Category: Technology

Blender API: Finding The Orange Dot

A quick script to get each object and the location of the “orange dot” … the origin of the object

# Get location of orange dot for each object in Blender
import bpy

scene = bpy.context.scene
us = scene.unit_settings

unit_system = getattr(us, "system", "NONE")  # 'NONE', 'METRIC', 'IMPERIAL'

meters_per_bu = us.scale_length if unit_system != 'NONE' else 1.0
mm_per_bu = meters_per_bu * 1000.0

for obj in bpy.data.objects:
    if obj.type != 'MESH':
        continue

    origin_world = obj.matrix_world.translation          # in BU
    origin_world_mm = origin_world * mm_per_bu           # in mm

    print(f"Object: {obj.name}")
    print(f"  origin_world (BU): {origin_world.x:.6f}, {origin_world.y:.6f}, {origin_world.z:.6f}")
    print(f"  origin_world (mm): {origin_world_mm.x:.3f}, {origin_world_mm.y:.3f}, {origin_world_mm.z:.3f}")
    print("-" * 30)

Blender API: Bending a 2D Rectangle

Another attempt to create a t-post bracket using a script. This creates a 2D rectangle, bends it, and then solidifies it into a 3d object.

import bpy
import bmesh
import math
from mathutils import Vector, Matrix

# -----------------------------
# Reset / clear scene
# -----------------------------
for obj in list(bpy.data.objects):
    bpy.data.objects.remove(obj, do_unlink=True)

# -----------------------------
# Scene units: mm (1 BU = 1 mm)
# -----------------------------
scene = bpy.context.scene
scene.unit_settings.system = 'METRIC'
scene.unit_settings.scale_length = 0.001

INCH_TO_MM = 25.4
def inch(x):  # returns mm (Blender units)
    return x * INCH_TO_MM

# -----------------------------
# Parameters
# -----------------------------
size_x_in = 3.0
size_y_in = 7.0
thickness_in = 0.25  # SOLIDIFY thickness

fold1_offset_in = 0.5   # from MIN-Y end
fold2_offset_in = 2.0   # from MIN-Y end

fold1_rad = math.radians(-80.0)
fold2_rad = math.radians(80.0)

subdivide_cuts = 60
EPS_Y = 1e-5  # mm tolerance for "on the fold line"

# -----------------------------
# Create flat sheet (plane)
# -----------------------------
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_plane_add(size=1.0, location=(0.0, 0.0, 0.0))
obj = bpy.context.active_object
obj.name = "Bracket"
obj.dimensions = (inch(size_x_in), inch(size_y_in), 0.0)
bpy.ops.object.transform_apply(location=False, rotation=False, scale=True)

# Subdivide for clean fold lines
bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='EDIT')
bpy.ops.mesh.select_all(action='SELECT')
bpy.ops.mesh.subdivide(number_cuts=subdivide_cuts)
bpy.ops.object.mode_set(mode='OBJECT')

# Compute fold Y positions
half_y = inch(size_y_in) / 2.0
min_y = -half_y
y_fold1 = min_y + inch(fold1_offset_in)
y_fold2 = min_y + inch(fold2_offset_in)

# Add both fold lines
bm = bmesh.new()
bm.from_mesh(obj.data)

for y_fold in (y_fold1, y_fold2):
    geom = bm.verts[:] + bm.edges[:] + bm.faces[:]
    bmesh.ops.bisect_plane(
        bm,
        geom=geom,
        plane_co=Vector((0.0, y_fold, 0.0)),
        plane_no=Vector((0.0, 1.0, 0.0)),
        clear_inner=False,
        clear_outer=False
    )

bm.normal_update()
bm.to_mesh(obj.data)
bm.free()

# -----------------------------
# Re-open bmesh, store ORIGINAL Y per vertex
# -----------------------------
bm = bmesh.new()
bm.from_mesh(obj.data)
bm.verts.ensure_lookup_table()

orig_y_layer = bm.verts.layers.float.new("orig_y")
for v in bm.verts:
    v[orig_y_layer] = v.co.y

