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https://github.com/vectronic/freecad-legify-macros

Macros to generate 'plastic toy brick' models in FreeCAD
https://github.com/vectronic/freecad-legify-macros

freecad macros

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Macros to generate 'plastic toy brick' models in FreeCAD

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README 

        
# freecad-legify-macros



Macros to generate 'plastic toy brick' models in FreeCAD



## Why?



This is a learning exercise undertaken to master the following:



* FreeCAD and concepts for parametric modelling: sketches, constraints, datum planes etc.

* Python and scripting with FreeCAD

* Detailed modelling of toy bricks

 

These all form the basis of a future planned project...



**NOTE**: This is no longer actively developed as I have learnt enough. The main lesson being that using Python scripts

to create parametric models in FreeCAD is quite possibly insane! 



## Installation



**Tested with FreeCAD version 0.20 beta**



#### MacOS



1. Clone this repository: 



    `git clone https://github.com/vectronic/freecad-legify-macros.git`

    

1. Link the cloned folder and macro files into the FreeCAD macros directory:



       ln -s /Legify /FreeCAD/Macro/

       ln -s /legify-brick.FCMacro /FreeCAD/Macro/

       ln -s /legify-technic-pin.FCMacro /FreeCAD/Macro/



**NOTE**: On MacOS the typical location for the user preferences folder is `/Users//Library/Application\ Support`.



## Usage



### Create a new brick model

1. Create a new document

1. Run the `legify-brick.FCMacro`

1. Modify parameters as desired in the popup dialog 

1. Click OK

1. Wait for a lot of sketches, constraints, pads, pockets and fillets to be rendered...

1. Admire the resulting beauty! 



### Add a technic pin to the face of a body

1. Within the Part Design workbench, create a body.

2. Create a datum point on an existing face representing the centre point of the base of the pin.

3. Create a datum point extended 8mm from the normal to the face representing the centre point of the tip of the pin.

4. Create a datum line supported by the base datum point and the tip datum point in that order.

5. Select the body and select the datum line.

6. Run the `legify-technic-pin.FCMacro`



## TODO



- [ ] Wait for [Linear Pattern bug fix](https://tracker.freecad.org/view.php?id=4781) needed when rendering more than one technic pin

- [ ] Technic Axle Pin Rendering

- [ ] [Technic Axle Hole](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/91/c9/24/91c9241ec238fe0fef16d248e1bf4611.png) Rendering 

- [ ] [0.25mm fillet on internal brick corners](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e7/77/9a/e7779aa3b08c93b24c257a69fdde89d9.png) 

- [ ] Determine a replacement for internal ribs if side studs with holes exist 

- [ ] Determine a replacement for tube ribs if technic holes exist

- [ ] Support [rib variation in modern 2x1 tile](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b6/47/d5/b647d5eccf8aa9f3a6ea531c961c28ed.png) and 2x1 technic brick with 2 non-offset holes: 

- [ ] Support [modern tile with small outside pocket on bottom](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b6/47/d5/b647d5eccf8aa9f3a6ea531c961c28ed.png) 



## Screenshots

![Parameters](images/parameters.png "Parameters")



![Simple](images/simple.png "Simple")



![Classic](images/classic.png "Classic")



![Odd](images/odd.png "Odd")



![Tree View](images/tree_view.png "Tree View")



![Technic Pin](images/technic_pin.png "Technic Pin")



![Sketch](images/sketch.png "Sketch")



![Technical Drawing 1](images/technical_drawing_1.png "Technical Drawing 1")



![Technical Drawing 2](images/technical_drawing_2.png "Technical Drawing 2")



## Credit



Initial drawing and dimensions used as reference for this work was done by [Nick Turo-Shields](https://grabcad.com/library/2x4-lego-brick-1)