Cutting technique for bending applications

Rigid sheets of material like wood or acrylic can be made flexible by cutting bending cut geometries, or "kerf cuts", into them. There are many different shapes and designs that each give different bending behaviours. We have tested a variety of materials like wood and acrylic from 1/8" to 3/16" thick and chosen a few for you. Here, you may find the corresponding graphic templates for download.

Straight cut lines provide a stable radius to bend around.  The larger the distance between each cutting line, the wider the bending radius. Depending on the file and the material, a distance of up to 1/64" between each line can be used.

The small wave pattern is interconnected, making the rigid material bendable. This design can be used on materials that are up to 1/8" thick. The bending radius is very wide for this technique.

Using large honeycombs, the curves get tapered at either end and then are cut from the sheet. This technique is common in model making. Because the honeycombs are so large, even wooden boards up to 3/16" thick can be made flexible.
The honeycombs can easily be pulled apart and bunched together, properties that work will with connections like those in bracelets.

Like the first kerf cut, this technique is made completely from cut lines, but has different, more flexible bending properties.

Because of the way that the pattern is designed, this cut allows for flexibility in every direction. This property makes it good for many different artistic applications, such as bag design.

These patterns are general purpose, well suited for a large variety of materials. The shape of each cut line gives both stability and flexibility. 

This pattern's unique shape can be bent in every direction and is often used as a design element in itself.
The triangular design for this technique works well with materials up to about 1/8" thick. From 3/16" on, the material becomes too rigid and inflexible.