Molar

2014-09-30

Here is a somewhat random object: The model of a molar tooth in paper.

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I made this primarily to test my workflow for creating semi-realistic models with a low enough number of polygons so that they actually can be built.

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Still, even with the simplified form, this model is a bit difficult to make. This is partially due to the complex template, but also owed to the fact that the model has deep grooves and saddle points which make it a bit difficult to close the shape.

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Nevertheless, if you want to try your hand at the molar, here is the PDF template:

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Comments

  1. andreea pragai,

    hi there,
    i need to make this molar at one big scale, like 1m high\1 m wide.
    can u pls advise!!!

    1. admin,

      Hi Andreea, thanks for your message! The model is now about 10cm high, i.e. you need to scale it up by a factor of 100.

      This is quite a challenging task. You’d need to scale up the print-out accordingly, and have it printed across many pages. I would take this to a print shop and have them use the biggest format they can print. Even then, you’d need several sheets. You would probably have to dissect the contiguous parts, in order to have them fit onto the sheets.

      An alternative would be to project them onto sheets and trace them with a marker. At a 100-fold scale, this would still look quite good, even when traced by hand.

      In both cases, you would have to use very sturdy cardboard – anything less than corrugated cardboard will probably be too wobbly. In addition, internal scaffolding will help to keep everything in place.

  2. jet,

    funny,welldone!! I think by your template it will be a greate idea to make a big one of fabric to seat on it.
    thank you for the sharing!

    1. admin,

      Hey Jet, thanks for your kind comments! A big one made of fabric would be awesome. I don’t know how one would go about it without a huge investment in time and money, but it sounds like a fun project…

  3. Bella,

    Excuse me, can I ask the height, length, and width of this model ?

  4. Nicole,

    Hi, I’m a dental student and I’m trying to use this to make a christmas ornament for my class’s christmas tree. Do you have some sort of instructions on how to fold and make the molar? I already printed and cut it. Thanks.

    1. admin,

      Hi Nicole, I have to admit this model is not trivial to make. I will try to find a little bit of time and make a tutorial.

  5. Irina,

    Thank you for the opportunity to collect a template and the model itself . It was found in the assembly that faces must be pushed through very well . Really hard to close the unit .

    1. admin,

      Thanks for the feedback, Irina! Yes, you are right, it’s a bit difficult to close the model. I couldn’t find a way to make this easier. What helps me sometimes is to use a thin needle to “pick up” and push the last flap against its counterpart.

      1. Yoko,

        Hello!

        Excuse me, please. How to determine which way to bend ? All lines are dashed. I saw that lines have different types, depending on the direction of the fold..

        (sorry for my bad english :)

        1. admin,

          Hi Yoko,

          sorry for the missing instructions. I haven’t had time yet to clean up the template and/or provide further instructions. since this template contains many folds it is quite confusing in the beginning. However, once you start you should be able to see in what direction each part needs to be folded. They fit together one way only.

          I hope I will get around to doing more detailed instructions soon.

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