Recently, I wanted a funnel for a certain task at work. I found that neither stores nor Amazon had the right configuration that I wanted. So it occurred to me that I could use my 3D printer to make a customized funnel. However, given the low level of my CAD skills, it would require a significant learning curve to design the funnel. So naturally, I turned to AI.
Specifically, I went to Claude. Claude explained that it could not directly generate an STL file, but it could generate a text script that I could copy-and-paste into OpenSCAD, which could then generate the STL file for me. OpenSCAD is a free program that you can download onto your computer, so no problem there.
You don’t need to know how to use OpenSCAD. You’ll be using it just to press a single key for the conversion of text script to STL.
Anyhow, these are the funnel specs that your AI prompt will require (specify whether mm or in for dimensions):
- Top opening diameter (inner or outer)
- Spout diameter at tip (inner or outer)
- Total height
- Spout length
- Wall thickness
- Optimal extras such as a flat rim or brim at the top
(As you can see, I specified a wide brim/rim to ensure that the funnel didn’t slip during printing.)
Claude suggests using a wall thickness that is a multiple of the nozzle width. Remember that the outer diameter will be equal to the inner diameter plus twice the wall thickness (and vice versa).
Once you make the prompt, Claude will generate the script. And now it’s time to convert the script into an STL file using OpenSCAD. You can download and install OpenSCAD, no biggie. And then the actual file conversion is very simple:
- Open OpenSCAD.
- Choose New.
- Copy and paste Claude’s script into OpenSCAD.
- Press F6 in OpenSCAD.
- Export as STL file.
I then loaded the STL into TinkerCAD to flip it for printing and to make a minor mod.
Here’s how it turned out (using a Flashforge AD5X):
And that’s all you have to do. Happy funnel-making!
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Do you like science fiction? Well, I write science fiction! I use AI for the covers but hand-craft the stories the old-fashioned way, by using an antique meat-brain. My latest novella is about first contact with a civilization of intelligent octopoids (that is, octopus-like beings) living in the underground ocean of Europa, moon of Jupiter. It’s called Europa Dive. I hope you check it out and enjoy!
