Origami Parabolic Shape from a paper square

thingiverse

I've carefully crafted this shape numerous times, inspired by the innovative work of Eric Demaine (Be sure to check out his work, he's truly exceptional!) and others who have made significant contributions in this field. Creating this from a square using only your hands is a tedious task that requires a lot of time and effort. This simple DXF cuts a square from an A3 size sheet of paper and dashes the folding lines, making the process substantially faster and much more manageable. WARNING: The dashes I've used may not be compatible with your CNC laser/software setup. If they're not, select all the lines except the edges and navigate to the "object properties" or similar option in your CAD software menu. Choose "slashed" or a similar alternative and experiment with different options until you find one that works for you. To fold the shape, simply zigzag the folds, beginning with the outer edge. All the edges surrounding the square fold in the same direction. The next edge folds in the opposite way. Carefully squash the corners along the diagonal lines. If you examine the pictures, you'll gain a clear understanding of the process. As you progress towards the center, it may become slightly more challenging, but if you take your time and start at the middle of each side, you'll complete it quickly. I'm fascinated by how this object naturally takes its shape. It's all about mathematics, coupled with a dash of physics. If you share my passion for this shape, you're likely to be a nerd. And there's nothing wrong with that. Nerds are the ones who drive progress and innovation. Be proud of your intellectual pursuits!