Hex Living Hinge Generator
Create living hinges from elongated hexagon cutouts. The hexagon pattern makes rigid material such as wood, acrylic, or MDF flexible in two axes – so you can form not just cylinders but also domes and doubly curved surfaces. Export your design as SVG, DXF or PDF for your CNC router or laser cutter.
Material
Width of the plate
Height of the plate
Cut Pattern
Length of each individual cut line
Bridge width between cuts in the same row
Distance between cut rows
Appearance
Show plate boundary as dashed line
No design generated
Hexagon Pattern
Elongated hexagon cutouts with adjustable height – the material stays bendable in two directions.
Parametric
Adjust panel size, cut length, spacing, and hexagon height. Changes appear 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.
Hex Hinge Tips
- Material thickness: Living hinges work best with thin materials (3–6 mm). The thinner the material, the more flexible the result.
- Hexagon height: Smaller hexagons make the material more flexible but remove more material – keep an eye on remaining strength.
- Bend direction: The hexagon pattern bends in both axes – ideal for doubly curved shapes such as domes and bowls.
- 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
Bowls & Domes
Doubly curved surfaces from flat material – made possible by the flexibility in two axes.
Lampshades
Spherical and dome-shaped lamps where the hexagon pattern doubles as a light grid.
Wearables
Cuffs and form-fitting accessories that adapt to body shapes in several directions.
Jewelry Boxes
Boxes with spherically curved lids made from a single piece – no separate hinges required.