In this OpenSCAD tutorial series we’ve covered the basics of the OpenSCAD interface, how to make 2D forms, how to make some basic 3D forms, how to position those forms in 3D space, the different ways to combine forms, how to create mashups of one or more existing STL’s and OpenSCAD forms, how to use modules to reuse your code to make your life easier, how to extrude flat 2D forms into 3D forms, and how to fix design problems.  Although I described a few of the last tutorials as “intermediate” levels, that’s really only because you learned the basics so quickly from the first few tutorials.

Today I’d like to show you how easy it is to make some neat organic looking forms with OpenSCAD.  The secret behind doing so are two functions, “hull” and “minkowski.”  Let’s learn a little bit about what each of these functions do and try out some code.  More, after the break!

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Parametric Sculpture 01 by MCompeau

Don’t underestimate the power of parametric design.  Usually a parametric design¹ means the result tends to be very mathematical and blockly.  MCompeau on Thingiverse, Matt Compeau, has contributed two extremely organic looking parametric designs that are clearly exceptions to this general rule.  Matt’s designs are eerily reminiscent of neurons or perhaps undersea coral.  You can even imagine this as an excellent aquarium accessory – little fishies swimming in, around.

It’s also a heck of a test print to demonstrate the awesome power of DIY 3D printing.

Untitled by MCompeau

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1. Meaning a design based on parameters [↩]