# ============================================================
# FOLD 1
# ============================================================
hinge_verts_1 = [v for v in bm.verts if abs(v[orig_y_layer] - y_fold1) < EPS_Y]
if not hinge_verts_1:
    raise RuntimeError("No hinge vertices found for fold 1. Increase subdivide_cuts or EPS_Y.")

hinge_point_1 = Vector((0.0, 0.0, 0.0))
for v in hinge_verts_1:
    hinge_point_1 += v.co
hinge_point_1 /= len(hinge_verts_1)

verts_to_rotate_1 = [v for v in bm.verts if v[orig_y_layer] > (y_fold1 + EPS_Y)]
rot1 = Matrix.Rotation(fold1_rad, 4, 'X')
bmesh.ops.rotate(bm, verts=verts_to_rotate_1, cent=hinge_point_1, matrix=rot1)

# ============================================================
# FOLD 2
# ============================================================
hinge_verts_2 = [v for v in bm.verts if abs(v[orig_y_layer] - y_fold2) < EPS_Y]
if not hinge_verts_2:
    raise RuntimeError("No hinge vertices found for fold 2. Increase subdivide_cuts or EPS_Y.")

hinge_point_2 = Vector((0.0, 0.0, 0.0))
for v in hinge_verts_2:
    hinge_point_2 += v.co
hinge_point_2 /= len(hinge_verts_2)

verts_to_rotate_2 = [v for v in bm.verts if v[orig_y_layer] > (y_fold2 + EPS_Y)]
rot2 = Matrix.Rotation(fold2_rad, 4, 'X')
bmesh.ops.rotate(bm, verts=verts_to_rotate_2, cent=hinge_point_2, matrix=rot2)

# Write back mesh
bm.normal_update()
bm.to_mesh(obj.data)
bm.free()

# -----------------------------
# Solidify AFTER folding
# -----------------------------
solid = obj.modifiers.new(name="Solidify_0p5in", type='SOLIDIFY')
solid.thickness = inch(thickness_in)  # 0.5"
solid.offset = 0.0                    # centered thickness (equal on both sides)
solid.use_even_offset = True
solid.use_rim = True

# Optional: keep object active
bpy.ops.object.select_all(action='DESELECT')
obj.select_set(True)
bpy.context.view_layer.objects.active = obj

Blender API: Playing with Cylinders

This script was mostly made to play around with rotation on cylinders.

import bpy
import math

# Delete all existing objects
for obj in list(bpy.data.objects):
    bpy.data.objects.remove(obj, do_unlink=True)

for i in range(4):
    bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cylinder_add(
        radius=0.5,
        depth=10.0,
        location=(0, 0.0, 0.0),
        rotation=((i * 5.5), 0.0, 0.0)
    )

    cyl = bpy.context.active_object
    cyl.name = f"DemoCylinderX{i}"

for i in range(4):
    bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cylinder_add(
        radius=0.5,
        depth=10.0,
        location=(0, 0.0, 0.0),
        rotation=(0.0, (i * 5.5), 0.0)
    )

    cyl = bpy.context.active_object
    cyl.name = f"DemoCylinderY{i}"

# cyl.rotation_euler = (15.0,13.0,12.0)

# Or single-axis rotation
# Rotate 45 degrees about X axis
#cyl.rotation_euler[0] = math.radians(45.0)


Querying the RPC Endpoint Mapper

A lot of RPC services start out on a standard port (TCP port 135) and then move over to a dynamically allocated port. Fortunately, there’s a way to ask the RPC endpoint mapper what services are available and what port(s) have been assigned to that service. It uses the portqry command:

C:\PortQryV2>portqry -n host2043.servers.example.com -e 135 -p tcp -v

Note: the -v option only displays extra data in local mode

Querying target system called:

 host2043.servers.example.com

Attempting to resolve name to IP address...


Name resolved to 10.237.73.103

querying...

