We've talked about Industrial Origami before on this site, and how it was being used to build a new low-cost electric scooter. But things have moved on a bit since then and so we thought we'd return once again to what is a fascinating subject.
Industrial Origami is a new approach to manufacturing that takes its inspiration from the ancient art of paper folding. Instead of paper, however, this technique uses flat sheets of metal—typically stainless steel—and transforms them into strong, three-dimensional structures by carefully folding the material rather than cutting, welding, or bolting it together.
The concept was developed by the Swedish innovation company Stilfold, and it rethinks how we shape metal. Using advanced computer-aided design and custom software, the system calculates precise fold lines and angles. These are then executed by robotic arms, which perform the folds with accuracy and consistency. The result is a finished structure made from a single piece of material, bent into form like an industrial-scale piece of origami.
One of the most significant advantages of Industrial Origami is its efficiency. Traditional manufacturing often involves cutting multiple parts out of metal sheets and welding them together. This can produce a lot of waste and requires energy-intensive processes. In contrast, folding a single sheet of metal creates much less scrap and eliminates the need for welding or additional fasteners.
This leads to considerable environmental benefits. For example, in one of Stilfold’s projects - a cargo trailer - the design used 30% less material than conventional methods and reduced CO₂ emissions by around 60%. Because there’s no need for heavy tooling or complex assembly, the production process is also faster and more cost-effective. What would typically take months to design and manufacture can often be completed in just a few weeks.
But efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of strength. The folded structures are lightweight but remarkably strong. Just as a folded piece of paper can become structurally stable, folded metal can create forms that are not only functional but also durable. This opens up exciting possibilities for product designers and engineers, offering more freedom to create innovative, aerodynamic shapes that are also sustainable.
Stilfold has already demonstrated the technique in various applications - from electric scooter frames built from a single folded steel sheet, to architectural elements and transport components. And this is only the beginning. As the technology matures and becomes more widely adopted, it has the potential to revolutionize industries that depend on strong, lightweight materials - like automotive, aerospace, construction, and even furniture design.
By combining sustainability, performance, and design flexibility, Industrial Origami represents a shift toward smarter, cleaner, and more creative manufacturing. It’s not just about folding metal - it's about unfolding a new future for how we build.
Sustainability, performance, and design flexibility are all words that we use on all our bespoke stainless steel projects at DSM... but unlike origami we never fold under pressure.
More origami and robot related stories on our website:
Should we be worried about the worlds first stainless steel robot?
AI creates an impossible Stainless Steel statue
How to do origami with a sheet of Stainless Steel