Video
BibTex
@inproceedings{Shakeri:2021:10.20380/GI2021.10,
author = {Shakeri, Hanieh and Elbaggari, Hannah and Bucci, Paul and Xiao, Robert and MacLean, Karon E.},
title = {FoldMold: Automating Papercraft for Fast DIY Casting of Scalable Curved Shapes},
booktitle = {Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2021},
series = {GI 2021},
year = {2021},
issn = {0713-5424},
isbn = {978-0-9947868-6-9},
location = {Virtual Event},
pages = {77 -- 86},
numpages = {10},
doi = {10.20380/GI2021.10},
publisher = {Canadian Information Processing Society},
}
Abstract
Rapid iteration is crucial to effective prototyping; yet making certain objects - large, smoothly curved and/or of specific material - requires specialized equipment or considerable time. To improve access to casting such objects, we developed FoldMold: a low-cost, simply-resourced and eco-friendly technique for creating scalable, curved mold shapes (any developable surface) with wax-stiffened paper. Starting with a 3D digital shape, we define seams, add bending, joinery and mold-strengthening features, and "unfold" the shape into a 2D pattern, which is then cut, assembled, wax-dipped and cast with materials like silicone, plaster, or ice. To access the concept's full power, we facilitated digital pattern creation with a custom Blender add-on. We assessed FoldMold's viability, first with several molding challenges in which it produced smooth, curved shapes far faster than 3D printing would; then with a small user study that confirmed automation usability. Finally, we describe a range of opportunities for further development.