Stefano Bianchini
Hole Machine is an add-on that simplifies the process of creating holes in mesh objects using the boolean modifier. It streamlines traditional methods by automating many manual steps, making it easier to achieve precise and adjustable results.
In Blender to create a hole in a mesh using standard tools, you can do manually edit the mesh (destructive method), or use a Boolean modifier to perform a subtraction operation (non-destructive method).
The second technique is simple and flexible, but it can be tedious.
Hole Machine automates all the necessary steps, you only need choose one of the available shapes then click and drag on the mesh's point where you want the hole to appear.
In Blender to create a hole in a mesh using standard tools, you can do manually edit the mesh (destructive method), or use a Boolean modifier to perform a subtraction operation (non-destructive method).
The second technique is simple and flexible, but it can be tedious.
Hole Machine automates all the necessary steps, you only need choose one of the available shapes then click and drag on the mesh's point where you want the hole to appear.
Using the Hole Machine tools, you simply click on the target mesh and drag to set the hole’s size and position. An on-screen gizmo immediately appears, allowing you to fine-tune the dimensions, reposition, and rotate the hole.
The add-on includes a variety of pre-made hole shapes such as rectangular, circular, arch, capsule, triangle, trapezoid, star, and cross, that are fully parametric and customizable. This lets you easily adjust the parameters to suit your project’s needs.
Hole Machine offers the capability to create arrays of holes arranged in a grid. Simply enable array mode and specify the number of rows, columns, dimensions, and rotation options to quickly generate a consistent pattern of holes
Other notable features
Enhanced Position and Orientation Control: Adjust the hole’s position and orientation with precision by applying a lateral offset and fine-tuning pitch and yaw angles.
Snap-to-Center Functionality: Easily align holes by snapping them to the center of a face.
Concave Surface Management: Handle concave surfaces effectively using the z-extend parameter, which includes an option for automatic calculation to ensure proper depth.
Multiple Access Points for Parameter Control: Manage and modify hole parameters conveniently via the side-panel, tool header, or context menu.
Quick Hole Conversion: Convert a hole into a standard Blender object quickly or apply it directly to the target mesh, integrating the modification permanently into your model.
Auto Reposition Operator: An operator automatically repositions a hole when the target object is manually modified, ensuring the hole remains correctly aligned with the updated mesh surface.
Find further details here in the Hole Machine - User manual
Enhanced Position and Orientation Control: Adjust the hole’s position and orientation with precision by applying a lateral offset and fine-tuning pitch and yaw angles.
Snap-to-Center Functionality: Easily align holes by snapping them to the center of a face.
Concave Surface Management: Handle concave surfaces effectively using the z-extend parameter, which includes an option for automatic calculation to ensure proper depth.
Multiple Access Points for Parameter Control: Manage and modify hole parameters conveniently via the side-panel, tool header, or context menu.
Quick Hole Conversion: Convert a hole into a standard Blender object quickly or apply it directly to the target mesh, integrating the modification permanently into your model.
Auto Reposition Operator: An operator automatically repositions a hole when the target object is manually modified, ensuring the hole remains correctly aligned with the updated mesh surface.
Find further details here in the Hole Machine - User manual
