Parametric Object Party Day 1: The Power of Standard-Custom

Thingiverse is full of objects that users can download, print, and even remix and manipulate into new things.  But what about things that are already designed, but which are pre-designed for particular sets of manipulations?  Something like a measruing spoon is handy, but what if you could ask a program for a particular measuring spoon and have it engrave the exact volume on the model as well?  What if you could request a compact xylophone with exactly the notes you want?  This is the world of parametric objects, and tomorrow and Wednesday we’re going to look at two approaches to this field that have their own advantages, complete with links to great starting points for each!

Tomorrow, we’ll look at direct object scripting, which lets you apply your inner math geek directly to solid modeling and getting 3D prints.  On Wednesday we’ll look at solid constructive geometry and how advances in the state of open-source CSG are making it possible to add control variables to the benefits of CSG for high-custom but pre-designed solutions!