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OpenSCAD Cheat Sheet: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Introduction to OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a free and open-source 3D modeling software specifically designed for computer-aided design (CAD). It utilizes a unique textual scripting approach, allowing users to create intricate 3D objects by defining their parameters and transformations using programming constructs.

Cheat Sheet Overview

This cheat sheet serves as a quick and concise reference for OpenSCAD users, providing essential syntax, operators, variables, modifiers, and transformations. Beginners can quickly grasp the foundational concepts of OpenSCAD, enabling them to swiftly navigate the software's intricacies.

Syntax

* Define variables: `$var = value` * Assign module to variable: `$module = module(parameters)` * Use a semicolon (;) to terminate statements

Operators

* Arithmetic operators: +, -, *, /, % * Assignment operator: = * Comparison operators: ==, !=, >, =, <=

Variables

* Assign values to named variables for easy reuse * Declare variables with `$` (e.g., `$width = 10`)

Modifiers

* `minkowski()` for Minkowski sums and differences * `scale()` to scale objects * `rotate()` to rotate objects * `translate()` to translate objects

Transformations

* `union()` combines multiple objects into a single solid * `difference()` subtracts one object from another * `intersection()` returns the overlapping portion of two objects * `hull()` creates a convex hull from a set of points

Getting Started with Your First Object

1. Create a new document in OpenSCAD. 2. Define the dimensions of your object using variables (e.g., `$width = 10`, `$height = 5`). 3. Use the `cube()` module to create a rectangular prism: `cube($width, $height, 1);` 4. Save and export your STL file for 3D printing or further editing.

Resources for Further Learning

* [OpenSCAD User Manual](https://docs.openscad.org/en/latest/) * [OpenSCAD Tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFr4Wmcd5pA) * [OpenSCAD Cheat Sheet PDF](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1701055)