This is my first time using a 3D editing software. I build model jets that I fly and I wanted to try designing one on here. Once I make a model that I like, is there a way to lay the model out flat and print it all on paper so that I can tape the paper to a material and cut it out to the right size? Ive created a full 3d model of a J10 fighter jet and I just want to lay all of the outer surface area of the jet out flat to print it.
I did my best to describe this, but a useful source that may help some understand my question is a site called -flite test- they sell boards of precut foam and you just punch the pieces out and glue them together to make the plane. That is what I want to do.
I donāt use the Web version, so Iām not sure what the toolset options are for you.
If you look behind the tape measure iconā¦ you can find the Section Plane tool. This is a great way to create a section cut through your model from any angle and position you could come up with. In the Pro version of SU you can run a command called āCreate Group from Slicesāā¦ and that will in turn generate a set of contour lines that match the angle and position of your section plane.
However, I canāt confirm if the Web version has this option, or if it goes by another nameā¦ but it would be my favorite goto tool for this sort of thing.
Absent of this option, you can get the same results manually, by positioning a rectangular plane (no pun intended) onto the model and running the command intersect faces.
Either way, the results should give you a nice set of contour lines that can be used as a cutting path for various machining optionsā¦ BUT youāll need to make sure that the file formats match the process you are wanting to use. and that should be pretty easy to figure out.
IF neither of these options are available, then itās probably a good time to ditch the Web version, and download the SU 2017 versionā¦ so you can have access to a more complete toolset, and a desktop version of SU Make albeit the 2017 edition.
Thankyou so much for the long reply! Once again I am not too familiar with 3D modeling so this was a little confusing but I think I understand most of what you said. My main question is how do I run commands?
If None of the commands you provided work, would it be possible for me to make a duplicate of the plane that I have created and then take all of the pieces apart and lay them out flat to print them? If so, How would I duplicate it, and how would I print them off?
Once again thanks for the response, I appreciate it!
Yes. You would group faces, copy and paste them, and then rotate them into a flattened position. Then you could move them so they are connected as you like, flat. I donāt see why section panes would be necessary in any way.
I think he wants the outer surfaces of a 3D model not just the cross sections for two pieces. So section planes wouldnāt be necessary. Simply āunfoldingā it might be what heās looking to do.
Yes, Iām not great at explaining stuff, but imagine I made a 3D box. I want to take that box and simply unfold it into 6 squares that I can print out, and then tape that paper to a piece of balsa or foamboard and cut it out and then remake that box but in real life. That is what I need to do with the plane.
Once again, I am sorry for not explaining things well.
Thatās what I figured. I recommend selecting each face, making it a group, and copy and pasting it to the side so you can rotate it flat and then arrange the pieces one by one into your final piece.
For your style of project you would be better off installing the desktop version 2017 Make then you could use the Extension called Flattery that will allow you to unfold your models. Itās a bit fiddly but works.
There are a couple of other unfold extension, each has its foibles.
That seems like it would work, how do I print it off in that scenario? If I just took a screenshot of all the flat pieces and printed it I feel like it would mess up the shape and sizes of the pieces
