1. Getting resources. Since I'll be making industrial robots paper models, it's quite easy - the best option is to get 3D drawing from manufacturer, in some sensible format - usually .step files are available to download. If not, then lot of photos where scale is kept or even measuring real life example is required. Since I'm able to get .step files, I will use FreeCAD (I'll try to put links to all software at the bottom of relevant posts), which looks like very nice tool, and it has measurements available, which is required. Other than that we do not need any features, so I'll not cover them.
2. Drawing in 3D. To make paper model, first I need to create 3D model. I decided to use SketchUp 8, as this is the version I'm familiar with. I know that I have FreeCAD available, but I do not want to start learning another program, which is much more complicated that it needs to be. Sketchup seems to have just enough features for model making, and is really easy to use, so I'll stick with that.
3. Flattening. After creating 3D model of a model, I need to flatten it, as it has to be printed out. Several tools are available, out of which I choose Flattery plugin for Sketchup. It has some quirks, but in general I found it simplest and fastest tool, even though it sometimes requires a lot of clicking, as it cannot unfold shapes by itself. Additionally it allows for re-joining of faces, which is quite handy.
4. Coloring and assembling sheets - this has not been decided yet. Gimp or Inkscape are my two first options - I've heard a lot of good things about Inkscape, and I'm familiar with Gimp, so I'll have to choose one. But this is a decision which has to be done later, so I don't worry about this very much.
Just as a test, and as an excuse to put some images into post, I tried to make simple model in Sketchup to see how it goes, and to remember how I should use it - I haven't done anything serious in couple of years now. For added fun - 5 minutes time limit on drawing. Ready, set, go.
Here's the result:
Not bad for a 5 minute run on midnight. Anyway, nothing more today, so this has to be enough. For Friday small update planned - should have basics of model outlined, at least that is the target.
Best,
K.
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