Is there a scriptable or text-based software similar to openscad?

[anton-daneyko 0]

Dear users,

I want to print a model that consists of about 150 spheres. I have coordinates of the spheres at hand. I need some software that has a text-based input, so I won't have to arange all the spheres by hand in a GUI. So far I tried openscad: https://flic.kr/p/qcv9XM

It is exactly what I need, but I get a runtime error, when it renders the whole structure.

Can someone suggest a similar type of software?

 

[pm_dude 27]

Hi Anton,

Welcome to the forum.

Have you tried with less spheres just to test? What is the error?

You can probably do it in most 3d packages with scripting capabilities like Autodesk 3dsMax, Maya. Both have 30 day trials. Otherwise maybe Blender has some scripting part.

 

[chrisr 18]

That looks like an older version of SCAD. Have you tried the latest development snapshot to see if that solves the problem?

Towards the end of this page -

http://www.openscad.org/downloads.html

 

[donmilne 2]

On a side note, I notice that you are applying inner and outer diameters to the spheres. Do you need to? I'm only seeing outer surfaces, so creating hidden inner ones seems like a waste.. and might complicate printing too.

Is it some kind of molecular model perhaps?

 

[chrisr 18]

On a side note, I notice that you are applying inner and outer diameters to the spheres. Do you need to? I'm only seeing outer surfaces, so creating hidden inner ones seems like a waste.. and might complicate printing too.

Is it some kind of molecular model perhaps?

 

Good point, perhaps solid spheres may be better, and then have the printer use a % fill if printing solid used too much filament.