Computing and Fabricating Multiplanar Models

Abstract

Figure 1: Our method takes an input mesh of primitives (left) and deforms it to a small number of polygons (center). The reduced mesh can be fabricated using a laser cutter and textured to easily create large physical models (right). AbstractWe present a method for converting computer 3D models into physical equivalents. More specifically, we address the problem of approximating a 3D textured mesh using a small number of planar polygonal primitives that form a closed surface. This simplified representation allows us to easily manufacture individual components using computer controlled cutters (e.g., laser cutters or CNC machines). These polygonal pieces can be assembled into the final 3D model using internal planar connectors that are manufactured simultaneously. Our shape approximation algorithm iteratively assigns mesh faces to planar segments and slowly deforms these faces towards corresponding segments. This approach ensures that the output for a given closed mesh is still a closed mesh and avoids introducing self-intersections. After this step we also compute the shape of polygonal connectors that internally hold the whole mesh surface. Both the polygonal surface elements and connectors can be manufactured in a single cutting pass. We validate the use of our method by computing and manufacturing a variety of textured polyhedral models.

FlexMolds

“…To approximate the surface with a small number of planar polygonal primitives, Chen et al [2013] iteratively assigned mesh faces to planar segments. This results in a closed intersection-free mesh, which can be augmented with internal connectors and fabricated.…”

Printing 3D objects with interlocking parts

“…Partitioning an object into parts for 3D fabrication can be used for creating 3D furniture models with assemblable parts [19], for approximating objects with planar boundary pieces [20] or planar slices [21,22,23], and for building architectural structures [24]. Recently, Zhou et al [25] proposed a method to produce 3D printing objects that can be folded into a box.…”

Boxelization

“…Fabrication in-parts create tangible, physical artifacts either by using shape proxies such as planar boundary pieces [Chen et al 2013] or planar slices [Schwartzburg and Pauly 2013;Hildebrand et al 2012;McCrae et al 2011], or by segmenting the object to pieces for assembly [Luo et al 2012;Lau et al 2011]. In all these works, the object is cut into disjoint parts and reassembled, while our work searches for a single foldable object.…”

“…Our work presents a method to create a fabricated 3D object that can physically fold between the input 3D shape and a box. Unlike previous works in computer-assisted fabrication that create disjoint pieces [McCrae et al 2011;Luo et al 2012;Hildebrand et al 2012;Schwartzburg and Pauly 2013;Chen et al 2013], our method produces a single, connected object that can be folded. Along with the visual appeal and functional advantages of stacking and transporting, our technique allows for reduced printing times and cost, due to the compactness and regularity of the shape.…”