The Process - How it works

These 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 but then must be imported into Sketchup. I mainly use Sketchup because it is free and our free script is written for it.

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

After your design is complete and in Sketchup 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 2/21/09 V912

You must register and log in to the Phlatforum to be able to download. It only takes a sec and opens a whole world of Phlatprinter realted topics that are always being updated with the latest Phlatprinter news and events, tons of free plans and more. Enjoy

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.

The Phlatscript program and all its files are released under the GNU General Public License

Everyone is welcome to download it, 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.

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 will be there

PhlatScripT Tutorial Video

Step 3

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. 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 may want 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 4

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

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 feel free to contact us or visit the support forum at www.phlatforum.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read The Process.

Mark and Trish Carew

Phlatboyz, LLC