Customizable Polygonal Helix/Thread

thingiverse

# URL https://gitlab.com/joaquinfq/openscad/blob/master/Modules/helix.scad # English This module enables fast and optimal rendering of threads and spirals using OpenSCAD. Unlike other modules that rely on costly operations like `hull` or building each point on the curve to join them later, this one uses polygons, resulting in fast rendering and smooth mouse movement. Polygons are optimized for both vertex number and placement order to ensure rapid rendering and prevent the `invalid manifold` message. Each polygon consists of 2 or more triangles. The algorithm is straightforward: find both side polygons for a segment and connect them with top, bottom, front, and rear polygons. An image shows the polygons constructed for both a segment and an entire thread. You can adjust all thread parameters (pitch, diameter, angle, etc.) and choose the rotation direction as well as render a shaft (countersunk or not). The module respects the value of `$fn` to obtain the number of segments to use for polygon rendering. Unzip `Modules.helix.scad.zip` and open `joaquinfq/openscad/Modules/helix.scad`. If you have questions about its use, please leave a comment.