3D Slash

3D Slash is a 3D modeling software invented and written by Sylvain Huet^[1] in his company 3D Slash.

3D Slash sotware offers an original and intuitive experience to 3D model easily^[2] imitating the stone-cutter and his block : 3D Slash develops its concept on preassembled Cuboid forms of different sizes (from 1 unit up to 1024) according to octree model.

The software starts from a primary cuboid (i.e. including form) and manages the related arborescence in which each cuboid is either full, either empty or subdivided in 8 cuboids. The octree model enables the software to implicitely define the level of details (LOD) by cutting the octree according to an arbitrary depth.

3D Slash application is written in Metal programming language, ^[3] a functional language with static typechecking and type inference invented by Sylvain Huet and already used in Nabaztag rabbit in 2006, one of the first connected mass-market product. A C-language virtual machine executes the Metal language. This virtual machine relies on OpenGL for 3D rendering. 3D Slash browser version is Web GL and Javascript developed.

Inspiration for 3D Slash came from kids playing on MineCraft and the easy way they develop sophisticated 3D models without noticing it.^[4] However, 3D Slash is specifically meant for designing 3D printable objects, in relation with the stone-cutter metaphor.

Therefore, it provides an original 3D Slash toolset such as : - the hammer (to remove a cuboid) - the trowel (to add a cuboid) - the chisel (to remove a slice of cuboids) - the jigsaw (to remove lines of cuboids) - the wood filler (to add a slice of cuboids) - the milling machine (to remove adjacent cuboids volume) - picture projection on cuboid (to help cutting your object out according to the picture shape)

When using the expert mode, 3D Slash app offers complementary advanced tools : - complex geometrical shapes to handle (cylinder, sphere or cone) - the bucket (to fill in with cuboid an identified volume) - cut / copy / paste functions - push / pull functions (on selected cuboids)

Therefore curved shapes (cylinder, sphere, cone) are also approximated by the small cuboids of the octree. 3D Slash particularity is also based on its .STL files (standard 3D Printing file format) import / export function. 3D Slash algorithm computes the mesh approximation thanks to the octree's cuboids (import) and the reverse operation for the export (computation of the octree's mesh envelope).

3D Slash enables community links with the possibility to share, like and re-use 3D designs among members. Printing is directly possible thanks to commercial partnerships.

3D Slash provides a 3D modeling unique solution for non-designer^[5] mass-market audience, ages from 5 to 95, matching together creativity seeks, Do it yourself trends and their concrete production thanks to 3D Printing. On the other hand, 3D Slash is an easy handling rapid prototyping solution for entrepreneurship and the Makers community.

picture of Lepine Gold Medal diploma - 2014

With 3D Slash Sylvain Huet was rewarded in 2014 : Gold Medal^[6] on Lépine 2014, famous French contest for international inventors since 1901 ; two ribbons as Maker of Merit^[7] on Paris MakerFaire 2014 from the organisator Le FabShop and from Sketchup.

References