Hi everyone,
I’d like to share RedNest, a Rhino plugin I developed to make preparing complex 3D designs for laser and CNC cutting much faster.
The idea came from a repetitive problem: a 3D project may already be completely designed, but preparing all its individual parts for fabrication can still require a lot of manual work.
RedNest helps streamline this workflow directly inside Rhino:
• Prepare 3D parts as 2D cutting curves
• Arrange the parts on sheets
• Automatically label parts for easier assembly
• Control spacing and rotation
• Prepare the final layout for laser/CNC fabricationThe latest version works directly through a dedicated Rhino panel — Grasshopper is no longer required.
I’ve included a short demonstration showing the workflow from the 3D design to the cutting-ready result.
I’d especially appreciate feedback from Rhino users working with laser cutting, CNC routing, furniture, parametric fabrication, model making, or similar workflows.
RedNest is also still evolving. I’m currently working on a new and significantly more advanced nesting system that will take the plugin much further in terms of part placement and material optimization. This is a major development and I don’t want to rush it — my priority is to build something reliable and genuinely useful for real fabrication workflows. It will require some time, but RedNest will continue to grow, and feedback from users will play an important role in shaping what comes next.
RedNest is available for Rhino 7 & 8.
Food4Rhino:
RedNest – Prepare Designs for Laser & CNC Cutting, Nest & Label Parts | Food4RhinoThanks, and I’d be happy to answer any questions or hear your suggestions.