How to split with a "stitch" so that design is within print volume

jeff_kreska

I am considering writing a script that will help me split a design into pieces that can be "stitched" (dovetail, puzzle, zig zag, tounge/groove, ...) back together.

Before I start trying to figure it out are there any scripts I might be able to leverage?
Any pointers on how you would attempt to do this?

eric_pesty

This one might be a good place to start:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/57612867e4b018f59e4d52ce/w/1e657f13b93a753115dcbd12/e/29340b9ea8177088647ffe75

This might also be helpful:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/57ebf15e06acf910d5ac1b09/w/5ad1d8c8be840c2c6f8f02b6/e/a03bbc2a2025a7c41e609380

Or even this one:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/5791a167e4b03c2aa6af3b35/w/8528f1c2d733302d4632f38e/e/7eab6eb8ff7dea85b9cc6a87

The biggest challenge is trying to figure out what a "generic" approach looks like and how to control it without requiring too many parameters!

jeff_kreska

Thanks for those links, I could only find some laser joint scripts.

Agree about the generic approach, IDK how to even do it manually yet

I wonder if I can detect the "base/bottom" and the "walls/uprights" of the model as these need to be treated differently, at least when a steep angle is involved.

I figure the first draft would involve the following:
1. selectable max width (default 200mm)
2. selectable max length (default 200mm)
3. selectable joint type
And it would only work on a flattish model (ignore extrusions and figure that out later)

EvanReese

Since getting it right has to do with layer direction, print orientation, designing out supports, where you want parting lines visually, and the loads the parts are likely to see, I can't picture an effective generic solution, personally, but if someone pulled it off I'd use it!

One way I've joined some things in the past was to make a dovetail or t-joint like this with a little bit of draft, and little to no clearance. If they're printed with the layers oriented right, you can toss it in a vice to press together, and the taper and the layers themselves will retain it. No glue needed, and a very clean parting line. It's a light duty joint though.
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/fa24ad5ec99f143a3196f17b/w/45fb1921c5e67884b323f18f/e/e65575e6f5fe3ce68b383d71