free unfolder?

**mousemuffins** · #1 03-26-2009, 02:57 AM

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** · #2 03-26-2009, 03:19 AM

For Sketchup has been created a specific free tool:

http://sketchuptips.blogspot.com/200...-unfoldrb.html

**mousemuffins** · #3 03-26-2009, 03:53 AM

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

**PaperMakeiT** · #4 03-26-2009, 04:33 AM

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** · #5 03-26-2009, 08:54 AM

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

Chris

**JT Fox** · #6 03-26-2009, 10:59 AM

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** · #7 03-26-2009, 11:51 AM

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

**PaperMakeiT** · #8 03-26-2009, 12:01 PM

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** · #9 03-27-2009, 02:23 AM

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?