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Split and join
with connectors

Two tools, one idea. Split with connectors cuts a part that is too big for the plate into halves that go back together one way only. Connect objects does the same for two parts that already rest on each other. The connectors are pins, round or square pegs, or brick studs.

A pyramid cut by a level plane, the lower half given brick studs and the upper half the underside that grips them — **Split with connectors.** A pyramid cut by a level plane 5.84 mm up. The lower half has brick studs and the upper half the underside that grips them, so the halves press together and hold.

A cylinder standing on a cube, with the pegs that will join them shown in blue — **Connect objects.** A cylinder standing on a cube. The tool finds the level face the two share, 0.36 mm apart here, and plans the connectors through it, shown in blue before anything is cut.

Three kinds of connector§ 01

Separate pins

Holes in both halves, and separate pins printed lying down, which is strongest. A broken pin is a reprint, not a lost half.

Pegs on one half

Pegs standing up out of one half, and sockets in the other. Nothing loose to lose. Round pegs in round sockets: use two or more, since one round peg lets the halves turn. Square pegs in square sockets: one is enough to align the halves.

Brick studs

Studs on the lower half and a brick underside on the upper, on the 8 mm grid. The halves grip each other and take real bricks at the join. Line up the edges by eye.

Split with connectors§ 02

Select one object.
Click Split with connectors on the Tools tab.
Place the cutting plane. Drag it, or type its offset.
Choose the connector, how many, their size, and the clearance.
Apply. You get two halves, each its own object, with the connectors in place.

Connect objects§ 03

Select the two objects that rest on each other: a floor on its basement, two blocks side by side.
Click Connect objects on the Tools tab.
The tool finds the face they share and plans the connectors through it. They show in blue before anything is cut.
Choose the connector, how many, size and clearance. Connectors go only where both parts have solid material.
Apply. Both parts are kept, each as itself, and they go together one way only.

The numbers§ 04

How many

At most this many. They go only where there is solid all round them, as far apart as they will fit.

Diameter or side

The width of a round pin or peg. For a square peg, the length of a side.

Depth

How far a connector goes into each half.

Clearance

Per side, as for Subtract. A 5 mm pin with 0.2 mm goes into a 5.4 mm hole.

From edge

Material left between a hole and the edge of the part. Connectors spread out until this much is left. A wall that is too thin can split.

Square to cut

Keeps the connectors square to the cut face, whichever way the plane is turned.

Fit (brick studs)

How much larger the studs, tubes and walls are made, on both halves. −0.1 mm on each gives about 0.2 mm of play. Try −0.1 for PLA and −0.15 for PETG.

Close the cut face

After a split, the cut face can be closed over.

Good to know§ 05

For brick studs, use the Brick fit test in the Library to find your fit. Print the set twice and try each plate on its twin.
If there is no room for a pin, the tool says how thick the wall would have to be. It does not cut one through the side.
Pegs printed standing up are weak across their layers. For parts that will be pulled, use separate pins printed lying down.
One round peg lets the halves turn on it. Use two or more, or a square peg.
For a hinge or a clip instead, see the Library: hinges, clips and fasteners.

More tool guides: Cladding · 3D textures · Windows · Doors · Mold · Voronoi · Align to face · Fill up · Pivot · Download 3DFastCraft, free

Split and joinwith connectors