I’ve been working on a simple browser-based tool for creating 3D relief panels from STL files.
The app loads an STL and converts the model into a series of spaced slices that can be cut from sheet material on a laser cutter. When assembled, the slices recreate the relief of the original 3D model.
You can set the finished size, material thickness, spacing between slices, backing depth and relief depth. There is also an optional mounting system that generates slotted mounting rails to hold all the slices in their correct positions. It even generates a small test piece so you can check the slot fit before cutting the complete panel.
The cutting files are exported as SVG, with the individual slices automatically numbered in a separate colour so the numbers can be engraved, scored or simply turned off in software such as LightBurn.
For models without a suitable flat back, the app can create a new back surface by cutting through the STL at a chosen position.
Everything runs locally in the web browser, so the STL does not need to be uploaded to a server.
This is some impressive programming, but I would not cut it on a laser. A lot of wasted material, and it would need spacers between the slats to maintain the image.
What about a horizontal slice instead? We could cut them out and stack to get the final 3D result.
Thanks for the comment, there is already an option to stack horizontally. You can also add rails to the back running at right angles to the slices, which have slots which match the slots on the slices for consistent spacing.
Did not see this either… There are a lot of pieces. Is there an option to number or letter them? I seem to remember that being mentioned, but did not spot a setting for that.
Hello Ash,
really great stuff. I love it. I have exported my file as an svg but i only get one file with five pieces. What have i done wrong. But the rest seems to be very good. Great idea.
It seems to be a problem with tablet and ipad downloads, works fine on computers. Changed it so now a single sheet will download as an svg, multiple sheets will be downloaded as one zip file.
Great looking tool.
It may sound unusual but my gweike laser only imports 2d dxf files. Any chance of adding more output file options to avoid going to another tool for conversion?
Julian This software will save me learning Blender. It works like a dream - thank you!
Just a couple of comments.
I use Affinity to view the SVG files. When they open they look like blank pages as the line width is zero. I have to go through each SVG file and increase the line width so they are visible.
When an object is rotated is the layout size adjusted also? I imported an object, flipped it vertically and set the model size to 257mm x 500mm with a sheet size of 300 x 600mm. When exporting it gave an alert " A slice part (253.0 × 499.9 mm) is larger than the selected sheet size."
The part number numerals are sometimes very close to each other.
Finally a request. Can it be set to create freestanding models without a mount or flat back?
Again thanks for creating this App. It runs very fast - unlike others.
The app has just been updated (v1.4), the svg lines should now be visible in affinity style editors, the sheet fit should work better now. The Raw Relief has been renamed as Freestanding / full model. To get rid of the gaps just reduce fin spacing to the same as the material thickness and you get a solid model.
The stl, never leaves your device, it isn’t uploaded anywhere, everything takes place in the browser locally. Not sure what the model size limit is, this might depend more on the device being used, rather than the app. I doubt if it will be available as a standalone app, too many hoops to jump through.
