The Arc Reactor project was a load of fun because the purpose was to learn a new software called OpenSCAD and build something that is super cool. This was an introductory project for me; so, after I learned the basics, I went after something more complicated: an Arc reactor.
Materials:
- Computer software (OpenSCAD)
- Works on linux, windows, and mac. Also has an open source code in C++ for other operating systems.
I started by watching a few videos, and reading help guides from the application. I learned how to use the software and its capabilities. I started the build process with the bright blue core. The software uses an RGB scale from 0 – 1 , so the normal 0-255 color scale does not work. I used an online color picker for finding the color and its corresponding number in the software’s RGB scale. I started out with an outer casing as a size gauge but commented it out because it got in the way of viewing the internals. Once that was finished, I started working on the copper coils pictured below.
Two versions were made; one with the individual coils, one without. The CPU was very taxed to render and view the individual coils. So, I will not be showing it in a picture. The only thing found disappointing with the software is that it does not multithread the CPU in Linux for maximum render speed.
In all of my pictures, you will see the left side as the code along with the rendered image.
The next step, is using a “for loop” to create 10 coils around the core. Then I added some aluminum supports with holes and bolts.
Next, I added in circles to fill the center. Below are these circles and their code
The final and most difficult part of this project was the holder for the rings. I have a picture of just the holder and it’s code.
Together all these pieces and more, combine into a project with over 100 lines of code (linked here). Here is a picture of the fully rendered project.
I highly recommend this software to anyone looking to start coding or modeling 3D objects.
Creative Design and Engineering 