OpenSCAD and exporting layers

[galgier (Gary Algier)]

I would like to use OpenSCAD and its Customizer to generate input to Carbide Create (pro). OpenSCAD can export 2D information in several formats that CC can import. However, it would seem that I would need to run OpenSCAD several times with separate exports if I want to then have CC import to different layers. Has anyone dealt with something like this?

For instance, I want to have a user enter dimentions of an object I want to cut. From those dimensions I would calculate the outline that needs to be cut full depth as well as some other parts that need to be cut partially. Ideally these would go to different layers in CC and tool paths could be defined in CC that will set the depth and type of cut. If every path is exported to one SVG file, then I would need to use CC and a lot of mouse clicks to assign things to the correct tool paths.

I could use some sort of shell script or Makefile to do multiple exports with parameters driving the selection of what to export, but then it makes using the Customizer a pain because I need to enter the same parameters again and again.

Any ideas on how to automate multilayer exports?

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

Yes, it’s been looked into, but no, it’s not automatic.

I’ve experimented with this a bit:

A different sort of box

Building from a couple of different ideas[1][2], and giving up on the perfection of void-free, and limiting tools to a reasonable number (2), I have arrived at: https://www.blockscad3d.com/community/projects/1270618 which allows one to cut out a box in 2, 3 or 4 operations: bottom (cut to size) top (cut to size) — possibly combined w/ the bottom front/back and one or both sides (repeat once for 2 operations if need be) — this will cut the joinery blind box joints and miter as well as feature…

and have even worked up a way for Open(Python)SCAD to make colour-coded DXFs:

WillAdams/gcodepreview/blob/main/gcpdxf.py

and it’s come up in the past w/ folks for example, asking for OpenSCAD support on Cutrocket:

CutRocket Feature Request - OpenSCAD Support

I would like to be able to upload my OpenSCAD files to CutRocket so others can download and use/modify as they see fit. Originally uploaded my openscad file for this project but it seems to have been stripped off:

The problem is, the intersection of Carbide 3D users and OpensCAD programmers is probably single digits, and I don’t see that changing, and there is a concern that having such technical things present here on the forums will be so overwhelming to some potential customers it will actually drive them away, hence my mostly posting about this sort of thing at:

Rewriting gcodepreview with Python

It would make me very happy if Carbide Create could be updated to allow DXF or SVG colours to map to layers in Carbide Create, but it seems a feature with a limited potential userbase — I would love to be wrong about this though.