Making 2D Flat Pattern from 3D model

[Rana Abboud]

Hi,

 

I'm new to Rhino, and am trying to 'flatten out' the 60 triangles that make up my model in 3D so that I can physcially print and cut out each triangle, to assemble into a physical model (process to be emulated later for construction of building).

 

Currently, I have imported my model from C4D into Rhino, and am about to start modelling it natively in Rhino. Please advise:

 

-How best to model this in Rhino so that I can later 'flatten out' the triangles

- what command flattens and lays out the component parts for manufacture

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Claudio Branch]

Rana,

 

I cannot offer any specific Rhino modeling advice, but I can offer up a few observations based on my 7 years of sheet-metal experience.

 

It is highly unlikely that you will have only one flat-pattern for this form. It will probably have several segments. Each with it's own individual pattern that is formed, fitted, welded, ground, and polished into the final form.

 

There are several reasons why: cost of construction, complexity of final form, available stock sheet sizes, limitations of break press (machine that bends the metal).

 

Some forms can be very complex and still accomplished with one flat-pattern. At first glance, yours does not appear to be one because of it's complexity and overall size.

 

When you design flat-patterns, you have to consider all of this. You will want to fit as many flat-patterns on a single sheet so you minimize the costs of your wasted materials.

 

I hope this is somewhat helpful.

[Fooch]

Perhaps an origami unfolding software would help.

Try this: http://www.tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/

 

Do note though, its best to keep minimal polygons for it.

[Rana Abboud]

Dear Fooch- thanks, pepakura does it brilliantly for paper modelling I've also heard 'Lamina' can do this too... which is why I'm finding it VERY hard to believe that I've exhausted my Rhino options. Surely, Rhino is an industrial tool that can also flatten (ie: lay out) the component parts, to give accurate dimensions to manufacturers...? Hmmm.

 

And Claudio's right: one flat pattern won't happen with this design... I'm now imagining these triangles as individual segments, placed onto a frame beneath. Very good to have confirmation of these ideas- thanks so much for the input.