3D Modeling with OpenSCAD: Parametric CAD Design for Beginners

Traditional 3D modeling tools can feel limiting when you need precision and repeatability. By writing code to generate shapes, you can build highly customizable and adaptable models with absolute accuracy. This text-only course guides you from absolute beginner to confident parametric designer, teaching you how to think in code, construct complex geometries from basic shapes, and create models that can be resized or modified instantly. What you'll learn: - Understand the core syntax, coordinate systems, and basic workflow of OpenSCAD - Combine geometric primitives like cubes, spheres, and cylinders to form complex structures - Apply transformation operations including translation, rotation, scaling, and mirroring - Master boolean operations like union, difference, and intersection to sculpt detailed parts - Design fully parametric models using variables and mathematical functions for easy customization - Organize code using modules and functions to keep your design files clean and reusable - Prepare and export your 3D models for slicing software and 3D printing The course begins with essential terminology, interface basics, and simple shapes before moving into logical operations and parametric scripting. You will read detailed explanations, analyze clean code examples, and practice your skills through structured written exercises. This course is designed for beginners with no prior programming or 3D modeling experience, as well as makers looking to transition to code-based CAD. Start your journey into programmatic 3D design and build your first parametric model today.