123D Make

After finishing the model on 123D Catch, the next step is to make patterns of the formwork through 123D Make. This app helps you create templates of your model which you could laser cut and assemble in order to make a formwork where you will be able to hammer on your metal sheet. 

First thing you need to do is to load your model using the 123D Catch app on your laptop. Check and make sure that you are satisfied with your model. If not, there are various apps that could help you clean or fix it like the Mesh Mixer app (or you could start taking photos over again if you have so much time). After that, you can export your capture as an object (.obj) file.

Like 123D Catch, 123D Make is totally free. Just sign in on your Autodesk or Facebook account to save and access your works.

1. Open the object file on 123D Make.

This will give you a rough image of your model just like the picture above. Because the object that I chose is not a solid form and more like a sheet, I decided not to delete the excess bits of the model to create a solid contour that I could hammer on.

2. Change Manufacturing Settings.

On the left side panel of the app, you will be able to change the manufacturing settings. This lets you change the size and scale of your object, the sheet properties, and the selected construction technique.

If you click the drop-down button that says 'Select Technique', you will see various construction methods that you could choose from for your templates.

If you click on the gear button beside 'Manufacturing Settings', a panel on the bottom part of the screen would pop up. This lets you define the sheet properties depending on the dimensions, type, and thickness of your material. After specifying the properties, the app would determine the number of sheets and templates for you according to the construction technique that you prefer.

3. Choose construction technique for your template.

If you click the drop-down button that says 'Select Technique', you will see various construction methods which include the following:

Stacked Slices

Interlocked Slices

Curves

Radial Slices

Folded Panels

For my model, I thought the stacked slices would be the best option as it would resist stress from hammering better than the other techniques. 

4. Define the settings of your template

On the same left settings panel, you will be able to define the number of templates for your model. You could add more pieces to make the formwork more sturdy. And you could also modify the form of your template.

5. Get the plans!

The final step for this process is to export the PDF sheets. Just click on the 'Get Plans' button and save them as PDF files. You will need these sheets for the next process which is laser cutting.