Lasercut Preparation Script for Site Models (Fold and Wrap)

When it comes to preparing generic block models, especially for site models, conventionally one will need to make three components: a bottom piece, a top piece and the wall.

While the bottom and top piece could be easily cut using the "plan" curve, the wall need extra attention and manual work to prepare.

This script attempts to automate the preparation of lasercutting curves with some control:

1) Height: The parameter is set using the "Name" property of the Rhino "plan" curve object. Number of storeys (e.g. 5) is to be entered in that field and the script will read it after you press F5 (recompute) in grasshopper. If the block models are not multiples of standardised storey height, you could set "Storey height" in grasshopper to 1 and set exact height to individual "plan" curves in Rhino.

(Special mention: This part of script including reading "Name" property in Rhino and auto-correcting curve direction is attributed to Victor Leung's Laser Cutting Tool for Block Models)

2) Mode of wrapping: The wall could either be "sitting" on the bottom plate and being completely covered by the top plate, or wrapping outside both the bottom and top plate. In either case, material thickness is taken into consideration and the finished model will remain the same size.

3) Extra height option: In preparing flat roof models, one may like to add extra height for parapet wall to make the model more appealing.

4) Easy picking up: Each individual piece has some uncut part (red lines for engrave) to hold itself in place after cutting. There is no need to use masking tape to stick. Individual pieces could be taken out when you are ready to use.

There are also known issues to this script:

1) At internal corners, the adjacent wall will be longer (in wrapping outside mode) or shorter (in sitting inside mode). You have to manual cut at this point.

2) It could not work with only one input curve. (Although it may be a stupid bug,) A dummy rectangle nearby could be created to make it work.

Enjoy,