Reproducing the Error with a Smaller Example

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 91 views

Introduction

In OpenSCAD, a popular software for creating 3D models, users often encounter errors when working with complex geometries. One such error is the "The given mesh is not closed!" message, which can be frustrating, especially when trying to perform a simple union of a polyhedron and a cube. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide a step-by-step guide to resolving it.

Understanding the Error

The "The given mesh is not closed!" error occurs when OpenSCAD is unable to convert a mesh to a CGAL_Nef_Polyhedron, which is a data structure used to represent 3D polyhedra. This error can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Non-manifold geometry: When a mesh has non-manifold geometry, it means that there are multiple surfaces that intersect or overlap, making it difficult for OpenSCAD to determine the correct topology.
Holes or gaps: If a mesh has holes or gaps, it can cause the error, as OpenSCAD is unable to close the mesh.
Incorrect mesh generation: If the mesh is generated incorrectly, it can lead to the error.

Reproducing the Error with a Smaller Example

To better understand the error, let's create a smaller example that reproduces the issue. We will create a simple polyhedron and a cube, and then try to union them.

polyhedron(
    points = [
        [0, 0, 0],
        [1, 0, 0],
        [1, 1, 0],
        [0, 1, 0],
        [0, 0, 1],
        [1, 0, 1],
        [1, 1, 1],
        [0, 1, 1]
    ],
    triangles = [
        [0, 1, 2],
        [2, 3, 0],
        [4, 5, 6],
        [6, 7, 4],
        [0, 1, 5],
        [5, 4, 0],
        [1, 2, 6],
        [6, 5, 1],
        [2, 3, 7],
        [7, 6, 2],
        [3, 0, 4],
        [4, 7, 3]
    ]
);

cube(size = 2);

When we run this code, we get the "The given mesh is not closed!" error.

Resolving the Error

To resolve the error, we need to ensure that the mesh is closed and manifold. Here are some steps we can take:

Check the mesh generation: Make sure that the mesh is generated correctly, and that there are no holes or gaps.
Use a different mesh generation algorithm: If the mesh is generated using a specific algorithm, try using a different one to see if it resolves the issue.
Add a small offset to the mesh: Adding a small offset to the mesh can help to close it and resolve the error.
Use the convexity parameter: The convexity parameter can be used to control the convexity of the mesh. Setting it to a higher value can help to close the mesh.

Here's an updated example that uses the convexity parameter to resolve the error:

polyhedron(
    points = [
        [0, 0, 0],
        [1, 0, 0],
        [1, 1, 0],
        [0, 1, 0],
        [0, 0, 1],
        [1, 0, 1],
        [1, 1, 1],
        [0, 1, 1]
    ],
    triangles = [
        [0, 1, 2],
        [2, 3, 0],
        [4, 5, 6],
        [6, 7, 4],
        [0, 1, 5],
        [5, 4, 0],
        [1, 2, 6],
        [6, 5, 1],
        [2, 3, 7],
        [7, 6, 2],
        [3, 0, 4],
        [4, 7, 3]
    ],
    convexity = 10
);

cube(size = 2);

By setting the convexity parameter to a higher value, we can help to close the mesh and resolve the error.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "The given mesh is not closed!" error in OpenSCAD can be caused by a variety of factors, including non-manifold geometry, holes or gaps, and incorrect mesh generation. By understanding the possible causes of the error and using techniques such as adding a small offset to the mesh or using the convexity parameter, we can resolve the error and create complex geometries in OpenSCAD.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks that can help when working with complex geometries in OpenSCAD:

Use the debug parameter: The debug parameter can be used to enable debugging mode, which can help to identify the source of the error.
Use the show function: The show function can be used to display the mesh in a 3D viewer, which can help to identify any issues with the mesh.
Use the convexity parameter: The convexity parameter can be used to control the convexity of the mesh, which can help to close the mesh and resolve the error.
Use the smooth function: The smooth function can be used to smooth the mesh, which can help to remove any issues with the mesh.

Q&A: Resolving the "The given mesh is not closed!" Error in OpenSCAD

Q: What is the "The given mesh is not closed!" error in OpenSCAD?

A: The "The given mesh is not closed!" error in OpenSCAD occurs when the software is unable to convert a mesh to a CGAL_Nef_Polyhedron, which is a data structure used to represent 3D polyhedra. This error can be caused by a variety of factors, including non-manifold geometry, holes or gaps, and incorrect mesh generation.

Q: What are some common causes of the "The given mesh is not closed!" error?

A: Some common causes of the "The given mesh is not closed!" error include:

Non-manifold geometry: When a mesh has non-manifold geometry, it means that there are multiple surfaces that intersect or overlap, making it difficult for OpenSCAD to determine the correct topology.
Holes or gaps: If a mesh has holes or gaps, it can cause the error, as OpenSCAD is unable to close the mesh.
Incorrect mesh generation: If the mesh is generated incorrectly, it can lead to the error.

Q: How can I resolve the "The given mesh is not closed!" error?

A: To resolve the "The given mesh is not closed!" error, you can try the following:

Check the mesh generation: Make sure that the mesh is generated correctly, and that there are no holes or gaps.
Use a different mesh generation algorithm: If the mesh is generated using a specific algorithm, try using a different one to see if it resolves the issue.
Add a small offset to the mesh: Adding a small offset to the mesh can help to close it and resolve the error.
Use the convexity parameter: The convexity parameter can be used to control the convexity of the mesh, which can help to close the mesh and resolve the error.

Q: What is the `convexity` parameter in OpenSCAD?

A: The convexity parameter in OpenSCAD is used to control the convexity of a mesh. By setting the convexity parameter to a higher value, you can help to close the mesh and resolve the error.

Q: How do I use the `convexity` parameter in OpenSCAD?

A: To use the convexity parameter in OpenSCAD, you can add it to the polyhedron function, like this:

polyhedron(
    points = [
        [0, 0, 0],
        [1, 0, 0],
        [1, 1, 0],
        [0, 1, 0],
        [0, 0, 1],
        [1, 0, 1],
        [1, 1, 1],
        [0, 1, 1]
    ],
    triangles = [
        [0, 1, 2],
        [2, 3, 0],
        [4, 5, 6],
        [6, 7, 4],
        [0, 1, 5],
        [5, 4, 0],
        [1, 2, 6],
        [6, 5, 1],
        [2, 3, 7],
        [7, 6, 2],
        [3, 0, 4],
        [4, 7, 3]
    ],
    convexity = 10
);

Q: What are some additional tips and tricks for resolving the "The given mesh is not closed!" error?

A: Some additional tips and tricks for resolving the "The given mesh is not closed!" error include:

Use the debug parameter: The debug parameter can be used to enable debugging mode, which can help to identify the source of the error.
Use the show function: The show function can be used to display the mesh in a 3D viewer, which can help to identify any issues with the mesh.
Use the smooth function: The smooth function can be used to smooth the mesh, which can help to remove any issues with the mesh.

Q: How can I prevent the "The given mesh is not closed!" error from occurring in the future?

A: To prevent the "The given mesh is not closed!" error from occurring in the future, you can try the following:

Use a different mesh generation algorithm: If you are using a specific mesh generation algorithm, try using a different one to see if it resolves the issue.
Add a small offset to the mesh: Adding a small offset to the mesh can help to close it and prevent the error.
Use the convexity parameter: The convexity parameter can be used to control the convexity of the mesh, which can help to close the mesh and prevent the error.

By following these tips and tricks, you can resolve the "The given mesh is not closed!" error in OpenSCAD and create complex geometries with ease.