RE: Printing something at TransferSummit

[David FLANDERS]

I like Sketchup as it is the lowest step for people to get involved with modelling (literally 5 minutes of training for people to start modelling 3D objects), kids love it if you tell them to start making their own toy - and their imagination on a 3D space is incredible (last kid I showed this drew an R2D2 with a massive set of guns and trailer with arsenal in tow).

However, for real modelling I'm training myself on Blender as it really does provide the widest range of tools for modelling as well as potential for further customisation (via Python APIs) to do more serious modelling. /dff

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Graham Klyne [mailto:Graham...@zoo.ox.ac.uk]
> Sent: 20 July 2011 19:14
> To: David FLANDERS
> Cc: Steve Lee
> Subject: Re: Printing something at TransferSummit
>
> I was playing with art of illusion last weekend, and I noticed it has
> an
> "extrude" tool... that may be another option to consider.
>
> (Apparently, there's another technique to get STL from Sketchup which
> involves
> changing the extension on the saved output, unzipping it, and then
> converting it
> with another 3D modelling program (maybe MeshLab?).)
>
> (I now have a full set of printed parts for my second Mendel.)
>
> #g
> --
>
> David FLANDERS wrote:
> > Yep sketchup, I need to write down the documentation instructions as
> you need a plugin for sketchup to produce the STL files. That and
> there are issues around seems of surfaces on sketchup that you have to
> adhere to for a producing a decent model.
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Graham Klyne [mailto:Graham...@zoo.ox.ac.uk]
> >> Sent: 14 July 2011 08:24
> >> To: David FLANDERS
> >> Cc: Steve Lee
> >> Subject: Re: Printing something at TransferSummit
> >>
> >> David,
> >>
> >> How did you go about creating the CASA logo we printed at the London
> >> Pif3D buld
> >> party? I vaguely recall Sketchup?
> >>
> >> #g
> >> --
> >>
> >>
> >> Steve Lee wrote:
> >>> For now we have a graphic (eps). Would you be interested in
> figuring
> >>> out the workflow needed to get from that to printing on your
> RepRap?
> >>>
> >>> Steve
> >>>
> >>> On Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 1:54 PM, Graham Klyne
> >> <Graham...@zoo.ox.ac.uk> wrote:
> >>>> The logo sounds like a cool idea. I'm not sure how to do it right
> >> now, but
> >>>> I believe David Flanders has done something similar. I assume you
> >> have a
> >>>> 2-D vector graphic as a starting point? What is needed would be a
> >> 2-D to
> >>>> 3-D extrusion. Google Sketchup might be an option for that.
> >>>>
> >>>> #g
> >>>> --
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Steve Lee wrote:
> >>>>> Hi Graham
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I'd really like the idea of having your RepRap(s) printing
> >> something
> >>>>> to do with the TransferSummit.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> One thought is the TransferSummit logo. Can you do that? If we
> >> provide
> >>>>> a logo file can you convert that to a suitable format for the
> >> RepRap
> >>>>> to eat?
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Steve Lee
> >>>>>
> >
> >

[Graham Klyne]

I've just started tinkering with OpenSCAD. Because the source *is*
code, it potentially has the greatest potenbtial for customization.
But I think it's real strength is paramneterization: I just designed
a fully parameterized spring seat (to replace the plastic print-ped
springs with cut-down metal ones), and this is the total code:

[[
module springseat(od, id, boltd, totalh, flangeh)
{
or = od/2;
ir = id/2;
br = boltd/2;
difference()
{
union() { cylinder(r=ir, h=totalh); cylinder(r=or, h=flangeh); }
translate([0,0,-1]) { cylinder(r=br, h=totalh+2); }
}

}
]]

And a sample invocation:

springseat(13, 9.5, 5, 5, 2);

#g
--

[David F. Flanders]

Will have a go this weekend. /dff