PuzzleCut OpenSCAD Library
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Published on November 26, 2012
Description
Simple OpenSCAD library that cuts objects into interlocking pieces.
Instructions
This OpenSCAD library lets you easily cut objects into interlocking pieces for 3d printing or laser cutting.
Useful for printing objects larger than your printer can handle - or breaking a big job into smaller pieces - so failing doesn't suck as bad.
Place puzzle cuts anywhere you like along the X and/or Y axis.
If you want to change the location of the main cut lines - translate / rotate your object beforehand.
The size of the puzzle cuts can easily be adjusted. You can also adjust "kerf" for a tighter or looser fit.
See included puzzlecutdemo2 file for example of how to import an existing .STL.
Get OpenSCAD here: openscad.org
Demo object: "Bucket O' Octopodes (thicker legs)" - thingiverse.com/thing:8896
Tutorial video by andrewupandabout: youtu.be/RbTqeFuRrLQ
TIP: A kerf of -0.3 is a good starting point if your looking for snug fitting 3d printed parts (thanks toof!).
NOTE: Complex objects may result in "normalized tree" errors / rendering problems. These can be worked around by doing a full render (just hit F6).
UPDATES:
PuzzleCut now supports multiple cut lines per axis! See multicutdemo.scad for an example. This update also changes the cut location variable names (see demo files).
Updated puzzlecutdemo2.scad with some larger cuts and reasonable default kerf. Should now make a good test print without any changes.
Useful for printing objects larger than your printer can handle - or breaking a big job into smaller pieces - so failing doesn't suck as bad.
Place puzzle cuts anywhere you like along the X and/or Y axis.
If you want to change the location of the main cut lines - translate / rotate your object beforehand.
The size of the puzzle cuts can easily be adjusted. You can also adjust "kerf" for a tighter or looser fit.
See included puzzlecutdemo2 file for example of how to import an existing .STL.
Get OpenSCAD here: openscad.org
Demo object: "Bucket O' Octopodes (thicker legs)" - thingiverse.com/thing:8896
Tutorial video by andrewupandabout: youtu.be/RbTqeFuRrLQ
TIP: A kerf of -0.3 is a good starting point if your looking for snug fitting 3d printed parts (thanks toof!).
NOTE: Complex objects may result in "normalized tree" errors / rendering problems. These can be worked around by doing a full render (just hit F6).
UPDATES:
PuzzleCut now supports multiple cut lines per axis! See multicutdemo.scad for an example. This update also changes the cut location variable names (see demo files).
Updated puzzlecutdemo2.scad with some larger cuts and reasonable default kerf. Should now make a good test print without any changes.
License
PuzzleCut OpenSCAD Library by nothinglabs is licensed under the Attribution - Creative Commons license.

A kerf value of -0.3 is an excellent place to start for 3d printed objects It makes a stiff joint that could be glued for a permanent join.