Onshape users are always looking for the most efficient ways to design CAD models, and with FeatureScript, they can create their own Custom Features to aid in this process.
FeatureScript is Onshape’s native programming language that anyone can use to create their own custom feature within Onshape. Users can then share their custom features with other users, which allows the Onshape community to build on the platform and make it work for them!
In hopes of familiarizing students with FeatureScript, the Onshape Education team collaborated with Formlabs to launch the Onshape Custom Feature Challenge!
About Formlabs
In 2011, three MIT graduate students built the first 3D printer that could achieve industrial, professional part quality at an affordable price.
Through a continuous commitment to innovation, Formlabs has become the largest supplier of professional stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers in the world.
The Custom Feature Challenge
For this competition, Onshape and Formlabs challenged students to use FeatureScript to create their own custom feature that assists in 3D printing.
We prepared a number of resources to help get students started and sweetened the deal with some exciting prizes for the winner:
- Onshape Associate Certification Exam Voucher
- Onshape Swag Pack
- Certificate of Achievement
- Formlabs Form 3+ Complete Package
All submissions were judged based on completeness, complexity, use of best practices, functionality, and awesomeness.
We received some great submissions from students, with one team selected as our overall winner.
Winner: “Line of Links” Custom Feature
Congratulations to our winners: Carl Malagodi and Alex Kempen!
The winning feature, shown above, created by these two students produces a line of links meant to be printed in place. It was inspired by popular octopus prints with movable tentacles, shown below.
The feature can be used by setting a constant side length parameter for all links or by defining a start and end side length and letting the feature do linear interpolation between the two values.
Not only did their custom feature successfully create these printable parts, their document contained a great writeup and examples of the feature to help other users get started. The user inputs are clear and effective for customizing the parts. And they even created a custom icon, below, for the feature!
Thank you again to all participants that submitted their custom features for the challenge. We were inspired to see what students were able to accomplish by using both their CAD and coding skills. Keep an eye out for future competitions that can be found on our website!
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