This OpenSCAD module spreads an array of cubes across the otherwise featureless preview window, so I know whether the gizmo I’m building or the parts I’m arranging actually fit on the Thing-O-Matic’s build platform. This doesn’t get out to the very edge, but if it looks close, then I should pay more attention anyway.
module ShowPegGrid(Size) {
for (x=[-5:5])
for (y=[-5:5])
translate([x*10,y*10,Size/2])
cube(Size,center=true);
}
ShowPegGrid(1.0);
You obviously don’t want to extrude these things, so put the ShowPegGrid() statement inside an if, so you can turn it off for the final build layout.
I do something similar: “square(100,true);”
Since the square can’t render, I won’t accidentally forget it in the final STL. :)
That’s quick & easy… and I like the part about not having to remember anything!
The grid o’ chunks lets me eyeball the offsets when I’m arranging a bunch of parts, which turned out to be surprisingly useful.
The grid is interesting. Using:
%ShowPegGrid(1.0);
will make it transparent grey and keep it from rendering.
I use this:
//100×100 build platform for debug
translate([-50,-50,-1.01]) %cube([100,100,1]);
but I like MakerBlock’s “2D-square” version with its built-in no render.
[sound of one hand clapping forehead]
Of course!
@Brent: Adding the “true” flag will center the cube or square automagically. Try:
%cube([100,100,1],true);
That vertical offset of -1.01 mm puts the sheet just under the build platform, which keeps the bottom of the objects out of the gray goo.
That said, I have an intense aversion to negative Z coordinates in the model and can cite some scrapes in the platform as justification. We all know that sheet isn’t printable, but does the printer know?