This edge lock system for paper and plastic works great for realizing meshes from thin sheets of material. It avoids the negative accumulated error common with the classic glue and tab method of construction. Instead the edges have enough freedom to adjust towards the perfect position.

Look here for more examples: www.shadowfolds.com/SlideTab http://www.flickr.com/photos/shadowfolds/sets/72157625779410170/

Cuts parts on a laser cutter, robo cutter or with an exacto knife.

If using the system on another model than those prepared replace the edges of the polygon faces with an edge style. Make sure all edge tabs are oriented the same way. See the example files for demonstrations of correct edge style placement. Blues lines are cut lines, red lines are optional score lines. Edge lengths below 1 inch can be very challenging.

If using SlideTab V1.0 place the edges next to each other and push the tabs past each other. If assembling the hats start at the top and do two edges down then do the next row and so on to the end. The larger hats have a fold up and inside brim to make it stronger.

SlideTab V1.0 is good for open surfaces but cannot be used on a closed form such as a polyhedra if the tabs are to be hidden inside because it is necessary to touch on the inside to fasten the tabs. SlideTab V2.0 is suitable for closed forms such as polyhedra because it can be closed from the outside.

View this video for instructions on SlideTab V2.0 assembly: http://www.vimeo.com/18417516