Generating an offset pattern using 3-D

[BradBlazer]

Getting ready to cut out a backhoe thumb for a friend of mine. I drew up the shape in Inventor (I have it on my work computer) and extruded it to 3/4" thick. To offset the pattern in 1/2" for the radius of the plasma torch head I just had it generate a 1/2" bevel on all of the cut edges. When printed the bevel edge is shown offset 1/2" inside the cut edge. Still waiting for my buddy to finish his patterns to try it out. This should work in any 3-D CAD program with a bevel feature. Of course you have to print it 1:1. A plotter helps if it is big. I managed to fit his thumb pattern on a single D-sized sheet.

[KHK]

Sounds like a good Project, please post some pictures.