bamboogenerator

Python scripts for generating 3D printable models. The project now leverages the CadQuery library for creating geometry while still providing utilities for scaffolding generation and printability validation. The repository contains a consolidated parametric_cad package with example scripts that produce STL files.

Folder layout

• parametric_cad/ – library with primitives, mechanisms, STL export utilities and example scripts.

Installation

Install the required Python packages and configure OpenSCAD using the installer script in the repository root. From the desired project directory run:

python install_requirements.py

This installs all Python dependencies including CadQuery. It also configures trimesh for OpenSCAD rendering which is still used under the hood for mesh operations.

Running the examples

Set PYTHONPATH to the project directory and execute one of the scripts from parametric_cad/examples/, for example:

export PYTHONPATH=.
python parametric_cad/examples/spur_gear_example.py

You can also run all examples at once using the cross-platform run_examples.py script.

Generated STL files are written to output/<example>_output/.

Combining Primitives

Functions combine and safe_difference from parametric_cad/core.py help manipulate meshes.

• combine(objects) – returns the union of the provided meshes or primitives by concatenating their geometry.
• safe_difference(mesh, other) – subtracts one mesh (or list of meshes) from another and gracefully falls back to the original mesh if the boolean operation fails.

Example:

from parametric_cad.primitives import Box, Cylinder
from parametric_cad.core import combine, safe_difference

boxes = [Box(1, 1, 1).at(x, 0, 0) for x in range(3)]
unioned = combine(boxes)
result = safe_difference(unioned, Cylinder(0.5, 1).mesh())

Using CadQuery

CadQuery models can also be used with the validation and scaffolding utilities by converting a Workplane to a trimesh mesh:

import cadquery as cq
from parametric_cad import workplane_to_mesh, generate_scaffolding

wp = cq.Workplane("XY").box(10, 10, 5)
mesh = workplane_to_mesh(wp)
supports = generate_scaffolding(mesh)

You can also operate on CadQuery models directly using helper wrappers:

import cadquery as cq
from parametric_cad import generate_scaffolding_from_workplane, PrintabilityValidator

wp = cq.Workplane("XY").box(10, 10, 5)
supports = generate_scaffolding_from_workplane(wp)
errors = PrintabilityValidator().validate_workplane(wp)

Overhang Scaffolding

generate_scaffolding creates simple cylindrical supports beneath downward facing surfaces that exceed a chosen overhang angle. The supports are meant to be easy to remove after printing.

from parametric_cad import generate_scaffolding, Box, combine

base = Box(20, 20, 10)
ledge = Box(10, 10, 5).at(15, 5, 10)
model = combine([base, ledge])
supports = generate_scaffolding(model)

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.