TCP port 135 (epmap service): LISTENING

Using ephemeral source port
Querying Endpoint Mapper Database...
Server's response:

UUID: 04eeb297-cbf4-466b-8a2a-bfd6a2f10bba EFSK RPC Interface
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\efsrpc]

UUID: 367abb81-9844-35f1-ad32-98f038001003
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50007]

UUID: 91ae6020-9e3c-11cf-8d7c-00aa00c091be
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\cert]

UUID: 91ae6020-9e3c-11cf-8d7c-00aa00c091be
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50006]

UUID: 29770a8f-829b-4158-90a2-78cd488501f7
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\SessEnvPublicRpc]

UUID: 29770a8f-829b-4158-90a2-78cd488501f7
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50004]

UUID: 7f1343fe-50a9-4927-a778-0c5859517bac DfsDs service
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\wkssvc]

UUID: f6beaff7-1e19-4fbb-9f8f-b89e2018337c Windows Event Log
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\eventlog]

UUID: f6beaff7-1e19-4fbb-9f8f-b89e2018337c Windows Event Log
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50002]

UUID: 1ff70682-0a51-30e8-076d-740be8cee98b
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\atsvc]

UUID: 378e52b0-c0a9-11cf-822d-00aa0051e40f
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\atsvc]

UUID: 33d84484-3626-47ee-8c6f-e7e98b113be1
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\atsvc]

UUID: 86d35949-83c9-4044-b424-db363231fd0c
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\atsvc]

UUID: 86d35949-83c9-4044-b424-db363231fd0c
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50003]

UUID: 3a9ef155-691d-4449-8d05-09ad57031823
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\atsvc]

UUID: 3a9ef155-691d-4449-8d05-09ad57031823
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50003]

UUID: c9ac6db5-82b7-4e55-ae8a-e464ed7b4277 Impl friendly name
ncacn_hvsocket:host2043.servers.example.com[F58797F6-C9F3-4D63-9BD4-E52AC020E586]

UUID: 76f226c3-ec14-4325-8a99-6a46348418af
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\InitShutdown]

UUID: d95afe70-a6d5-4259-822e-2c84da1ddb0d
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\PIPE\\InitShutdown]

UUID: d95afe70-a6d5-4259-822e-2c84da1ddb0d
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50001]

UUID: 12345778-1234-abcd-ef00-0123456789ac
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\lsass]

UUID: 12345778-1234-abcd-ef00-0123456789ac
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50000]

UUID: 0b1c2170-5732-4e0e-8cd3-d9b16f3b84d7 RemoteAccessCheck
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\lsass]

UUID: 0b1c2170-5732-4e0e-8cd3-d9b16f3b84d7 RemoteAccessCheck
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50000]

UUID: 0b1c2170-5732-4e0e-8cd3-d9b16f3b84d7 RemoteAccessCheck
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50005]

UUID: 0b1c2170-5732-4e0e-8cd3-d9b16f3b84d7 RemoteAccessCheck
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\lsass]

UUID: 0b1c2170-5732-4e0e-8cd3-d9b16f3b84d7 RemoteAccessCheck
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50000]

UUID: 0b1c2170-5732-4e0e-8cd3-d9b16f3b84d7 RemoteAccessCheck
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50005]

UUID: b25a52bf-e5dd-4f4a-aea6-8ca7272a0e86 KeyIso
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\lsass]

UUID: b25a52bf-e5dd-4f4a-aea6-8ca7272a0e86 KeyIso
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50000]

UUID: b25a52bf-e5dd-4f4a-aea6-8ca7272a0e86 KeyIso
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50005]

UUID: 8fb74744-b2ff-4c00-be0d-9ef9a191fe1b Ngc Pop Key Service
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\lsass]

UUID: 8fb74744-b2ff-4c00-be0d-9ef9a191fe1b Ngc Pop Key Service
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50000]

UUID: 8fb74744-b2ff-4c00-be0d-9ef9a191fe1b Ngc Pop Key Service
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50005]

UUID: 51a227ae-825b-41f2-b4a9-1ac9557a1018 Ngc Pop Key Service
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\lsass]

