Paper Model Design - a different approach...

**kenlwest** · #1 11-20-2010, 10:24 AM

To all,

Here is a different approach to Paper Model Design.

I always wanted to design an Apollo Astronaut, but doing it via computer is daunting due to the many folds and details. So,

Here is the PLAN...

First, clay up a model of the astronaut, then have it digitally scanned. Import the 3d digital model into the computer; then design the paper version.

The reason I posted this here is because clay is not exactly paper - at least not yet!

Don't judge the project on the first pics of the clay progression - it gets better!

Follow along and ENJOY!!!

Ken

**kenlwest** · #2 11-20-2010, 10:30 AM

OK - I started yesterday... the last time I did anything with clay, I was pre-teenager!

The first picture shows the inner support. This is made of coathanger wire, aluminum foil, paper, and duct tape. The instructions on the box stated that the inner structure needed to be soft to allow clay shrinkage.

The rest is just a matter of adding and removing clay until the glob starts looking like an astronaut.

Stay with me - I promise it will get better.

Ken

**kenlwest** · #3 11-20-2010, 10:34 AM

Next steps:

Nothing to really say except that I am adding, subtracting clay to refine....

The last picture shows some refinement of the head/helmet area - The only picture from today's work.

Ken

**willygoat** · #4 11-20-2010, 10:54 AM

I like it! Just like how some other forms of models are made. Nice Ken!! So, can we expect to see a 1:32 scale YB-60 developed in this fashion?

**Tapcho** · #5 11-20-2010, 10:58 AM

Great idea, now all I have to find out is where I can get my model digitally 3D scanned (not clay but Revell plastic). ;-)

Tappi

**2Kamser** · #6 11-20-2010, 11:14 AM

that looks cool just the way it is
very interesting appoach you have here

this will be interesting to follow

**Tapcho** · #7 11-20-2010, 11:35 AM

University of Cambridge PhD student Qi Pan has developped software that uses webcam to scan an object that gets to be modeled in 3D realtime - take a look it's interesting. >>> go here to find out more. Or see the Youtube video.

Tappi

**John Wagenseil** · #8 11-20-2010, 12:52 PM

I once corresponded with a Japanese paper model designer who used similar technique without a computer.
He would build a pl*st*c model or carve the model from wood, then cover it with damp rice paper, let the paper dry, slit the paper, remove it from 3D model, flatten the paper, scan it, cut out the pattern, and then manually refine the pattern until he had a paper form he could fold back into a representation of the form it came off of.

**Tapcho** · #9 11-20-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wagenseil

He would build a pl*st*c model or carve the model from wood, then cover it with damp rice paper, let the paper dry, slit the paper, remove it from 3D model...

I once tried that method to make a paper horse. Needs a lot of practise to end up with satisfactory results. I gave up after couple of tries, wrinkles irratated me too much (and those are really hard to avoid).

Tappi

**mbauer** · #10 11-20-2010, 02:06 PM

Hi Ken,

Your experimenting must mean you're bored or there is way too much brain activity! Nice idea interesting to see how you are putting it to use!

I've seen first hand the output of this 3d printer. Make single parts or the whole thing at once...uPrint by Dimension

Best regards,
Mike Bauer