Post 7 - Unfolding Forms (Papercraft)

 Post 7 - Papercraft Preparation, Unfolding.

In preparation for our papercraft project, it is necessary to first learn the proper ways to unfold figures in Rhino. For this assignment, we are required to create figures and unfold them in Rhino, as a means of practice and experimentation. This is a good opportunity to learn the proper ways of unfolding objects and figure out what works/what does not.

Form 1 

Form 1 was a basic square for the purpose of experimentation. It was the first ever form that I unfolded in Rhino, enabling me to understand the steps to take to properly split apart a shape.

Form 2

Form 2 was a complete bust. Here, I built a Rectangular shape that I later massacred with boolean difference (mainly to see what it does.) While it produced a cool shape, I had absolutely no idea how to properly place the small triangle and rectangle in the corner, within my grid.

Form 3

Form 3 was made of two Truncated Pyramids placed on top of each other which I thought at first that I unfolded well. However, it was only while writing this that I have come to a funny realization - I forgot to take out the bottom caps.

Form 4

Form 4 was another attempt at the above, where I did the math and unfolded the shape correctly. This is something I can actually see myself making just for fun.

Form 5

Form 5 was created using 'loft'  and two stars angled slightly in different directions. Here I figured out that I the program is actually capable of unfolding things on its own, although, judging by the result I am not completely sure if it's 100% reliable in 'all' scenarios. Rhino did have a point though, it was confused and so was I. On a serious note, even after trying to pick this apart piece by piece, I had no clue how to properly put those shapes together.

Form 6

Form 6 was created using extrusion, and produced a nice result that I can see is possible. Although Rhino did have trouble unfolding this, with a little help from my own brain I was able to figure out a solution and put it together. 

Form 7

Form 7 has heavily confused me, as I could not understand why the top rectangle I created with boolean union was on top of the 'rooftop' after unfolding. I have now realized, that in order for it to work in a fold the rooftop itself would have to be completely split apart and rearranged.

Form 8

Form 8 is supposed to be a little fox head that I may or may not try recreating with paper. This time, I took the shape apart myself for the sake of practice while examining the ways in which the program would do it. I believe I did an okay job.

Form 9

Form 9 is another attempt at a shape created with boolean difference. With my acquired understanding of forms, the unfolding of this one has come way easier.

Form 10

Form 10 was another failed attempt at 'loft' which I could not figure out how to unfold myself. I tried turning to the program for help, but the result turned out even worse than my own attempt.

Form 11

Form 11, my last form, was a horseshoe-like shape that I once again created using extrusion. Although the interior of this shape was a little tricky to figure out, with a little bit of thinking it was one I managed to overcome.

As expected, this assignment was very good practice and a great opportunity to further understand the program. Thanks to this extra experience, I was able to build up some confidence and gather knowledge important for the future of this upcoming project.