From a 3D dome model to a 2D cutting file

[Anonymous]

Hey! 

Before I decide for Fusion 360 I need to clarify if it is possible to go from a 3D model to a 2D cutting file. 

I want to model a dome, made out of a flexible material (polycarbonate), where the single shells will be cut and through connecting them the dome form will appear. 

The link shows a similar project, where in the black box a cutting file is shown.  (https://www.behance.net/gallery/59391165/The-Droplet?fbclid=IwAR0aprJq67Q-LDlCr5PZooPjEBH4nBTHYSja82...)

My partner did play a bit around in Fusion 360 already and could not figure out how to come from the 3D model to the cutting file - so the question is, if it is possible and if yes, how? 🙂

Thank you very much

Luzie 

[TheCADWhisperer]

You would need Autodesk Inventor 2020 or Autodesk MeshMixer to Unrwap those surfaces and might require additional post processing.

This is not a beginner endeavor.

File>Export and then Attach your *.f3d attempt here if you can’t figure it out.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

even if it seems unusual at first, Pepakura Designer might be suitable for it.

günther

[henningsen2009]

Hi, I have had the same questions as you and have done some research. The ExactFlat plugin for f360 is a option for you, but it is very expensive just for makers or hobbyist. Through other forums I have heard slicer for f360 is capable of doing this to a certain extent. I have not yet tried it myself. Has anyone else used Slicer for this purpose?

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@henningsen2009 wrote:

....Through other forums I have heard slicer for f360 is capable of doing this to a certain extent.

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What is your reference? Links please.

[henningsen2009]

Like I said...I haven’t tried it yet myself. Also why I asked if anyone has tried it...

https://community.glowforge.com/t/slicer-for-fusion-360/6080/2

https://www.v1engineering.com/forum/topic/new-fusion-360-add-in-to-check-out-slicer/

[henningsen2009]

..

[henningsen2009]

New to the forum, just realized I didn’t reply to Luzie, apologies.

[etfrench]

The dome and the panels are fairly simple to model:

It's just an ellipse for the dome and a circular array of lines to use in the split body command.

Each of the individual panels would need to imported into Meshmixer (or Inventor) then unwrapped to make the cut files.