Beta and BTP : Splinter3D

1. BTP

1.1. Current State

Our prototype allows to:

• Load an STL / OBJ file and display it in 3D
• Cut the model along an axis
• Export the models as multiple pieces in 3D

1.2. User Roles

• Amateur maker: uses Splinter3D to cut a model that is too large for their personal printer, without advanced technical skills
• Advanced maker: manually configures their cutting planes, chooses the type of joints, and customizes their printer's parameters
• Professional: uses the CLI to automate the batch processing of multiple models via configuration files

1.3. Usage Scenarios

Scenario 1: Automatic cutting (amateur maker)

1. The user imports an STL file via drag & drop
2. They enter their printer's volume
3. Splinter3D automatically cuts the model into suitable pieces
4. Joints are automatically generated between the pieces
5. The user exports the pieces and the assembly manual PDF
6. They launch printing directly from the exported G-Code

Scenario 2: Manual cutting (advanced maker)

1. The user imports an STL file
2. They manually position their cutting planes
3. They choose the desired joint type
4. They export the pieces and the assembly manual

1.4. Milestones

M1: Proof of Concept (3 weeks)

• Feature: Load a STL/OBJ file and display it in 3D #1
• Feature: Manually cut a model with a plane #2
• Feature: Export the resulting 3D pieces #3
• Create PoC based on the old Prototype #4
• Use wxWidgets and OpenGL/OCCT libraries #5

M2: MVP (Minimum Viable Product): The product is usable end-to-end. (4 months)

• 3D handling #6
• Website open to public #7
• Feature: Automatic cutting based on printer volume #8
• Feature: Basic joint generation (1-2 joint types) #9
• Feature: G-Code export #10
• Feature: Basic assembly manual PDF #11
• Feature: Website live (distribution only) #12
• Feature: Add releases on the website #13

M3: Feature Complete: All Must Have and Should Have are done. (6 months)

• Feature: All joint types are available #14
• Feature: Full slicer with support generation #15
• Feature: Complete assembly manual with rendered images #16
• Feature: Website update (wiki + support) #17

M4: Smart Cutting: Intelligent cutting to reduce support. (5-6 months)

• Feature: Analyze the model geometry to detect overhangs #96
• Feature: Automatically suggest optimal cutting planes to reduce support material #97
• Feature: Score and rank cutting positions based on printability #98

M5: Polish & Release: Ready for real users. (5 months)

• Feature: CLI tool working #99
• Feature: Cloud save + account system #102
• Feature: All printer presets configured #100
• Feature: User testing & feedback integrated #101
• Feature: Public release on website #103

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2. Beta Vision

2.1. Target User

Splinter3D is aimed at makers who want to print models that are too large for their printer, without spending hours on complex software like Meshmixer or Blender. The beta primarily targets the amateur and advanced maker, comfortable with 3D printing but not necessarily with cutting tools.

2.2. Beta Vision (July 2027)

In July 2027, a user will be able to load their STL or OBJ model directly into Splinter3D, let the software automatically detect that the model exceeds their printer's volume, and obtain, in just a few clicks, cut pieces that are assemblable and ready to print, all accompanied by an automatically generated illustrated manual. The goal is to make accessible in a few minutes what previously took several hours of manual work.

• A user loads an STL/OBJ model that is too large for their printer
• Splinter3D automatically detects that the model exceeds the print volume
• The model is automatically cut into pieces suited to the volume
• Joints are generated between each piece to facilitate reassembly
• Each piece is exported as an individual STL file ready to print
• An illustrated assembly manual PDF is automatically generated
• The G-Code is exported and can be sent directly to the printer
• The software is downloadable from the public website

2.3. Beta Limitations

The following features will not be part of the July 2027 beta:

• Smart cutting based on overhang analysis (M4)
• CLI interface for batch processing (M5)
• Cloud account and save system (M5)
• Complete printer presets (M5)