Consistently reproducing handmade items is hard. I've been using 3D modeling (CAD in OnShape) and 3D printing to make cutting / pricking templates, leading to easier, more repeatable leatherwork.
    quick rundown:
  1. Model the "thing". This is super simple -- a "box bag" would just be a rectangular prism, no fillets or anything.
  • Use the sheet metal tools to generate a sheet metal enclosure.
  • For seams, use flanges and scoot faces around
  • finally, sketch pricking locations & make holes in the sheet metal structure
  • export the unfolded model to DXG, then import THAT into a new part studio / new sketch
  • extrude to the thickness of your template. Print that

    • LD1086

    https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/RXlZs3GE

    An application: New project: Permanent, programmable Christmas (holiday) lights

    Instructions

    Remove the cover to expose the "guts". There are two buttons near the USB jack labeled "SETUP" and "RESET". Press and hold SETUP for about 3 seconds; the LED by the buttons will start blinking blue.

    Note: this is step 2 of a print / sinter / polish process.

    I've spent sort a lot of time figuring out how to print and polish metals. Just because it's neat. There was a LOT of trial and error, and very little actual material I could find reliably, so I hope this log helps any others (or future me) reproduce the results.

    Note: this is step 1 of a print / sinter / polish process.

    This is a quick overview for how to print metal filaments in a "normal" 3D printer: Colorfab (Brassfil, Bronzefil, Copperfil), Proto-Pasta (composite SS, Iron, and Copper), and Virtual Foundry (Filamet in bronze, copper, cluminum) sell filaments with at least 50% metal content. Other "metal" filament with less content can be printed like normal PLA (or whatever base plastic) and is therefore less challenging.

    Note: this is step 3 of a print / sinter / polish process.

    Now that you've successfully printed with "metal" filament, and possibly sintered a solid metal part, you want to make it look nice. These steps are generally chronological, but you can always go out-of-order or do a step again. If you do plan to sinter, I highly recommend a pass of trimming & shaping before the sinter, then further cleanup after.

    Note: this is an addendum to the 3rd step of a print / sinter / polish process.

    Solid bronze can be finished and polished to a bright luster, not unlike jewelry. It's a very hard, beautiful metal with some cool properties. It cleans up similar to metal-filled plastics, but there are a few steps specific to solid metals.

    tl;dr: pickle, brush, shape, tumble, maybe brush again, polish, buff, wax.

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