UUID: 51a227ae-825b-41f2-b4a9-1ac9557a1018 Ngc Pop Key Service
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50000]

UUID: 51a227ae-825b-41f2-b4a9-1ac9557a1018 Ngc Pop Key Service
ncacn_ip_tcp:host2043.servers.example.com[50005]

UUID: df1941c5-fe89-4e79-bf10-463657acf44d EFS RPC Interface
ncacn_np:host2043.servers.example.com[\\pipe\\efsrpc]

Total endpoints found: 38



==== End of RPC Endpoint Mapper query response ====




Blender Scripting Lesson of the Week: Beveling

We were playing around with bevels this week – it’s pretty straight forward, the API lets you set the parameters you set through the GUI in a bevel modifier.

import bpy

# Clear all existing objects
for obj in list(bpy.data.objects):
    bpy.data.objects.remove(obj, do_unlink=True)

# Set Units
scene = bpy.context.scene
scene.unit_settings.system = 'METRIC'
scene.unit_settings.scale_length = 0.001  # 1 BU = 1 mm

# Create rectangular cube
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(location=(0, 0, 0))
block = bpy.context.active_object
block.name = "Block"

# cube default size is 2x2x2, so set absolute dimensions
block.dimensions = (2.0, 20.0, 0.25)
bpy.context.view_layer.objects.active = block
block.select_set(True)

# Apply scale so booleans/bevel behave predictably
bpy.ops.object.transform_apply(location=False, rotation=False, scale=True)

# Create cylinder cutter
hole_diameter = 1.0
hole_radius = hole_diameter / 2.0

# Make it longer than the block thickness so it fully cuts through
cutter_depth = 5.0

bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cylinder_add(
    vertices=64,
    radius=hole_radius,
    depth=cutter_depth,
    location=(0.0, 0.0, 0.0),   # center of the block
    rotation=(0.0, 0.0, 0.0)
)
cutter = bpy.context.active_object
cutter.name = "HoleCutter"

bpy.ops.object.transform_apply(location=False, rotation=False, scale=True)

# Boolean: cut hole
bpy.context.view_layer.objects.active = block
bool_mod = block.modifiers.new(name="Hole", type='BOOLEAN')
bool_mod.operation = 'DIFFERENCE'
bool_mod.solver = 'EXACT'
bool_mod.object = cutter

# Apply boolean
bpy.ops.object.modifier_apply(modifier=bool_mod.name)

# Hide cutter in viewport + renders
cutter.hide_set(True)
cutter.hide_render = True

# Bevel the block
bevel_width = 0.08 
bevel_segments = 5

bevel_mod = block.modifiers.new(name="Bevel", type='BEVEL')
bevel_mod.width = bevel_width
bevel_mod.segments = bevel_segments
bevel_mod.limit_method = 'ANGLE'
bevel_mod.angle_limit = 0.523599  # 30 degrees in radians

# Apply bevel
bpy.ops.object.modifier_apply(modifier=bevel_mod.name)

Blender Scripting – T-Post Sign Holder

We spent a lot of the day trying to modify 3D models that we found online to work as a sign holder. Something like the bent metal plates you can buy at the tractor store. Since these are simple polygons, I thought it might be easier to script the build (plus making changes to the dimensions would just require tweaking variables).

Voila – hopefully it’s a T-post sign holder! It at least looks like one.

import bpy
import bmesh
import math
from mathutils import Vector

# Clear all existing objects
for obj in list(bpy.data.objects):
    bpy.data.objects.remove(obj, do_unlink=True)

# -----------------------------
# Scene units (mm)
# -----------------------------
scene = bpy.context.scene
scene.unit_settings.system = 'METRIC'
scene.unit_settings.scale_length = 0.001  # 1 Blender unit = 1 mm

INCH = 25.4
def inch(x): return x * INCH

# -----------------------------
# PARAMETERS (mm)
# -----------------------------
bracket_thickness = inch(0.25)   # sheet thickness
bracket_width = inch(3)   # bracket width (across the post)

