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Is there an automated/easy way to cut a 3D-model into slices/layers for lasercutting?

Question asked by Ruben Lange on Nov 10, 2019
Latest reply on Nov 11, 2019 by Chris Dordoni

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Hi!

I've been looking online a bunch trying to find a way to get a 3D-model sliced up into many layers in order for them to be lasercut out of plywood, so that I can glue them together afterwards, but I've only found external software I first need to download and install (sometimes with a pricetag...).

With SolidWorks being such an advanced modeling tool I already have acces to, I presume there must be a way to slice a model automatically, or at least make it easier than doing it by hand using many planes and cuts. I just need help finding it, and if its not a thing, advice for the cheapest/easiest alternative.

I hope someone can help out!

Thanks in advance,

Ruben

John Stoltzfus Nov 11, 2019 7:27 AM

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Ruben Lange - SolidWorks has the right tool for what you want to do...

The "Slicing Tool" slices the part and adds a sketch to the profile, then you would need to add an Cut Extrude or however else you would like to achieve your end results...

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Chris Dordoni Nov 10, 2019 10:22 PM
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There is no automated method built-in, although someone could probably write a macro to do it, maybe someone already has?

This app is free and it is stand alone (does not require Fusion360)
https://apps.autodesk.com/FUSION/en/Detail/Index?id=8699194120463301363&appLang=en&os=Win64&autostart=true
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- John Stoltzfus @ Chris Dordoni on Nov 11, 2019 8:08 AM
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  Chris Dordoni
  
  Thanks !!
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Chris Dordoni Nov 10, 2019 10:25 PM
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There is no automated method built-in, although someone could probably write a macro to do it, maybe someone already has?

Ugh, guess if we post a link it gets moderated

Google fusion360 slicer
Its free, and its a stand alone app despite the name.
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- Ruben Lange @ Chris Dordoni on Nov 11, 2019 2:31 AM
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  Ok thanks. I'll try to find either.
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- John Stoltzfus @ Chris Dordoni on Nov 11, 2019 8:17 AM
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  The Fusion Slicer works great, but how can I save the Sliced part as an IGES file or another dumb solid and open it in SW????
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  - Chris Dordoni @ John Stoltzfus on Nov 11, 2019 8:52 AM
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    I don't have it installed on this computer, and its been a while since I looked at it. I don't recall IGS being an export option.
    I'll install it again and take a look.
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    - John Stoltzfus @ Chris Dordoni on Nov 11, 2019 8:55 AM
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      It doesn't need to specifically be iges - just a solid that can be opened with SolidWorks..
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      - Chris Dordoni @ John Stoltzfus on Nov 11, 2019 9:25 PM
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        I had forgotten it only takes STL and OBJ meshes as input.
        
        Exporting 2D slices can be in DXF, PDF, EPS.
        The files only contain line segments due to the mesh input (no arcs or splines). Not great for 2D CNC but there are methods to get arcs or splines from the line segments with additional software.
        
        Exporting 3D slices can be in STL and OBJ formats
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Rob Edwards Nov 11, 2019 1:39 AM
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Hi Ruben

How complicated is your model?
Can you upload a sample?

For something simple it doesn't take long (using a design table) to set up something like this.
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- Ruben Lange @ Rob Edwards on Nov 11, 2019 2:36 AM
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  I agree it isn't that hard to do, but the problems arise when a part doesn't have straight, perpendicular edges. In this case I'd like to take the average shape of each slice to get the best approximation of the part I want to cut out (I don't know if this is understandable).
  This is the model I'd like to construct from bottom to top out of slices of say 2mm plywood.
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  - Rob Edwards @ Ruben Lange on Nov 11, 2019 3:20 AM
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    Ah The Apple Pie!
    
    I'd like to take the average shape of each slice
    This is easy enough to do, just get a face that is in the middle of the slice and thicken it. - but would you not want to take the largest section rather than the average?
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    - Ruben Lange @ Rob Edwards on Nov 11, 2019 6:02 AM
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      Yes the apple pie haha, I didn't realise you responded to that one too.
      but would you not want to take the largest section rather than the average?
      Why so?
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      - Rob Edwards @ Ruben Lange on Nov 11, 2019 7:17 AM
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        Hi Ruben
        Why so?
        I'm presuming you're going to shape (sand) the steps out.
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        Ruben Lange @ Rob Edwards on Nov 11, 2019 8:05 AM
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        Aah yeah well not neccesarily. It depends on how much time is left after cutting for my deadline. I might try to do that, and in that case, I guess it is a good idea to take the largest section. How would you select the largest cross section then? Thats probably harder to do than an average.
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John Stoltzfus Nov 11, 2019 7:27 AM
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Ruben Lange - SolidWorks has the right tool for what you want to do...

The "Slicing Tool" slices the part and adds a sketch to the profile, then you would need to add an Cut Extrude or however else you would like to achieve your end results...
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- Rob Edwards @ John Stoltzfus on Nov 11, 2019 7:29 AM
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  I'm still on 16 /18
  2019 What's New in SOLIDWORKS - Slicing Tool
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  - John Stoltzfus @ Rob Edwards on Nov 11, 2019 7:31 AM
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    In my book, it was the "Best" enhancement for 2019
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    - Rob Edwards @ John Stoltzfus on Nov 11, 2019 7:32 AM
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      My boss wants to make a surfboard, so this looks perfect
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- Ruben Lange @ John Stoltzfus on Nov 11, 2019 8:16 AM
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  Oh wow that actually works very well. Thank you! Now I have 50 "slices" of pie ;-D.
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- Chris Dordoni @ John Stoltzfus on Nov 11, 2019 8:47 AM
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  That's great, I could have used this many times, glad to know it is in 2019.
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Is there an automated/easy way to cut a 3D-model into slices/layers for lasercutting?

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