3D modeling with paper

Whether this article would get more or less attention with this changed title depends a lot on the ratio "viewers from the USA"/"viewers from other countries".

Re: 3D modeling with paper

#6

Post by the_af » Fri, Sep 12, 2025, 3:02 PM UTC

I love this!

I do some cardboard / papercraft, but mine is completely unplanned and without this high level of precision. So mine is not suitable for accurate scale model building, but rather for building random houses / castles / vehicles.

Re: 3D modeling with paper

#7

Post by srean » Fri, Sep 12, 2025, 3:02 PM UTC

I always wonder what the Elements would have looked like had Euclid had included paper folding as a primitive.

Folds are powerful. One can trisect or n-sect any angle for finite n. One still needs the compass though for circle.

    Straight edge
    Compass
    Nuesis
    Paper folding

Makes for a very powerful tool set.

Re: 3D modeling with paper

#8

Post by dieggsy » Fri, Sep 12, 2025, 3:09 PM UTC

aleph_minus_one wrote: post #5

xnx wrote: post #3

Very cool. Would probably get even more attention with the title "3D Modeling the SR-71 Blackbird with Paper".

Whether this article would get more or less attention with this changed title depends a lot on the ratio "viewers from the USA"/"viewers from other countries".

While that would certainly be a factor, I think I'd argue it's less about where you're from and more about what your interests or experience are.

I actually think the title as it is now has more mass appeal; it's very general and might pique your curiosity if you're interested in either 3-D modelling or paper crafting.

On the other hand if it had the "SR-71 Blackbird" in the title, some readers might shy away due to either not knowing what that is, or thinking "well, I'm not really interested in planes".

Which would be kind of a shame, since I think the post has some nice points to make regardless of whether you're into the SR-71 Blackbird or planes; that's just the example chosen to paint the broader picture.

Re: 3D modeling with paper

#9

Post by Stevvo » Fri, Sep 12, 2025, 3:21 PM UTC

"3D Rendering with Paper" might have been a more accurate title. The modelling process is very similar to regular 3D modelling. In theory, with perfect paper and cutting and gluing skills you could print any UV map and cut, fold and glue it into a paper model using this method.

Re: 3D modeling with paper

#10

Post by coldfoundry » Fri, Sep 12, 2025, 3:33 PM UTC

Oh wow, this brought me back! I used to be obsessed with papercraft back in the day as a kid, specifically “pepakura”. I used to print out halo 3 helmets and build them and wear them. It was like a puzzle on steroids in the cool department!

There used to be an entire finishing process with this yellow and blue bottled smooth-cast resin and sanding before painting, but they always stayed paper for me.

Was a cheap way for me to have fun, and definitely holds a special place in my heart forever. Great share and thank you for posting! Brought me through memory lane.