3d to 2d flat-pack?

[SterlingDevelop]

What software would I use to do something similar to this?
I can do it manually in AutoCad, but that is very labor intensive.
The 3d modeling process I have down, and it's fast and efficient.
Is there a program that will take a 3d solid and do this?
Or at least an easier process than "one slice and edit at a time"?


http://cncrouting.co.uk/projects/plywood-car-buck/


Thanks for your input!

Brent

[myxpykalix]

There is a guy here named Fabrice (look for more info in the "Projects" section) who make furniture and stuff in that fashion. I believe he models his in SolidWorks but i don't know any more then that..

[hespj]

If you were running Rhino this (http://vimeo.com/35707093) might help.

John

[WoodMarvels.com]

I believe Autodesk123 does something along those lines but if you want something well done, automation isn't the way, doing it piece by piece in a 3D program or AutoCAD is the way to go.

If you are already familiar with a 3D animation package, just use that - as I have done. I know some guys who do this stuff using just inkscape and it's impressive but once you get into complex interlocking parts, I can't imagine the headaches and testing needed which could be avoided by making it in 3D right from the start.

I use 3DS Max 2012 for my design process, then export the model (splines) to Adobe Illustrator which is then dropped into PartWorks for all the stuff I do at WoodMarvels.com (http://WoodMarvels.com).

Jon

[Greybarn]

I can do that using our 3d solid modeling program(Solid Edge). I need a good surface or sold model and then I can slice it up to get the patterns.

[ron_churches]

Take a look at Google Sketchup (free) and the slicemodeler plugin (small donation request ).