Japanese art technique inspires new engineering technique: ‘Kirigami cuts’ can be used to create 3D microstructures and nanotools – Science Daily

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…

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