free unfolder?

[mousemuffins]

Is there a a free unfolding program available for really simple shapes? I've done a couple of quicky drawings with sketchup, (an adventure in and of itself...look mum! I'm learnding...) and i want to have a go at unfolding. dosn't need tabs or suchlike, I just want to turn them into something printer friendly. Failing free, what's cheap?

[PaperMakeiT]

For Sketchup has been created a specific free tool:

http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/2007/08/plugin-unfoldrb.html

[mousemuffins]

groovy. how do I make it unfold from/in the directions I want it to? I'm making a terrible mess. :P

[PaperMakeiT]

Unfortunately I cannot help you furthermore because I use Blender and Pepakura (even if I am planning to move to use only Blender fer everything).

[cgutzmer]

Blender is free and it unfolds - look at the thread Claudio is helping me with right here in this section :)
Chris

[JT Fox]

I've found blender hard going so I'd go down the pep route. But it's a personnel choice. They are free so like me, try 'em all.

Cheers JTF

[cgutzmer]

After claudio is done teaching me, I am gonna make a basic tutorial for getting started.... VERY basic ;)

[PaperMakeiT]

Yes, there are several issues here.

Pepakura is dedicated to paper modellers, but it is commercial and you have to manage two applications at least: 3d modeller and unfolder.

Blender is freeware but it has a slower learning curve at first, a not so user friendly interface, a no flaps internal unfolder. Nevertheless after learning the basics you will ask soon for more professional tools that Blender includes.

A basic tutorial for paper fun in Blender is a great opportunity and I hope it to be integrated with vector mode for the best quality.

[mousemuffins]

Thanks all! Still having a bit of trouble with the unfolding thingy, but I've managed to get one piece flat. Now how do I make it all printy, rather than floating about in cyberspace?