Use SketchUp and Pepakura to create designs in paper, metal or plastic.
In order to complete this you must have downloaded and installed the free SketchUp program from Google as well as this free .STL and .DXF exporter. You must also download Pepakura3.
This guide shows you how to take a simple drawing that you have created or found and make it into a paper pattern. The creative individual can also export to a vinyl cutter or various types of CNC machines.
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After SketchUp, the .STL exporter and Pepakura have been installed it is time to try a simple model. I went to http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ and chose "Geodesic dome 01" from the menu, saved it to my desktop and opened it with SketchUp. It looks like this.
I hope this guide has been useful. Feel free to contact me with questions. I can be emailed at ObjectsUnlimited (at) Gmail (dot) com or via twitter @Protobotind .
Thanks!
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