Pattern Generator
Create plates with evenly arranged cut-outs for laser and CNC router. Pick one of 27 shapes, combine two of them, choose honeycomb, square, brick, diagonal or polar grids and let an image or a text drive the pattern. The bridge between cut-outs is kept everywhere.
1 · Plate
Width of the solid border; whole elements stay inside it, clipped ones end at it.
Four holes in the corners of the frame
2 · Pattern
Material between cut-outs, edge to edge – kept in every direction, measured on the actual shape.
Whole elements stay symmetric inside the frame; clipped ones end at the frame edge, slivers narrower than the tool are dropped.
Stretch the grid slightly until the outer elements touch the frame edge (the bridge grows, never shrinks)
Alternate two shapes in the pattern
3 · Fine-tuning
Rotate the whole grid around the plate centre
Vary the element size across the plate – the grid follows the largest element
Variation
Random scatter per element (size in %, rotation ±°, offset in % of the size); the grid widens so the bridge is kept.
Image or text
An image drives the element size (halftone) or keeps areas closed (mask); a text appears as solid material within the pattern.
No design generated
27 shapes in three groups
Geometric (honeycomb, circle, square, diamond, slot, chevron …), organic (teardrop, leaf, clover, flower, scale, wave …) and ornament (star, quatrefoil, trefoil, cross …) – each shape as a real thumbnail in the picker.
Guaranteed bridge
The spacing is measured on the actual shape in every neighbour direction. Diamonds, ovals or triangles get even bridges, and clipped edge elements end at the frame without slivers.
Router or laser
For the router, inner corners are rounded with the tool radius and features too narrow for the tool are avoided. Circles and holes go into the DXF as true arcs.
Tips for creating patterns
- Bridge: The bridge is the material between two cut-outs. For wood and MDF, 3 mm is a good start; use more for large elements or thin material.
- Frame: A frame that is too thin breaks when routing. For wood and MDF: at least 8 mm, more with mounting holes.
- Edge: “Whole elements” looks calm and symmetric, “Clipped” more open and modern. Slivers narrower than the tool are dropped automatically.
- Second shape: Checkerboard suits similar sizes (honeycomb + circle), rows suit very different shapes (star + diamond).
- Image and text: As a mask, a logo or lettering stays solid; as size control, a photo becomes a halftone pattern – ideal for lamps and room dividers in the light view.
Use cases
Ventilation grille
Circles or honeycombs on a rectangular plate – a classic for enclosure ventilation or decorative grilles.
Wall decoration
Two combined shapes or a radial gradient on a large plate – attractive and individual.
Lamp shade
Round plate with a polar grid and teardrop or leaf pattern – creates an attractive play of shadows with light.
Privacy screen / room divider
Several plates with honeycomb or quatrefoil patterns side by side – a classic privacy solution for balconies or rooms.