SlideTab Surface Creation System

thingiverse

The edge lock system, designed for paper and plastic, effectively creates meshes from thin materials without the negative accumulation of error present in traditional glue-and-tab methods. Instead, edges have the freedom to adjust optimally. For examples, visit www.shadowfolds.com/SlideTab or view http://www.flickr.com/photos/shadowfolds/sets/72157625779410170/. To use this system, cut the parts using a laser cutter, robo cutter, or exacto knife. For models other than pre-prepared ones, replace polygon face edges with an appropriate edge style, ensuring all tab orientations are consistent. Check example files for guidance on correct placement. Blue lines denote cut lines, while red lines represent optional score lines. Note that edges below 1 inch can be challenging to work with. For SlideTab V1.0, assemble parts by placing adjacent edges and pushing tabs past each other. Assemble hats starting from the top, proceeding two edges down before moving to the next row. For larger hats, fold the brim upwards and inside for added strength. Unfortunately, SlideTab V1.0 is limited to open surfaces; it cannot accommodate closed forms like polyhedra with hidden tabs due to internal contact requirements. In such cases, opt for SlideTab V2.0, suitable for closed forms as it can be assembled externally. For assembly instructions on SlideTab V2.0, watch this video: http://www.vimeo.com/18417516.