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[rellik420]

I've been searching the forums and I haven't found a whole lot. It looks like Steve is making some cad functionality, but I don't think it's nearly finished. I tried out the ruler and I don't understand it at all.

Is there a script/plugin that has a ruler? Mainly one on point edit mode.

Has anyone used anim8or for precise mechanical modeling for 3d printing?

I'd rather not succumb to this, but do you know of another open source program with what I'm looking for? (I'd honestly rather model in anim8or, but if it doesn't have the capabilities yet I'll have to find another program.)

In case you are wondering what I'm going to do, I'm going to print out an RC car. I'm going to build every part including the engine.

[Raxx]

Generally, units in Anim8or can be translated to millimeters, which I think is the standard for most 3D printers (inches, centimeters, etc if not, whichever). So you can have the level of precision you'd expect in CAD software. Using grid snap and the CAD tool for measuring, it's possible to make your own RC car in Anim8or.

If you're dealing with a ton of parts, though, you'll probably want to use some actual CAD software. The CAD features in Anim8or are still in its infant stage, and you won't be seeing any progress on Anim8or until August when Steve gets back. I've used Creo Parametric and Autodesk Inventor for some of my engineering courses, both are awesome for making your own stuff (booleans...yes). If you're a student then you can get them for free, or you can use the free trial(s). There's also Sketchup, which is a popular program for 3D printing, and I'm pretty sure it's got a lot of CAD features in it.

Edit: If you want to use Anim8or, take a look at this topic for some scripts on measuring objects.

[Steve]

Rellik420, you're right, the ruler tool is still being designed. The implementation has quite a few glitches that need fixing. I do plan to add units (mm, cm, m, in, ft,..) once the details are more settled.

What things do you think would be most useful for CA modeling? I'm interested in any kind of feedback that you may have, including criticism.

I'm in Italy for an extended vacation so I can't work on the code right now. Don't worry if I don't reply right away :-)

Steve

[rellik420]

I think the simpler the better. It's why I like anim8or so much. You don't have to jump through hoops to do what you want to do.

Selecting/targeting the specific parts of the model will be key in it's success. There is a select loop script out there, where you select a line and it automatically selects the whole loop, so I think the capabilities are there already. Now it's really trying to determine what shape it is. If it's cylindrical, you would probably want to know the diameter and the degrees of the arc. If it's rectangular, you would probably want the angle and surface area.

I know when you double click on a line, it gives a measurement. I'm not sure what unit of measurement it's in, but if you can convert it, it shouldn't be much more work. I would just add to the pop up box with extra features.

Also, selecting more than one part of the model (in sections) would be another great feature.

I think I'll just go ahead and do this in anim8or. I can wait for the development. I'm in no hurry at all. I'll just use the popup box to see my measurements, that way even though I don't know how big it really is, I still know that everything is precise.

Have fun on your vacation dude.