3D modeling with paper

avhon1 9/13/2025|

Given that the article's author used Blender to create their model, I'm surprised they didn't use it's built-in paper model exporter.

https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/4.1//addons/import_export...

alanbernstein 9/13/2025|

They mentioned it, seem to prefer pepakura.

xnx 9/12/2025||

Very cool. Would probably get even more attention with the title "3D Modeling the SR-71 Blackbird with Paper".

aleph_minus_one 9/12/2025|

Whether this article would get more or less attention with this changed title depends a lot on the ratio "viewers from the USA"/"viewers from other countries".

dieggsy 9/12/2025||

While that would certainly be a factor, I think I'd argue it's less about where you're from and more about what your interests or experience are.

I actually think the title as it is now has more mass appeal; it's very general and might pique your curiosity if you're interested in either 3-D modelling or paper crafting.

On the other hand if it had the "SR-71 Blackbird" in the title, some readers might shy away due to either not knowing what that is, or thinking "well, I'm not really interested in planes".

Which would be kind of a shame, since I think the post has some nice points to make regardless of whether you're into the SR-71 Blackbird or planes; that's just the example chosen to paint the broader picture.

the_af 9/12/2025||

I love this!

I do some cardboard / papercraft, but mine is completely unplanned and without this high level of precision. So mine is not suitable for accurate scale model building, but rather for building random houses / castles / vehicles.

syntaxing 9/12/2025||

This is super cool. In theory, a lot of this could have been automated. Quad remesher would probably get you close enough to import to the paper software and Cricut like machine for the cutting and scoring(?).

pupppet 9/12/2025||

The final build looks great, I thought I was looking at a 3D render.

TehCorwiz 9/13/2025||

I used to have books of models like these. Space stations, trains, wild west diorama sets, cars, etc. I wish I could find copies of the older ones.

maxlin 9/13/2025||

Interesting.

Optimization idea: Make your 3D modellers make their models first out of paper. Bet they'll be more cognizant about extra triangles!

amelius 9/12/2025||

Doesn't a paper cutter like the Cricut generate these parts out of the box?