MakeSlice

MakeSlice on GitHub

MakeSlice is a free, browser-based digital fabrication tool that turns 3D models (STL and OBJ) into physical slot-together, stacked, or folded sheet assemblies for laser cutters and CNC routers. All processing runs 100% locally in your browser-no file uploads, servers, or installations required.

Quick Start Guide

1. Launch MakeSlice

• Double-click index.html to open MakeSlice directly in any modern desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
• It runs completely offline.

2. Import or Select a 3D Model

• Drag and drop an .stl or .obj file onto the window, or select one from the Source model dropdown (such as the included organic sample Jimmy or geometric demo models).

3. Set Model Dimensions

• Under Model & scale, set your target dimensions ($X$, $Y$, or $Z$) and lock aspect ratios as needed.

4. Choose a Construction Method

• Select Interlocking, Stacked, or Box / Shell in the left sidebar.

5. Configure Stock & Laser Parameters

• Input your exact sheet dimensions, caliper-measured material thickness, and laser beam kerf.

6. Preview & Inspect

• Orbit the 3D assembly, drag the Explode slider to inspect joints, scrub through assembly sequence steps, and inspect the nested 2D cut sheets.

7. Export the Cut Bundle

• Click Export cut bundle to download a unified ZIP containing ready-to-cut DXF/SVG sheets, printable assembly manuals (PDF), 3D OBJ models, and CSV cut lists.

Workspace Layout

The MakeSlice interface is organized as a dedicated CAD studio:

• Top Navigation Bar:

• Displays the active model name, overall bounding dimensions, part count, total sheet count, material yield efficiency, and cut readiness status.

• Left Sidebar (Parameters Rail):

• Houses all geometry, slicing, material, nesting, and export controls.

• Number fields commit on Enter or clicking away (blur). Sliders display live previews and regenerate on release.

• Undo/Redo is supported (Ctrl/Cmd + Z and Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z / Ctrl + Y).

• Center Viewport:

• Toggle between 3D Assembly, 2D Sheets, or Split view using the top buttons.

• In Split view, drag the central divider to adjust canvas ratios (double-click to reset).

• Part Inspector:

• Click any individual part in either the 3D or 2D view to inspect its ID, dimensions, assigned material slot, and highlight its matching slots and cut sheet location.

Construction Methods

1. Interlocking (Waffle / Egg-Crate Grid)

Slices the model along orthogonal axes into cross-notched ribs that slot together at 90° angles.

• Rib Count / Spacing: Control the distribution and density of longitudinal and transverse ribs.
• Notch Clearance: Automatically sizes slots to your measured material thickness plus kerf compensation.

2. Stacked Slices

Slices the model into flat layers stacked along the $X$, $Y$, or $Z$ axis.

• Alignment Pins: Automatically generates blind or through alignment pin holes (round dowels or flat strip keys cut from your material).
• Blind Caps: Leaves top layers unperforated to hide alignment pins internally.

3. Box / Shell & Hollow Assemblies

Converts models into hollow shells, enclosures, or contoured sculptural structures.

• Extruded Profiles: Auto-detects constant cross-section extrusions (cylinders, hollow tubes, extruded lettering) and creates top/bottom caps, outer walls, and tunnel walls with interlocking finger joints.
• Contour Bands (Living Hinges): Slices complex or organic curved meshes into stepped horizontal bands wrapped with laser-cut living-hinge strips. Intermediate slotted plates anchor the strips together.
• Faceted Panels: Flattens beveled or changing surfaces into planar polygonal panels connected by finger joints or adhesive tabs (controlled via Curve deviation).
• Internal Bracing: Adds automatic longitudinal, transverse, or egg-crate grid cross-bracing inside hollow volumes, complete with weight-reduction cutouts.

Materials, Kerf, and Nesting

Material Slots (T1, T2, T3)

Configure up to three different material thicknesses or types in a single project (e.g., cardboard frame with acrylic accents or plywood reinforcement):

• Thickness: Measure your material with digital calipers (e.g., 3.8 mm cardboard, 3.1 mm acrylic). Do not rely on nominal dimensions.
• Kerf: Enter the width of material vaporized by your laser beam (typically 0.15 mm – 0.25 mm). MakeSlice expands outer contours and shrinks slots so joints press-fit snugly.
• Hinge Calibration: Set the effective neutral bend axis ($K$-factor) and custom lattice slit lengths for flexible living hinge strips.

Scrap Inventory & Polygon Nesting

• Rectangular Scraps: Enter dimensions and quantities of leftover offcuts. MakeSlice nests parts into scraps first before allocating full stock sheets.
• True-Shape Nesting: Employs rasterized polygon nesting to pack small parts inside hollow apertures and concave curves.
• Orientation Constraints: Restrict rotation to 90° for grain-sensitive materials (like wood veneer or corrugated cardboard flutes) or 15° for maximum density.

Fabrication & Laser Cutting Guide

Line & Layer Color Standards

All exported SVG and DXF files follow standard fabrication layer conventions:

Important CAM Note: Disable additional kerf compensation in your laser software (LightBurn, LaserCAD, Glowforge, etc.). MakeSlice already applies exact kerf offsets to all generated paths.

Export Bundle Contents

Clicking Export cut bundle downloads a ZIP archive containing:

• [Project]_sheet_01.dxf / .svg: Individual nested sheets formatted for laser cutting.
• MASTER_ALL_SHEETS.dxf / .svg: Complete nesting layout of all sheets side-by-side.
• Assembly.obj: 3D solid model showing physical part thicknesses, slot engagements, and bent hinges.
• Assembly_Guide.pdf: Step-by-step vector assembly manual (Letter or A4) with numbered isometric callouts, exploded diagrams, and Bill of Materials (BOM).
• assembly.csv & sheets.csv: Tabular part schedules, sheet counts, and cut lengths.
• project-settings.json: Machine defaults and project parameters for reproducibility.
• Assembly Video: Recorded progressive assembly animations (.mp4 / .webm) can be captured directly from the 3D sequence toolbar.

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Ctrl / Cmd + Z: Undo parameter change (up to 25 steps).
• Ctrl / Cmd + Shift + Z or Ctrl + Y: Redo parameter change.
• Enter: Commit numeric input field.
• Esc: Close settings drawer (mobile/tablet) or dialog windows.
• Space / Arrow Keys: Step through 3D assembly playback sequence.