A new CAD modeling tool is now available for all of the programmer-oriented people out there, the new GPL2 licensed OpenSCAD. Unlike traditional modeling solutions like Blender, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks, it takes simply 2D scripts and builds geometry using 2D Extrusion techniques of Constructive Solid Geometry.
OpenSCAD is not an interactive modeller. Instead it is something like a 3D-compiler that reads in a script file that describes the object and renders the 3D model from this script file (see examples below). This gives you (the designer) full control over the modelling process and enables you to easily change any step in the modelling process or make designes that are defined by configurable parameters.
OpenSCAD provides two main modelling techniques: First there is constructive solid geometry (aka CSG) and second there is extrusion of 2D outlines. As data exchange format format for this 2D outlines Autocad DXF files are used. In addition to 2D paths for extrusion it is also possible to read design parametes from DXF files. Besides DXF files OpenSCAD can read and create 3D models in the STL and OFF file formats.
Binaries for Windows, OSX, and linux are available for download, with Source for the true die-hards.