# Leg lengths (side profile)
bracket_top_length = inch(1)        # bracket segment 1 length
bracket_middle_length = inch(2)     # bracket segment 2 length
bracket_bottom_length = inch(4.5)   # bracket segment 3 length

# Bend included angles
bend1_angle_included = 105.0   # top flange
bend2_angle_included = 255.0   # web -> long leg

# If the long leg goes the wrong direction, flip this
flip_second_bend = True

# -----------------------------
# Punch hole
# -----------------------------
do_punch = True

# T-post size references
tpost_horizontal_hole_height = inch(0.25)
tpost_horizontal_hole_width = inch(1.5)
tpost_vertical_hole_height = inch(2)
tpost_vertical_hole_width = inch(0.25)
punch_clearance = 1.0 # clearance added around each rectangle (mm)

# Position of t-post before rotation (Z from p0 end, and X across width)
punch_center_z = inch(1)
punch_center_x = bracket_width / 2

# Vertical placement on top flange (Y=0 plane)
punch_center_y = -inch(0.5)

# -----------------------------
# Optional bevel to make edges25ook more formed
# -----------------------------
do_bevel = True

bevel_width = inch(0.05)
bevel_segments = 25

# -----------------------------
# Cleanup
# -----------------------------
#for n in ["BracketShape", "PunchBar", "PunchStem", "HoleRight1", "HoleRight2", "HoleRight3", "HoleRight4", "HoleLeft1", "HoleRLeft2", "HoleLeft3", "HoleLeft4"]:
#    o = bpy.data.objects.get(n)
#    if o:
#        bpy.data.objects.remove(o, do_unlink=True)

# -----------------------------
# Helpers (YZ plane directions)
# Define 0° as +Z. +90° is +Y. -90° is -Y.
# -----------------------------
def unit_from_angle(deg_from_posZ):
    a = math.radians(deg_from_posZ)
    return Vector((0.0, math.sin(a), math.cos(a)))

def boolean_diff(target, cutter):
    mod = target.modifiers.new(name=f"BOOL_{cutter.name}", type="BOOLEAN")
    mod.operation = 'DIFFERENCE'
    mod.solver = 'EXACT'
    mod.object = cutter
    bpy.context.view_layer.objects.active = target
    bpy.ops.object.modifier_apply(modifier=mod.name)
    cutter.hide_set(True)

def add_cube(name, size_xyz, location_xyz, rotation_xyz):
    bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cube_add(size=1, location=location_xyz, rotation=rotation_xyz)
    obj = bpy.context.active_object
    obj.name = name
    obj.scale = (size_xyz[0], size_xyz[1], size_xyz[2])
    bpy.ops.object.transform_apply()
    return obj

def add_cylinder(name, radius, length, location_xyz, rotation_xyz):
    bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cylinder_add(radius=radius, depth=length, location=location_xyz, rotation=rotation_xyz)
    obj = bpy.context.active_object
    obj.name = name
    bpy.ops.object.transform_apply()
    return obj

# Convert included bend angles to turn angles
angle_top = 180.0 - bend1_angle_included
angle_bottom = 180.0 - bend2_angle_included

# Start along +Z (top flange)
theta0 = 0.0
d0 = unit_from_angle(theta0)

# After bend1, go "down" (toward -Y) by turning negative
theta1 = theta0 - angle_top
d1 = unit_from_angle(theta1)

# After bend2, go toward +Z again (or flip if needed)
theta2 = theta1 + (angle_bottom if not flip_second_bend else - angle_bottom)
d2 = unit_from_angle(theta2)

# Profile points (center surface)
p0 = Vector((0.0, 0.0, 0.0))      # free end of top flange
p1 = p0 + d0 * bracket_top_length       # bend1 line
p2 = p1 + d1 * bracket_middle_length    # bend2 line
p3 = p2 + d2 * bracket_bottom_length    # end of long leg

