How to array a series of unique components into a layout for CNC/Laser?

Hi,

I've been trying to figure out how to array a series of unique components into a flat sheet for CNCing/lasercutting. Have been using the BoundingBox, then rectangularArray and BoxMorph, but I've been having a hard time trying to figure it out. No luck looking on the forums, maybe I'm using the wrong search terms.

I have attached the gh script, any pointers/links/examples would be very helpful!

Attachments:

CNCArray.gh, 946 KB

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by jeroenvanlith1 on April 20, 2016 at 9:42pm

Perhaps this would help you?

Attachments:

unrollingsrf.gh, 11 KB
unrollingsrf.png, 138 KB

Permalink Reply by Taole Chen on May 5, 2016 at 1:00pm

Thank you, and apologies for the late reply. I didn't have time to look at this project for a while. :/ May I ask, what does the python snippet do? It looks like it is importing the unrollsrf command from rhino? If so, does that mean I could import any other command from rhino as well?

Permalink Reply by Nik Willmore on May 10, 2016 at 11:00pm

It's called Rhinocommon and the answer is yes, but some commands are not in it, but worse, it's not a simple system to learn but rather esoteric at first. I call it a finite jungle. Parallel programming is easy in Python though, an eventual bonus.

Permalink Reply by Taole Chen on May 10, 2016 at 1:04pm

For some reason, the component does not unroll all surfaces. There are 240 in total, but only 35 are unrolled. Same happens if I use the built-in unrollBrep component in grasshopper. Can't think of a possible explanation. Any ideas?

Permalink Reply by Taole Chen on May 10, 2016 at 1:30pm

Oh, I think I figured it out. Must be because they are doubly-curved. Subtle, but still double. :/ Guess I'll have to look for a work around

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