Getting started with Rhino 3D

[Charles Adams]

This is a post I had at my other site (http://www.StarshipBuilder.com) and I thought I would share it here as well.

3D programs might be some of the biggest and best "power tools" available for scratchbuilders. If you are a physical modeler who has not tried 3D modeling, don't make the mistake of thinking these programs don't have anything to offer those who are only into traditional model building.

Many choices are available, but (based on experience) I highly recommend a spline modeling tool for those wishing to use 3D "power tools" to help them make patterns for physical models. I have used several different programs like this, but one stands out in the crowd: Rhino 3D.

This program, with its CAD-like interface, is very precise and perfect for helping you turn your 2D drawings into accurate patterns for actually building your model. You can use the functions available through this program to analyze complex structures, figure out dimensions and angles, and even make developments (unfold or unroll developable surfaces).

I recently stumbled across a great FREE tutorial called "The Secrets of Rhinoceros" which I highly recommend. Even though I have been using Rhino for a while now, this was an excellent exercise and taught me a lot!

http://3drender.com/rhino/index.html

I've been working on a special project for a while now which will help modelers get started in the art of creating blueprints and patterns for their projects. Tools like this are central to that focus, so I want to strongly encourage anyone who is interested in getting better at building from scratch to make the most of all the great tools we have to choose from today. Stuff like this was just a pipe dream not too many years ago!! :)

:D

[keithwwalker]

Charles,

I was wondering what commands are available in Rhino3D to unfold or unroll the developable surfaces?

Are there any tutorials on the web about this?
I have been eyeing up Rhino for a LONG time, and want to jump in soon.

Keith Walker

[Charles Adams]

I use version 2 so I don't know about the latest version. There is just one command. You select a surface and then choose Surface=>Unroll Developable Surface. The program prompts you to select a curve along the surface. I have no idea why, and I've never done that. But if you just hit Enter it unrolls the surface nicely.

There is a catch -- the surface must not have any compound curves. This can be a problem is you created the surface via a Loft operation. But, if you pay close attention, you will notice that the Loft command has an option to make a developable surface. If you make sure to use that option, you'll be able to unroll the surface later.

Sometimes the program will respond with "unable to unroll that object" even when it is developable. This means the object is too complex for it to handle. In that case, I have had success by using Explode to break up the object and then use Unroll on each subsection.

I can't recommend Rhino enough! It has helped me tremendously as a designer and pattern maker. I can make patterns now with ease that would have been extremely tedious and difficult without this great toolset.

[Gil Russell]

Hi Charles,

Glad you like Rhino. I do too. The one and only great modeling package for modelers. The reason for selecting a curve on the surface is when details like panel lines and inspection covers are projected onto the surface. This allows that detail to be unfolded too. This is a great help when painting detail in Photoshop or Illustrator. For paper modeling this is "The" package of choice. Another tip, sometimes when it says that it can't unfold that object try the loft using a rebuild with a larger number (and use straight). This is usually enough to resolve the problems with the surface curvature. I suggest you look into the the different surface types, G0-G4. It's a great way to review planar geometry as it regards CAD. In fact that brings up an interesting thought, Rhino should be used to teach geometry skills in grade school. With the right curriculum this could be a real wowser...,

-Best, Gil Russell

[Charles Adams]

Thanks! I am learning something new about this great toolset. Say, what advantages does version 3 have over version 2?

I am finishing a book on blueprinting and pattern making for modelers. Volume 1 is on the basics of drawing in the computer plus how to make blueprints and patterns in 2D. Volume 2 will discuss making patterns for 3D models and using 3D tools to aid physical modelers with their pattern work. I don't want either book to focus on any one program, but pattern work in Volume 2 will be based on the techniques of spline modeling and Rhino is the best choice IMO for that kind of work. I simply love working with this program! I haven't enjoyed a new "power tool" this much since I first started using Photoshop for my 2D work. :D

[Gil Russell]

Hi Charles,

I have never used V2 so I really have no working idea of what the differences are. Rhino 4 Beta is currently undergoing testing.

The one thing that I've found interesting about Rhino is the amount of flexibility built into the software. I've come to points in a project where I've thought "there should be a way to do this" and after a little detective work found the answer in the form of a Rhino Command. Looking back it's been an amazing learning process. Each time I think I've mastered the software something comes up, a discovery is made and I am humbled once back into the status of a student once again....,

Rhino brings up all sorts of interesting topics for pattern making. One big picture item that I've found for developed surface production is to remember that overlaying one developed surface over another developed by a different method but still developable is easily afforded by Rhino. In other words develop a surface by X then by Y. Overlaying the two affords an accurate perimeter to be drawn.

Best, -Gil Russell

[Charles Adams]

I didn't realize that unrolling a surface would permit you to also unroll any curves projected onto the surface. That is handy! I had been doing this the hard way by extruding trimming objects and then splitting my surfaces. This way the outlines of any features are automatically included in the unrolled surface. This works great for applying "decals" to a curved surface, for example, by projecting the outlines from a plan view.

So, to unroll a surface with curves projected onto it, I take it you select the surface, then choose Unroll, then select the curves you want to include? Any curves selected will be unrolled along with the surface while any curves not selected will be left alone?

Thanks! :)

:cheers:

[Gil Russell]

Charles, Yes, that's pretty much it. The only requirement is that the curves be on the surface. Rhino actually asks you whether you want to do this in the Command Line. Another fact is that if you unroll a surface and forget to the curves on its surface just select the curves and unroll. They'll unfold onto the larger surface and in the exact position.

Another fact that many forget is that Rhino accepts numerical input. Generally this is on a relative basis to a point already established, say like a circle. With the center established (mouse left clicked) if you enter a radius value it will show on the command line. Enter will set the radius and the circle will appear on the screen with that radius. Same goes for all commands that accept X, Y & Z values and in that order I believe. For some reason this last little bit of information escaped me for the longest time even though I'd gone through all the tutorials. Just a few tips to keep you rolling. -Gil Russell

[captainkynan]

Rhino is indeed wonderful.
I've had laser cut parts, ABS enclosures produced from rapid prototype to manufacture, product renderings for presentations, model rocket parts fabrication, etc... All done in rhino (RC LZ-127 in the RC part was all done on Rhino).
It is very user friendly.
I recomend it as well.