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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answer:
Z5omes is much more than just a modeling tool. It has multiple dimensions:
- An educational aspect, allowing users to play with Zome parameters, experiment with origami, and get familiar with this type of geometric volume.
- A practical aspect, enabling non-mathematicians to design such structures and export them in 3D formats.
- A professional aspect, with the ability to directly print measurements and cutting plans for machine production.
Z5omes is aimed at curious minds, hobbyists, and professionals ready to move into fabrication.
Answer:
The angles provided are machine-facing cutting angles, because carpenters and woodworkers don’t want to deal with extra calculations during machining 😉.
It’s not always easy to grasp at first, and this question comes up frequently.
Note: the drawing module was quite a challenge to develop, as I had never coded anything like it before.
That’s also why I recommend eventually using a proper CAD tool, since it would be hard for me to match the quality of a plan module like FreeCAD in my spare time.
The plan layout is inspired by Acidome, a reference for geodesic domes, in order not to confuse the existing community.
Although not technically "industrial/conventional" drawings, these plans are ready for direct machining without extra calculations.
👉 The plans can be used as-is, and are currently used in production by La Tanière à Mémé in the Jura region.
With the GoodKarma model, the struts don’t fit together very well. Is that normal? Is it a flaw in the model?
Answer:
Yes, that’s completely normal! The GoodKarma model isn’t a perfect match — there’s a subtlety in the cuts:
- Some builders assemble GoodKarma as-is; others use a router or planer to trim material from struts that extend past the face plane, making it easier to attach an OSB panel afterward.
- To improve the fit, you can adjust the height of the “vanishing point” (the
VPparameter).
📌 Compare the outer faces view with the struts view for better understanding.
Some struts are marked "Bevel" or "No Bevel", indicating where material needs to be removed.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| GoodKarma | - Simplified cuts (no bevels along the length) - Easy perpendicular fastening |
- Requires material removal for a good fit |
| Beveled | - Very clean and precise result - Perfect projection |
- Very difficult to cut - Long bevels can weaken the structure |
| Xpansion / Jean Soum | - Very easy to cut - Most accessible method |
- Less precise assembly - Requires triangular shims or bent threads |
📎 Note:
No method is perfect at the moment.
Everyone chooses based on their skills, equipment, and desired finish quality.