Climbing volume dimensions, print patterns and cut lists

Accurate dimensions turn a good volume idea into panels that close. You need edge lengths for every face, mitre or bevel angles at joins, wall thickness, and hole positions for T-nuts and mounts. This article explains what those numbers are and how to get them from VOLUME as a print pattern, cut list, or CNC nest.

What dimensions matter

Bottom edge lengths — the footprint on the wall or base plane
Face outlines — each panel’s polygon after unfolding
Mitre / bevel — how panel edges meet at wall thickness
Height and slopes — how steep and tall the feature is
Wall thickness — usually 18 mm plywood
Hole centres — T-nut pitch/margin; mounting insets and spacing

Guessing mitres by eye wastes plywood. A generated cut list removes most of that trial and error.

Print pattern (hand transfer)

A print pattern is a dimensioned schematic of each face — edge lengths and angles you can print on A4/Letter and tape onto the sheet or transfer with a ruler. It is the fastest path if you cut with a circular saw or jigsaw and do not run a CNC.

Tip: print at 100% scale, verify a known length with a ruler, then transfer. Corner marks help you align panels during assembly.

Cut list

A machine-readable cut list (JSON in VOLUME’s catalogue) records piece IDs, edge lengths, mitres, coordinates, thickness, and sheet metadata. Use it as a checklist at the saw, or as input for your own nesting/spreadsheet workflow.

Live dimensions in the designer

While you edit in the designer, the 3D view highlights useful size cues (for example the longest bottom edge) so you can keep the volume within your wall bay and plywood sheet. Change scale, height, or a side length and re-export when the shape is locked.

Nesting on a plywood sheet

For CNC or efficient hand layout, panels can be nested on a sheet (common European blank ~2500×1250 mm) with a kerf/gap between parts. Nest DXF/SVG/STEP exports place all faces for cutting in one job — see hand-cut vs CNC.

How to get dimensions from VOLUME

Model the volume at /design.
Confirm units and wall thickness.
Order print pattern and/or cutlist for DIY, or nest/CNC formats for a shop.
Download from your account after payment/processing and cut from those files — not from memory.

FAQ

Do I need both a print pattern and a cut list?

For hand cutting, the print pattern is usually enough; the cut list is a useful backup checklist. For CNC, prefer DXF/STEP and nest files instead.

Can I work in inches?

Yes. Switch units in the designer and keep the whole project in one system.

Why don’t my panels meet?

Common causes: wrong mitre direction, thickness not matching the plan, or scaling the printout. Recheck thickness and print scale first.