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Chevron Living Hinge Generator

Pro

Create living hinges made of nested arrowheads. Each chevron consists of two 45° legs and is output as one continuous cut; the rows alternate direction and interlock – producing a striking zigzag look and an even bend in rigid material such as wood, acrylic, or MDF. Export your design as SVG, DXF or PDF for your CNC router or laser cutter.

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Parameters
Configure the living hinge pattern

Material

Width of the plate

Height of the plate

Cut Pattern

15 mm

Length of each individual cut line

4 mm

Bridge width between cuts in the same row

5 mm

Distance between cut rows

Appearance

No design generated

Chevron Pattern

Arrowheads made of two 45° legs, alternating direction row by row and offset by half a pitch – the pattern nests into interrupted zigzag lines.

Parametric

Adjust panel size, leg length, and spacing. The generator makes sure no cuts intersect and shows changes instantly in the preview.

SVG, DXF & PDF Export

Export your design directly as SVG, DXF or PDF for your CAM software. All coordinates in millimeters.

Chevron Hinge Tips

  • Material thickness: Living hinges work best with thin materials (3–6 mm). The thinner the material, the more flexible the result.
  • Row spacing: A smaller vertical gap nests the rows deeper and makes the hinge more flexible. If it gets too tight, the generator reports the overlap – then increase the gap or shorten the legs.
  • Gap within the row: The horizontal gap between chevron ends is the load-bearing bridge. Below 3 mm it becomes brittle quickly in wood.
  • Material: Plywood and MDF work particularly well. Acrylic can crack if the cuts are too close together.
  • Test cut: Cut a small test piece first to find the optimal parameters for your material.

Example Applications

Lampshades

The zigzag pattern casts a lively play of light and shadow – perfect for cylindrical lamps.

Decorative Objects

Vase sleeves, lanterns, and wall pieces where the chevron pattern stays visible as a design element.

Book Covers

Flexible spines with a graphic arrow pattern – sturdy thanks to the long, continuous cuts.

Jewelry Boxes

Boxes with curved lids made from a single piece – no separate hinges required.

Chevron Living Hinge Generator