| name | openscad-check-renders |
| description | Inspect OpenSCAD preview render images for a model and fix geometry mismatches. Use when the user asks to check renders, compare expected versus actual model shape, review preview.iso.png or preview.xy.png, or diagnose visual problems after SCAD changes. |
OpenSCAD Check Renders
Workflow
Numbers first, pixels second: start from the machine-readable render report,
then use images to locate what the numbers flagged.
- Read
<model>.geometry.json (regenerate with npm run render -- models/<folder>
if missing/stale) and check before looking at any image:
minZ ~0 — otherwise the part floats above the build plate (invisible in
previews because of --viewall --autocenter).
dims and per-part dims vs README/SCAD parameters.
parts count vs the intended number of printed parts; tiny extra parts are
boolean debris, a missing part means a fragment was silently dropped.
cgal.warnings — "unknown variable" means geometry silently disappeared;
non-manifold warnings mean broken booleans.
expected.mismatches when the model declares expected_dims/expected_parts.
- Open the render images again even if they were opened earlier. After every SCAD
change, assume all PNGs changed:
preview.iso/xy/xz/yz.png — exterior camera views (bbox overlay bottom-left).
<model>.cut-x/y/z.png — cross-sections through the bbox middle: use these to
verify wall thickness, pocket depth, internal cavities and clearances. Grid step
is 10 mm; the darker line marks coordinate 0.
- Identify the intended geometry from the README, SCAD parameters, user request, and nearby model context.