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‘Kirigami cuts’ can be used to create 3D microstructures and nanotools
Paper snowflakes, pop-up children’s books and elaborate paper cards are of interest to more than just crafters. A team of Northwestern University engineers is using ideas taken from paper-folding practices to create a sophisticated alternative to 3D printing.
Kirigami comes from the Japanese words “kiru”(to cut) and “kami”(paper) and is a traditional form of art in which paper is precisely cut and transformed into a 3D object. Using thin films of material and software to select exact geometric cuts, engineers can create a wide range of complex structures by taking inspiration from the practice.
Researchers Create an Advanced Alternative to 3D Printing
Written by AZoMDec 23 2020
Elaborate paper cards, pop-up children’s books and paper snowflakes are interesting not only to crafters but also to other individuals.
New research allows each kirigami motif to bend into multiple shapes. Image Credit: Northwestern University.
A group of engineers from Northwestern University has created an advanced alternative to 3D printing by applying concepts taken from paper-folding practices.
The word Kirigami comes from the Japanese words kiru (to cut) and kami (paper). It is a classical form of art, wherein the paper is accurately cut and changed into a 3D object.
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Paper snowflakes, pop-up children s books and elaborate paper cards are of interest to more than just crafters. A team of Northwestern University engineers is using ideas taken from paper-folding practices to create a sophisticated alternative to 3D printing.
Kirigami comes from the Japanese words kiru (to cut) and kami (paper) and is a traditional form of art in which paper is precisely cut and transformed into a 3D object. Using thin films of material and software to select exact geometric cuts, engineers can create a wide range of complex structures by taking inspiration from the practice.
Research, published in 2015, showed promise in the kirigami pop-up fabrication model. In this iteration, the ribbon-like structures created by the cuts were open shapes, with limited ability to achieve closed shapes. Other research building on the same inspiration mainly demonstrates that kirigami can be applied at a macroscale with simple materials like paper.
Japanese artform inspires new engineering technique phys.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from phys.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.