Make 3d models from interlocking pieces

[kmacht]

I just came across a cool piece of free software to use on my cnc router. It lets you take a 3d model and slice it into interlocking sections and then export the pieces as a flat vector drawing. You can essentially take any 3d model you find out on the internet and turn it into a real life model made up of interlocked 2d pieces. The software is called Make 123d. Do a google search and you will find it. It is part of a free package that Autodesk has out there now. The picture below shows a 3d doughnut I made. It took about 10 minutes to setup the 3d model in the software and about 40 minutes to cut out on my cnc router. This is some pretty awesome stuff considering it is free.

Keith

 

[ilovevocs]

I'm going to have to look into this. I used 3d surface models from maya, exported to rhino and discretised the surfaces from their to build bucks for sheet metal work. I print mine on the plotter and adhere them to plywood and cut then with a jig saw. This seems like it would be a powerful time saving tool for such an application. Thanks for sharing.