OpenScad Engineering Squire Set - Part 1 The Ruler

Introduction to the ruler

A ruler is such a basic daily thing that I barely give it a second thought as did I starting this project making a basic ruler to build upon. This is so much harder than I anticipated. OpenScad facilitates a faster hence theoretically easier design process but proofed not so trivial to get good quality prints that shows markings and lettering clearly of the surface when flipped over.

I might revert back to a tedious Fusion 360 process to get the print quality I am looking for.  It is tedious because every marking becomes an object that needs to be sliced and manipulated and an object heavy model slows down everything n Fusion and the slicers, as it uses lots of RAM and GPU and takes time and patience to render. 

OpensScad Parametric

I decided to depart from my typical workflow and tried OpenScad. OpenScad is probably one of the hardest CAD applications to get started on, because it's essentially coding, however once set up it offers astoundingly flexible configurable parametrised applications to customise as you want. 

The source .scad file for this simple ruler is included in the file sources and can be downloaded to render your own version of a very customisable ruler. 

Classic Ruler

Flat Engineering Ruler

OpenScad Selectable Parameters

How to Print

To print a two colour ruler select both files from either the classic ruler folder or flat ruler folder in your slicer.

When prompted:

select YES.

Once loaded change one of the bodies colour to get a contrasting print.

 For the flat ruler I flip the ruler on it's face for a much improved and smooth looking print finish.