Continuing my experimentation with 123D Design, I’ve found importing vector graphics very useful. It’s a quick way to incorporate complex patters into a design. While working on a phone cover insert design, I found that a “scroll saw pattern” from here http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-patterns could be quickly transformed giving it an unusual and pleasing look. Subtracting the extruded pattern from a large sphere gave it a nicely domed contour, making it a bit more than just a cookie-cut pattern.
There are many great free patterns and 3d models on Craftsmanspace that might be of interest to others, to play with and incorporate into 3d printable designs.
