What is constructive solid geometry?
As we’ve already learned, Tinkercad is one of many CAD programs available that allow you to create unique 3D models and designs. We’ve also learned that Tinkercad offers a more intuitive approach when compared to traditional CAD programs, because designing in Tinkercad feels familiar, sort of like playing with toy blocks as a child.
This concept of creation through blocks and shapes is a fundamental component of constructive solid geometry, or CSG. CSG is a 3D modeling technique that involves creating complex and unique shapes through combining simple or primitive ones. These shapes can be combined through Boolean operations, such as merging or cutting, to add or remove material from our final shape through a series of steps.
As an example, let’s look at the model of a bookshelf designed in Tinkercad shown in Figure 4.1:
Figure 4.1: 3D model of a bookshelf designed in Tinkercad through the principles...
