Polyhedron: 3d to 2d to 3d paper models

[Bob Koll]

v7 Rhino is very easy to install Polyhedron plugin:  

1 In rhino,  command:  'PackageManager'

2 Select RhinoPolyhedra

3 Follow prompts

4 Restart Rhino

5 New command: 'Polyhedron'

Polyhedron Plugin  (v5 and v6)

1 Food4Rhino page.  Polyhedron. follow prompts

2 Video: Brian James tutorial. Unroll, Tab, Print, Fold

Items 1 and 2:  

Install Polyhedron plug in for Rhino V6 or V5    (Note there is a Mac version to download also)

View Brian James' video showing the Dodecahedron model, how to 'unroll' it, and then a demonstration of Brian folding the paper cutout model, with tabs, into a 3d model.

cmd:  Polyhedron.      Step by step creation of an Augmented Triangular Prism. 

cmd:  UnrollSrf.    Unroll the developable surface to create a flat pattern.  (Explode=No, Label=Yes)

cmd:  Rectangle.   Create a 11 x 8.5 rectangle near the 'flat pattern' just created above.

cmd:  Move.           Move the 'flat pattern' into the rectangle.

cmd:  Scale2d       Scale the pattern to fill the rectangle.

Add tabs on one of each pair of outside edges.  Use the Labels to identify the locations for each tab.

Refer to the video above for tab creation process.

cmd: Print          Print the pattern.

Finalize:  Fold up the pattern and glue the tabs to create the 3d paper model of the Augmented Triangular Prism.

Extension activity:  Students choose a polyhedron model to create following the steps above for their chosen polyhedron. Visualize your classroom ceiling with colorful 3d paper polyhedra hanging from the ceiling.  A laser or large format printer is a bonus for this part of the model.

Variations: 

UnrollSrf  command.  Explode-Yes, Label=Yes will allow the modeler to print various parts of the model on separate pieces of paper.  Make sure the modeler uses the same scale factor if separating the pieces for printing.