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Laser-Kumiko

Laser-Kumiko - Snijlab

We recently did an experiment to make kumiko-like panels efficiently with laser-cut parts.

Black MDF laser cut panel

Process:

First, I set up a parametric model of a grid with triangles. The grid consists of two models of strips with incisions that fall into each other. The strips have connections at the beginning and end so that it is infinitely extendable to all sides. The depth is set at 15mm, the wood thickness at 3mm and the side of a cell is 50mm. In addition, I drew four different "inserts. Finally, I nested and cut the parts out of 3mm MDF.

Kumiko drawing

Should you want to experiment yourself; you can make a copy of this onshape workspace and modify the model and use it.

Assembly is easy, although you have to be careful not to break the strips. The inserts clamp well and everything stays together without glue.

After assembly, I cut the edges of the grid "shoon" on a table saw and fitted them with an oak frame.

Kumiko laser panel, black MDF

And voila; a kumiko panel (almost) entirely from laser-cut parts!

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