BlocksCAD: Difference between revisions
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The ownership and copyright of user-created models is not clear (to us). | The ownership and copyright of user-created models is not clear (to us). | ||
If we understood right, BlocksCAD is implemented with [https://github.com/google/blockly Blockly], a a JavaScript library for building visual programming editors like [[Scratch]]. | If we understood right, BlocksCAD is implemented with [https://github.com/google/blockly Blockly], a a JavaScript library for building visual programming editors like [[Scratch]]. BlocksCad code will generate [[OpenScad beginners tutorial|OpenSCAD]] code that one can export (<code>code</code> button on top right or the design window). Otherwise the [[STL]] model will be generated on the server. Playing with BlocksCAD is therefore also a way to learn OpenSCAD. | ||
== Example == | == Example == | ||
Revision as of 15:58, 3 October 2018
Introduction
BlocksCAD is a scratch-like programming environment to create 3D objects. It was developed with the sponsorship of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the code is licensed GPLv3 or later. At the bottom of a project page (oct. 2018) we found the following definition: “BlocksCAD is an education technology company dedicated to creating tools that help students of all ages pursue their love of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Our signature product, BlocksCAD, is a cloud-based 3D modeling tool that encourages users to learn math, computational thinking and coding concepts through visualization and designing models to be 3D printed.”
The ownership and copyright of user-created models is not clear (to us).
If we understood right, BlocksCAD is implemented with Blockly, a a JavaScript library for building visual programming editors like Scratch. BlocksCad code will generate OpenSCAD code that one can export (code button on top right or the design window). Otherwise the STL model will be generated on the server. Playing with BlocksCAD is therefore also a way to learn OpenSCAD.
Example
The "flower" described below was created to explore basic functionality. It took a few attempts to understand how to use loop variables (tip: check under "variables", then drag them).
- It demonstrates subtractive geometry
- Rotation and translation needed to position objects
- A loop to create a curved object from cubes (using "hull" option) in the loop
- A loop to rotate the same arm six times.
View the
The generated STL seemed to be error free and the printer happily started printing it:
Alternatives
Links
Official
- blockscad3d.com/
- Parent FAQs
- Community, featured projects, blog posts, news.
- On Twitter
In french
- BlocksCAD (en français) at http://blockly.technologiescollege.fr/
- BlocksCAD : un logiciel de CAO pour concevoir rapidement des pièces à imprimer en 3D (avec exemples assez avancés)
- Guides des choses Tutoriel/transparents très complets de Cyril Vignet.
Others
- BlocksCAD (In German) A concise introduction.
Bibliography
- Berdik, C. (2017). Kids Code Their Own 3D Creations with New Blocks-Based Design Program. Tech Directions, 76(9), 23.
- Williams, K. (2015). Girls, Boys, and'Bots: The St. Clare's robotics team [Pipelining: Attractive Programs for Women]. IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine, 9(1), 25-28.
- Chytas, C., Diethelm, I., & Tsilingiris, A. (2018, April). Learning programming through design: An analysis of parametric design projects in digital fabrication labs and an online makerspace. In Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 2018 IEEE (pp. 1978-1987). IEEE.
- Chytas, C., Diethelm, I., & Lund, M. Parametric Design and Digital Fabrication in Computer Science Education.
- Romagosa Carrasquer, Bernat. (2016). From the turtle to the beetle. Universitat Oberta de Catalunya http://openaccess.uoc.edu/webapps/o2/handle/10609/52807