I've created some jewelry in MoI which I then had 3D printed into physical items using Shapeways. I'm impressed with the results, but I also want the instant gratification of printing stuff myself rather than sending it off to a service bureau and waiting a few weeks. So, here's an example of a design in MoI that I cut out of wood using a CNC router.
Here's the design:
I wrote a short javascript to generate a straight three-strand braid. Then, using the Flow command, I made it into the circular "doily" around the central cylinder. I got a bit distracted at this point, thinking I was going to write a generalized script for MoI for creating n-strand braids. Unfortunately, I discovered I'm not smart enough, so I'll have to leave that to Max :)
Anyway, I export the design as an STL file, and process it into G-Code for the CNC router. Because I have access to a 3-axis router, the design has to be what some call 2.5D rather than 3D - it can't have undercuts. This design, however, looks pretty good if you project it into bas-relief.
Here it is while carving:
The final product:
The final result is 75mm across. I used a 1.5mm router for this carving, but I think the next one I'll go for a smaller router to get a little more detail. The trade-off is that the smaller router size will take longer to cut.
Anyway, I feel like this is a really solid toolchain. With MoI, I have the power to design beyond anything I'd be able to cut with this router. The scripting ability lets me explore ideas in ways that I wouldn't be able to do by hand.
I'd be interested to see what other physical objects people are printing / cutting / crafting from MoI designs! |
