PanelingTools for Rhino Updated

A new release of PanelingTools plug-in for Rhino 4.0 is available for download. New in this release:

• Added new commands to manipulate paneling grid:
• ptCloseGrid: Close grid in U or V direction.
• ptCompactGrid: Remove grid holes.
• ptGridSeam: Change grid seam (for closed grid).
• ptRemoveOverlap: Remove overlapped (coincident) grid points.
• ptShiftGrid: Shifts selected points in a grid.
• Added two new options to built-in patterns:
• "New": enable user-defined pattern.
• "TriBasic" a variation of triangular pattern.
• The option "AddFaces" now creates EdgeSrf or Patches depending on number of edges.
• Added option to ptPanelCurve to define a direction line.
• Added option to ptPanelGridQuads command to triangulate remaining non-planar faces.
• Made many UI refinements, changed command names and options to be more clear.
• Fixed out-of-memory bug when using large set of points in a grid.
• Fixed few crash bugs and memory leaks.

Edge Softening - Rhino Labs

Edge softening allows you to fake filleted edges on meshes for rendering. Use the Object Properties "Edge Softening" option once the plug-in is installed to change the radius. The plug-in requires an RDK compliant renderer to work (for example, Brazil).

Details and download...

DrawOrder - a Labs Project

Set draw order per layer and per object.

In Rhino, objects are normally drawn based on their distance away in 3-D. Unfortunately, for 2-D layout that is not always the best. So like many two drafting and illustration products, this Labs plug-in provide the users the controls to set the draw order by layer and by object.

Details and download...

Grasshopper 0.3 released

Generative Modeling for Rhino

For designers who are exploring new shapes using generative algorithms, Grasshopper™ is a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3-D modeling tools. Unlike RhinoScript, Grasshopper requires no knowledge of programming or scripting, but still allows designers to build form generators — from the simple to the awe-inspiring.

Details and download...

*The software formerly know as Explicit History

Curve Piping for Rhino 4.0

Curve Piping, a free Labs Rhino 4.0 plug-in, allows you to convert curves to meshes for rendering. Use the Object Properties "Curve Piping" option to change the radius, accuracy, end-cap type and several other parameters on curves. The plug-in requires an RDK compliant renderer to work (for example, Brazil).

Details and download...

STEP Import and Export Plug-ins updated

Step Export Plug-in for Rhino 4.0 SR3 adds:

• Step files generated by this plug-in can be read by Altium Designer, Solidworks 2008, and Solid Edge.
• Step objects are assigned the layer color when appropriate.
• Open polysurfaces are assigned color correctly.
• Block instances with non-rigid transformations are exploded in the step file. So now mirrored or scaled objects are exported correctly.
• Download now...

Step Import Plug-in for Rhino 4.0 SR3 adds:

• Can now read step files that contain assembly entities that reference external files for part entities. All part files must be in the same folder as the parent STEP file.
• Now finds the color of open polysurfaces.
• Download now...
  

PanelingTools Update

A new release of PanelingTools plug-in for Rhino 4.0 is available for download. New in this release:

• History support is added to all commands.
• Bug Fixes:
• Fixed the crash when paneling with AddPatchFaces=Yes and AddFaceBorders=Yes at the same time.
• Rhino used to hang when using base object for grid paneling. This is now fixed.

Designing for Second Life in Rhino

We prototyped an example Rhino plug-in writing sculpted primitives for Second Life. Fortunately, Gan Uesli Starling has written up detailed instructions on everything you need to know to get your Rhino models into Second Life.

Rhino PanelingTools Updated

A new PanelingTools release is available for download.

New in this release:

• Scripting support.
• Added new commands:
  • PT_ReverseRowDirection
  • PT_UnifyCurvesDirection
  • PT_SurfaceByGridOfEditPoints
  • PT_SurfaceByGridOfControlPoints
• A few bug fixed.

Rhino User Meetings in Rome and Paris

Rhino User Meetings in Rome and Paris in collaboration with the University of La Sapienza and the École Spéciale d'Architecture.

Both events will take place middle of June and will allow users, teachers and students, developers, resellers and the McNeel team to share their knowledge and experience in 3D Modeling.

Confirmed speakers (users and partners) include:

• Rome: Giuseppe Massoni, OZ Studio, Rhino-Plugins, Cadental, Daniele Nale, Arturo Vittori, Seac02, RHEX
  
  
• Paris: RhinoTerrain, Paolo Cascone, Marc Fornes, RFR, RhinoPhoto, Orca3D, Laurent Miagkoff

Participation at these multidisciplinar events is free of charge, although registration is required. Moreover, any user will be able to show whatever he designs in his professional or private life in a special Pecha Kucha session. Just bring your Power Point slides or photos in a USB pendrive.

Check all the details here:

• 12 June 2008: Italian Rhino User Meeting - Università La Sapienza - Roma
  
  
• 19 June 2008: 1st French Rhino User Meeting - École Spéciale d'Architecture - Paris
  
  

RhinoScript Updated

This Labs version of RhinoScript contains additions and modifications to the version of RhinoScript included with Rhino 4.0 SR3. Details and download...

Rhino Tools - a Labs project

More than 20 new tools for Rhino 4.0 from Rhino Labs.

Details and download...

PanelingTools for Rhino - first WIP

The first Work-In-Progress (WIP) version of the new PanelingTools plugin for Rhino 4.0 SR3 is now available from Rhino Labs.

For architectural designer, structural engineers and building fabricators who need to rationalize free-form design into components that they can fabricate and assemble, PanelingTools is a Rhino 4.0 plug-in that has a variety of tools to panel complex NURBS surfaces, polysurfaces, and solids. There are built-in patterns like triangular, box or diamond. Also any pattern can be user-defined.

Like all Rhino Labs tools, the PanelingTools is free for all Rhino 4.0 users.

Details and download...

Using RealFlow with Rhino

David Rutten wrote a plug-in to import RealFlow data into Rhino. Here are a few examples.

Details and download...