# -----------------------------
# Build a single connected sheet surface:
# Create two polylines separated in X, then make quads between them.
# -----------------------------
mesh = bpy.data.meshes.new("BracketShapeMesh")
bracket = bpy.data.objects.new("BracketShape", mesh)
bpy.context.collection.objects.link(bracket)
bpy.context.view_layer.objects.active = bracket
bracket.select_set(True)

bm = bmesh.new()

x0, x1 = 0.0, bracket_width

# Left side (x0)
v0a = bm.verts.new((x0, p0.y, p0.z))
v1a = bm.verts.new((x0, p1.y, p1.z))
v2a = bm.verts.new((x0, p2.y, p2.z))
v3a = bm.verts.new((x0, p3.y, p3.z))

# Right side (x1)
v0b = bm.verts.new((x1, p0.y, p0.z))
v1b = bm.verts.new((x1, p1.y, p1.z))
v2b = bm.verts.new((x1, p2.y, p2.z))
v3b = bm.verts.new((x1, p3.y, p3.z))

# Faces (one per segment)
bm.faces.new((v0a, v0b, v1b, v1a))  # top flange
bm.faces.new((v1a, v1b, v2b, v2a))  # web
bm.faces.new((v2a, v2b, v3b, v3a))  # long leg

bm.normal_update()
bm.to_mesh(mesh)
bm.free()

# -----------------------------
# Solidify to thickness (sheet metal look)
# -----------------------------
solid = bracket.modifiers.new("Solidify", type="SOLIDIFY")
solid.thickness = bracket_thickness
solid.offset = 0.0
bpy.ops.object.modifier_apply(modifier=solid.name)

# -----------------------------
# Punch the lowercase "t" on the top flange
# (Top flange is flat at Y=0; punch straight through Y)
# -----------------------------
if do_punch:
    tpost_length_y = bracket_thickness * 5  # ensure it fully cuts through

    # Crossbar rectangle
    horizontal_hole = add_cube(
        "PunchBar",
        size_xyz=(tpost_horizontal_hole_width + 2 * punch_clearance, tpost_length_y, tpost_horizontal_hole_height + 2 * punch_clearance),
        location_xyz=(punch_center_x, 13 + punch_center_y, punch_center_z),
        rotation_xyz=(math.radians(90 - bend1_angle_included / 2), math.radians(0), math.radians(0))
    )

    # Stem rectangle (placed under the bar like a lowercase "t")
    vertical_hole = add_cube(
        "PunchStem",
        size_xyz=(tpost_vertical_hole_width + 2 * punch_clearance, tpost_length_y, tpost_vertical_hole_height + 2 * punch_clearance),
        location_xyz=(punch_center_x, punch_center_y, punch_center_z),
        rotation_xyz=(math.radians(90), math.radians(0), math.radians(0))
        #rotation_xyz=(math.radians(90 - bend1_angle_included / 2), math.radians(0), math.radians(0))
    )
    boolean_diff(bracket, vertical_hole)
    boolean_diff(bracket, horizontal_hole)


for hole in range(4):
    right_hole = add_cylinder(
        "HoleRight{}".format(hole),
        radius=inch(0.125),
        length=100,
        location_xyz=(inch(0.5), -inch(2), inch(2) + inch(1.175) * hole),
        rotation_xyz=(math.radians(90), 0, 0)
    )
    left_hole = add_cylinder(
        "HoleLeft{}".format(hole),
        radius=inch(0.125),
        length=100,
        location_xyz=(inch(2.5), -inch(2), inch(2) + inch(1.175) * hole),
        rotation_xyz=(math.radians(90), 0, 0)
    )
    boolean_diff(bracket, right_hole)
    boolean_diff(bracket, left_hole)

# -----------------------------
# Optional bevel
# -----------------------------
if do_bevel:
    bev = bracket.modifiers.new("Bevel", type="BEVEL")
    bev.width = bevel_width
    bev.segments = bevel_segments
    bev.limit_method = 'ANGLE'
    #bev.angle_limit = math.radians(35)
    bev.use_clamp_overlap = False
    bpy.context.view_layer.objects.active = bracket
    bpy.ops.object.modifier_apply(modifier=bev.name)

