Have a look at CatPin, a Blender add-on by Alex Sokol that helps prepare 3D models for FDM and resin 3D printing. It allows artists to split 3D models into parts with matching pins and sockets, using straight or custom curved cuts, and export the result while preserving the original mesh. The tool is a great choice if you want to print figurines, statues, or busts. The add-on supports Blender 4.2-5.2.

Manual Cut allows near-precise control of complex shapes: to create a cut, you can draw a line or place points. With the Polygonal Cut feature, you can also cut out a small part of your model by defining the area. This feature can help you create window openings in cars, mouths in character figures, or other details. Straight and Curved Cut allow you to create cuts with predefined shapes, either straight or wavy, respectively.

The tool features two modes: Draft Mode, which provides a fully editable, non-destructive workflow with full control over planned cuts and connectors, and Easy Mode, which completes a straightforward cut and connector setup in fewer steps and is best suited to light and medium-complexity models.

The latest 1.0.7 update adds support for up to five different connectors in a single cut, a double-sided connector, and an adaptive surface feature to improve cut quality. The new version also allows you to add extra connectors and holes, and easily check a mesh to fix open edges and other mesh problems.

The CatPin add-on is available here.

If you are into 3D printing, you might be interested in reading our interview with Cast n Play's co-founder about the company's miniature design pipeline, digital sculpting workflow, print-testing process, and the future of tabletop gaming and 3D printing:

It's always cool to see 3D models brought to life with a 3D printer, but it's just as fascinating to recreate the 3D printing process itself in 3D. Check out such a take on the process, made in Blender by MohamedFayed_CG:

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