced degree.

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Prototyping Specialist

A Prototyping Specialist is responsible for creating functional or visual prototypes of products, parts, or systems for testing and validation. This role demands a strong command of 3D modeling and an understanding of manufacturing techniques. The OpenSCAD course is highly relevant for a Prototyping Specialist, explicitly mentioning the creation of 3D models for printing and different uses. The programmatic nature of OpenSCAD allows for rapid iteration and modification of designs using variables, a crucial aspect of efficient prototyping. Mastering shape creation, transformations, and boolean operations ensures the ability to translate complex design concepts into tangible prototypes, accelerating the product development cycle.

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CAD Designer

A CAD Designer creates detailed technical drawings and 3D models using computer aided design software, essential for manufacturing, engineering, and construction. The OpenSCAD course offers a unique and powerful skill set for a CAD Designer, focusing on code-driven 3D modeling. This approach ensures high data accuracy and enables parametric designs where dimensions and features can be controlled precisely through variables. Mastering 2D and 3D shape creation, transformations, and boolean operations using programming languages supports the creation of precise and easily modifiable designs. This course provides a distinct advantage for those who seek to create sophisticated models with unparalleled control and efficiency.

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Fixtures and Jigs Designer

A Fixtures and Jigs Designer creates custom tools and work holding devices used in manufacturing and assembly to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and efficiency. This role demands exceptional precision and the ability to design specialized components. The OpenSCAD course is highly pertinent for a Fixtures and Jigs Designer due to its emphasis on programmatic 3D modeling and parametric design. The ability to define and modify geometry using variables is critical for creating adaptive tools that can be easily customized for different parts or processes. Mastering shape creation, transformations, and boolean operations through code equips learners to design precise and robust manufacturing aids.

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Product Designer

A Product Designer envisions and creates new products, focusing on user experience, aesthetics, and manufacturability. This role often involves extensive 3D modeling and iterative design. The OpenSCAD course provides a distinct advantage for a Product Designer, particularly through its emphasis on parametric design and code-driven 3D modeling. The ability to modify models by using variables allows for swift design iterations and explorations of different forms and functions. Mastering shape creation, transformations, and the export of models for various uses directly supports the entire product development lifecycle, empowering the designer to bring innovative concepts to life with technical precision.

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Tooling Designer

A Tooling Designer develops specialized tools, molds, dies, and other equipment necessary for manufacturing processes. This demanding role requires meticulous precision and a deep understanding of manufacturing tolerances. The OpenSCAD course is particularly supportive for a Tooling Designer due to its focus on programmatic 3D modeling and parametric design. The ability to define complex geometries using code and to modify them efficiently with variables is crucial for creating precise and adaptable tooling. Mastering operations between objects, transformations, and the creation of extrusions and revolutions helps in designing robust and accurate tools that meet stringent production requirements.

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Custom Parts Fabricator

A Custom Parts Fabricator specializes in creating bespoke components for a wide range of applications, often involving unique designs and rapid manufacturing. This role benefits immensely from efficient and precise 3D modeling capabilities. The OpenSCAD course is highly relevant for a Custom Parts Fabricator, as it teaches the creation of 3D models with programming, which is ideal for producing custom, often one off, parts. The ability to use variables for parametric design means that parts can be easily adapted to specific dimensions or requirements. Mastering shapes, transformations, and boolean operations ensures the capacity to design and prepare complex custom components for various fabrication methods, including 3D printing.

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Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests physical computer hardware components and systems. This often involves creating precise 3D models for enclosures, circuit board layouts, and various specialized parts. The OpenSCAD course offers relevant skills for a Hardware Engineer, particularly in its emphasis on creating detailed 3D models with code. The programmatic approach ensures high data accuracy and allows for parametric design, enabling engineers to adjust component dimensions and features efficiently using variables. Mastering transformations, boolean operations, and the creation of various 3D shapes helps in designing integrated and functional hardware components, facilitating both prototyping and manufacturing processes.

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Industrial Designer

An Industrial Designer focuses on the form, function, and usability of products, ensuring they are aesthetically pleasing and practical for users and manufacturable. This role relies on conceptualization and detailed 3D modeling. The OpenSCAD course is helpful for an Industrial Designer, especially for exploring parametric forms and generating complex geometries programmatically. While traditional industrial design often uses direct manipulation CAD, the ability to define and iterate designs with code, utilizing variables and repetitions, offers a unique approach to explore design variations systematically. This can enhance the iterative design process, particularly for highly functional or technically driven product elements.

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Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, tests, and maintains robots and robotic systems. This multidisciplinary field often requires the creation of custom mechanical components and precise structural elements. The OpenSCAD course is helpful for a Robotics Engineer, especially when designing specific robotic parts that require high precision and parametric adjustability. The ability to create 3D models with programming allows for the rapid iteration of component designs using variables, which is crucial for optimizing robot performance and assembly. Mastering transformations and boolean operations supports the development of complex and accurately fitted mechanical parts, contributing to robust robotic solutions. This role often involves an advanced degree.

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Jewelry Designer

A Jewelry Designer creates original designs for adornments, often using precious metals, gemstones, and 3D modeling software for intricate pieces. This profession can benefit significantly from precision and the ability to create complex, repeatable patterns. The OpenSCAD course is helpful for a Jewelry Designer by offering a unique programmatic approach to 3D modeling. The ability to define intricate shapes and patterns through code, use variables for different sizes or variations, and create repetitions is particularly advantageous for complex jewelry designs, especially those intended for 3D printing or precise manufacturing. It allows for high design accuracy and efficient modifications.

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Scientific Visualizer

A Scientific Visualizer creates visual representations of complex scientific data, concepts, or molecular structures, often using 3D models for clarity and understanding. This role demands high data accuracy and precision in modeling. The OpenSCAD course is useful for a Scientific Visualizer, particularly due to its emphasis on programming code and data accuracy in 3D model creation. The ability to define geometries precisely with code, control transformations, and use variables allows for the accurate representation of scientific phenomena or experimental setups. This programmatic approach can be advantageous for generating highly detailed and parametrically controlled scientific illustrations and visualizations.

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Toy Designer

A Toy Designer conceptualizes and develops new toys, considering playability, safety, and manufacturability. This role often involves extensive 3D modeling and prototyping. The OpenSCAD course is helpful for a Toy Designer, particularly for creating functional components or exploring parametric designs. The course’s emphasis on creating 3D models for printing and different uses aligns well with toy prototyping and manufacturing. The ability to modify models using variables and create repetitions allows for efficient iteration of toy parts, adjusting for scale, safety features, or assembly needs, providing a methodical approach to design and development.

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