API Documentation Links:

https://docs.blender.org/api/current/bpy.ops.mesh.html
https://docs.blender.org/api/current/bmesh.ops.html

Setting Windows Dynamic Port Range

In case anyone else ever needs to set a windows dynamic port range for magic RPC “stuff” — there’s a minimum range size of 255. If you make the range to small, you get an incredibly vague and not-useful “the parameter is incorrect” error. Increase num to at least the min value, and you don’t be going in circles trying to figure out what in your command doesn’t match the parameters in the documentation!

 

Blender Scripting Lesson of the Week: Cylinders

Quick script for creating a cylinder using bpy

import bpy

# Clear all existing objects
for obj in list(bpy.data.objects):
    bpy.data.objects.remove(obj, do_unlink=True)

# Set Units
scene = bpy.context.scene
scene.unit_settings.system = 'METRIC'
scene.unit_settings.scale_length = 0.001  # 1 BU = 1 mm

# Create cylinder
bpy.ops.mesh.primitive_cylinder_add(
    vertices=32, radius=10.0, depth=20.0,
    end_fill_type='NGON', calc_uvs=True,
    enter_editmode=False, align='WORLD',
    location=(0.0, 0.0, -2.0), rotation=(0.0, 0.0, 0.0),
    scale=(1, 1, 1)
)

# Name cylinder
obj = bpy.context.active_object
obj.name = "MyCylinder"

# Frame Selected 
for area in bpy.context.window.screen.areas:
    if area.type == 'VIEW_3D':
        for region in area.regions:
            if region.type == 'WINDOW':
                with bpy.context.temp_override(area=area, region=region):
                    bpy.ops.view3d.view_selected(use_all_regions=False)
                break
        break

Venafi Cert Issuance Fails after Windows 2022 Upgrade

Certificate Issuance Fails

After requesting a certificate, the request immediately fails with the error:

Failed to post CSR with error: Unknown certificate profile type.

I think it is just a coincidence, but wanted to document the scenario in case it comes up again. The application makes web calls to a vendor API to issue certs. The API calls, after the upgrade, were failing.

In this scenario, a call was being made to {base_url}/api/ssl/v1/types, the connection failed. Since the list of valid certificate profiles could not be retrieved, the request failed saying the certificate profile was unknown.

GET https://hard.cert-manager.com/api/ssl/v1/types?organizationId=####

Looking at a debug trace, the following flow was observed:

  • Authentication headers sent: login=<REDACTED>, password=<REDACTED>, customerUri=<REDACTED>
  • Transport-level failure (no HTTP status returned on the failing attempt)
    • Symptoms: “Decrypt failed with error 0X90317” followed by “The underlying connection was closed: The connection was closed unexpectedly.”
    • Context: Revocation checks reported “revocation server was offline,” then the client proceeded; long idle/keep-alive reuse likely contributed to the close.

 

Connection reuse vs server keep-alive: Apache is advertising Keep-Alive: timeout=3. The .NET client is reusing long-idle TLS connections via the proxy; by the time it sends application data, the server/proxy has already closed the session, leading to “underlying connection was closed” errors.

Revocation checks through the proxy: The .NET trace shows “revocation server was offline” before proceeding. That extra handshake work plus proxy blocking CRL/OCSP can increase latency and contribute to idle reuse issues.

.NET SChannel quirks: Older HttpWebRequest/ServicePoint behaviors (Expect100-Continue, connection pooling) can interact poorly with short keep-alive servers/proxies.

Luckily, this is a .NET application, and you can create custom configuration files for .NET apps. In the file with the binary, look for a text file named BinaryName.exe.config

If none exists, create one. The following disables the proxy:

<?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”utf-8″?>
<configuration>
<system.net>
<!– Turn off use of the system proxy for this app –>
<defaultProxy enabled=”true”>
<proxy usesystemdefault=”false” />
</defaultProxy>
</system.net>
</configuration>