Sean Kim
Project List

Project 03 · Product · SketchUp · Furniture Manufacturing

Wedraw Pro, from furniture design to production

Designers create designs using 'Furniture Builder,' while manufacturing personnel receive production data via a connector.

SketchUp Ruby APIJavaScriptPythonMPR·PGINesting

The designer's design is converted into machining data for the factory.

A demo kitchen (consisting of 18 cabinet carcasses) designed with Furniture Builder, viewed in SketchUp
Product View These design results are demonstrated using a sample kitchen rather than actual client data. The model generates drawings, BOMs (Bills of Materials), labels, and machining code.
  • 4 typesBOM, label, processing drawing, processing code output
  • 2 typesMachining files tailored for nesting machines and the Skipper
  • Web viewerSheet layout · NC machining · 2D drawing verification

  1. Configuration settings for structure, interior, and doors in Furniture Builder. This tool was developed by our team. Translated reference · View Korean original

    1

    Designed using Furniture Builder

    Designers use the "Furniture Builder" tool within SketchUp to design furniture, specifying the main body, doors, hardware, finishes, and grain direction.

  2. Plan, elevation, and internal views, along with material specifications, extracted from the same design. Translated reference · View Korean original

    2

    Drawings and procurement

    The plotter generates floor plans, elevations, and interior drawings, while the connector ordering module facilitates the transition from cost estimation to the placement of orders.

  3. This screen allows you to group doors that should be cut together, and to split any groups that exceed the size of the raw material sheet. Translated reference · View Korean original

    3

    Manufacturing data via Connector

    Manufacturing personnel verify door-fitting groups and nesting for connectors, then generate BOMs, labels, fabrication drawings, and MPR/PGI machining codes in a single step.

  4. A web-based viewer for verifying part placement on sheets and door-matching groups prior to production. Translated reference · View Korean original

    4

    Entering production

    Before sending nesting layouts and machining codes to the CNC machines on the shop floor, verify them using the web nesting viewer and NC viewer, then apply labels for production.

Assigned role

This product is being developed by a team. I led the output of manufacturing data and its integration into production, as well as the initial development of technical drawings and procurement processes.

  • Connector manufacturing mode and output (BOM, labels, fabrication drawings, MPR/PGI)
  • Editing door-matching groups and maintaining machining positions when rotating panels
  • Pre-production verification using the nesting web viewer and NC viewer
  • Initial development of plotter-based drawing generation and the connector ordering module.

"Furniture Builder," a design tool, was developed collaboratively by the team.

Results
We created a manufacturing data output flow from SketchUp design to BOM, label, fabrication drawing, and fabrication code. The insertion direction, tool position, and processing sequence of the nesting machine and skipper were reflected, and the processing position, edge band, and grain direction were made to follow even when the plate was turned or flipped.

Expected changes from this technology

Reduction in redundant data entry for design information

Information regarding designed panels and hardware is carried through to technical drawings, procurement orders, and manufacturing data, minimizing the need to re-enter dimensions and machining specifications when transitioning between departments or production facilities.

Accumulation of on-site expertise

By incorporating machine-specific feed orientations and the processing sequences for door cups and channels into software rules, we establish a foundation that allows for the consistent application of an experienced operator's judgment.

Detecting errors before production

Preview sheet layouts and machining paths online, and verify the orientation of labels to help reduce rework and material waste caused by machining errors.

3DConcept model, step by step

Wall-to-wall furniture for a studio apartment, generated using default settings in the "Furniture Builder" and nesting results from the engine. The visualization illustrates the full process: design, manufacturing, assembly, and installation.

A-02Furniture
Concept model
Machining panels in a factory setting.

Following the layout, panels are cut from the sheet material; edge banding is applied to the side panels of the base cabinets; a router (skipper) is used to create recesses for wooden channels, as well as to drill holes and cut grooves for the back panels.

  1. 1NestingMain body components (18mm thick) · 11 pieces
  2. 2Edge bandingSide panel (3 sides) · 0.8 mm
  3. 3Notch for wooden channelSkipper router · 60 × 40
  4. 4Skipper boringConnector screw Ø6 · Shelf pin Ø3
  5. 5Groove for back panelBottom-side Router · 4 × 7
Drawing
A-02
Name
Wall-mounted furniture for a studio apartment
Step
02 Manufacturing
Unit
mm
Author
Gyu-tae Kim
Updated

01Actions taken at each step

  1. 1

    Designed using Furniture Builder

    A design tool used by designers within SketchUp.

  2. 2

    Drawings and procurement

    • Generate floor plans, elevations, and interior drawings using a plotter
    • Connector ordering mode (quotations, order consultation)
  3. 3

    Manufacturing data via Connector

    • Manufacturing Mode and Output (BOM, Labels, Fabrication Drawings, MPR/PGI)
    • Projecting machining data for hinges, runners, and lift systems onto the panels
    • Door-matching group edits and notifications regarding exceeding raw panel dimensions
    • Maintains machining positions and edge-banding information even when the panel is rotated.
  4. 4

    Entering production

    • Nesting web viewer (sheet layout, door-matching groups)
    • Check machining code with NC viewer
    • 2D CAD web viewer

02Problem and solution

  1. ProblemTo achieve proper door matching, the doors for a single piece of furniture must be cut from the same raw material sheet in the order of their front-facing positions; however, the machining file alone does not indicate which doors belong to the same group.

    ResolveDoor-matching groups and their corresponding front-facing positions (A-1, A-2, etc.) have been included in the machining file. Groups that exceed the dimensions of the raw material sheet are subdivided to fit the sheet.

  2. ProblemBecause nesting machines cut parts based on their orientation on the raw material sheet, while the Skipper requires parts to be loaded according to the specific positioning of saws, clamps, and channels, a single machining file cannot be used for both types of machines.

    ResolveSeparate machining files are created for nesting machines and the Skipper; for the Skipper, the orientation for loading is indicated on the labels via "flip" icons and directional arrows.

  3. ProblemThe hinge cup hole needs to be drilled on the back of the door, but the Skipper’s door-cup tooling is positioned only at the top.

    ResolveFor the entire door-machining process, the door is flipped—including its orientation (left/right) and the specific face being processed—so that the overhead tool can drill the cup hole and pilot holes. The operator flips and inserts the door according to the labels provided.

  4. ProblemRouting a channel (for a handle) along the side panel in a single pass may cause the edge banding to chip at the tool's exit point.

    ResolveThe machining strategy incorporates a test-run method designed to minimize damage to the edge banding.

03Verification

Verified items

  • Tracking and verifying 8 door-matching group edits, from design data through to machining files
  • Comparison of actual design data (5 pieces of furniture, 66 panels) with the output generated using the rotation function.
  • Reconstruct the original machining position using only the output file and the flip indicator to verify against the design.
  • Reloading the generated machining file to verify the machined surfaces, depths, and sequence for door cups and channels