The Process - How it works

Thes steps are one of MANY ways that you can take your 3D models and bring them into the real world.

Step 1

Create your design

The model can be created in any 3D program, that can export to dxf. I mainly use Sketchup because it is free and our free script is written for Sketchup.

The free version of Sketchup can be downloaded below:

The free Sketchup can be found here.

Our friend Mike has added some tutorial videos to help you in your designing process.

These are great video tutorials be sure to check them out Design Tutorial Videos

Step 2

Once your design has been created, depending on the type of design it is, you might need to unfold it. The Phlatprinter and the PhlatScripT work from flat designs that are reconstructed into 3D once they are cut out. If your design is the type that needs to be unfolded as in the example picture to the right, you would want to use the free unfold plug in that can be found below.

This plug in was created by a guy named Jim. Please go to his blog and let him know how much you appreciate all of his hard work.

Unfold your model using the free Sketchup plugin below.

Lay the unfolded model in the safe cutting area of the

NOTE: Of course, if your model is made up of flat parts, and a lot of them are for instance the Phlatboyz airplanes, you would skip this step and just lay the parts flat in the safe cutting area of the template.

Jims jf-unfold plugin Click the unfold plug in link below to read and download it.

There is a tutorial video on Jim's page as well.

Unfold Plug In

Step 3

After you have successfully laid your parts out flat in the safe cutting area of the template, the process of "working" the design begins. Through these steps, you will be creating the tool paths for the Phlatprinter to follow to cut your parts out. The PhlatScripT can be downloaded below.

PhlatScripT Download - Updated 12/13/08 - VersionV9_10

Note: If you are not able to see the new PhlatscripT tool bar at the top of sketchup after you install it then you need to go to window/preferences/Extensions just put a check mark there next to the Phlatboyz and exit out of Sketchup then restart it and it should be there

For tons of info/support free plans and the latest up to date information go to the Phlatforum You won't believe all the cool things going on there.

The PhlatScript will allow for fold cuts and stepped angles for airplane control surfaces not to mention a host of other milling options. Check out the Phlatprinter picture gallery to see everything we would like it to do in the future.

The PhlatScript plug in was a huge undertaking by our friend Pete who found the Phlatprinter a very interesting project and decided to donate his talents and time.

We can not thank him enough for all of the hard work that he has put into the PhlatScripT.

Since the PhlatScripT is released as opensource, anyone and everyone is welcome to download it and change it and experiment with it. All we ask in return is that you keep us updated with your progress and share your add ons with the rest of the world as open source. The ultimate goal is to create a complete CAM solution directly within Sketchup capable of outputting 3D tool paths and possibly in the future will be the ability to not only output the g-code but control the Phlatprinter as well :) I'm sure the PhlatScripT will be adapted for many different types of machines. This will be great. Please share.

The PhlatScripT can not be used for commercial gain or sold in any form. We are keeping this truly open source.

THE VIDEO BELOW WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO EXTRACT THE PhlatScripT PLUG IN.

One item not included in the video: You will need to activate the PhlatScript under window/preferences/Extensions. Just put a check mark there next to the Phlatboyz and exit out of Sketchup then restart it.

PhlatScripT Tutorial Video

Step 4

Import your Phlat Code (aka g-code) into Mach3. A free demo of Mach3 R2.60 is available here. This is a trial version that will allow you to run a limited amount of g-code and then stop. This is not the newest demo available but we have found this is a very stable release. This is version R2.60 If you are interested in the newest demo version available, you can find it here under their download section. Some people have reported problems with using it so we are sticking with one that works for now.

If you are interested in purchasing the full version of Mach3, please go to their website www.machsupport.com. The price can not be beat at $159.00 USD.

Once you have Mach3 Installed you will need to download the Phlatprinter Screen set/Skin. This will change the Mach3 run screen to a screen created just for the Phlatprinter. Download it here Phlatprinter Screen Set Version 2

Step 5

Now you have your materpiece cut out. Assemble it in the real world and share it with others!!

You can upload your designs to us and we will share them on our website. Just upload them to kram2422@comcast.net. A nice way of sharing is to post the Sketchup model on Google's 3D warehouse and send us the Phlat-Code. We will create a link to the 3D warehouse file and allow people to download the Phlat Code right here.

If you are designing planes, a great place for sharing them is http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=925370

There are tons of Phlat CodeZ and ideas here to get you going.

Remember, have fun, experiment and let us know how you make out. If photos are sent, we will add them to our customer showcase section.

If you have any questions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section of our website.

Thank you for taking the time to read The Process.

Mark and Trish Carew

Phlatboyz, LLC