Designed in Rhino - the HÅG FUTU

HÅG, Norway's biggest office chair producer, just released their new chair, the HÅG FUTU.

Leif Isachen at KODE Design, the chief designer on the project, worked in Rhino for almost one year, from early sketches, through all the design phases up to manufacturing.

AutoStereogram for Rhino - Free Plug-in

FlexiCAD just released a free AutoStereogram Plug-in for Rhino.

Details...

Datakit Import, Export Rhino Plug In - New Bundles

Datakit releases an import and/or export “all-in-One” Rhino Plug-in bundles of CAD data exchange solution. The new bundle pricing is comparable to old single converter pricing.

The import bundle includes 9 solutions for reading native or neutral files from Acis, CATIA V4, CATIA V5, Inventor, JT, NX, Parasolid, Pro/E or Solid Edge into Rhino 4.0.

The export bundle enables Rhino 4.0 to write CATIA V4 and/or V5 files.

Bundles under maintenance are guaranteed to be compatible with new versions of the native or neutral files.

Details...

MicroScribe "End of Life" Announcement

Today, Immersion Corporation announced that they have decided to end of life the MicroScribe product line, and all associated 3rd party products. This announcement applies to all hardware, software and accessories. The last day to order any kind of MicroScribe product directly from Immersion will be December 24th, 2008.

Please see their Press Release for additional details...

PanelingTools for Rhino 4.0 Updated

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

• Fixed divide surface by direct distance bug for closed surfaces.
• Added the ability to select a base point to start dividing a surface from in ptGridSurfaceDirectDistance command.
• Added u & v optional parameters of base location to PT scripting functions "DivideSurfaceByDirectDistance" and "GridByDirectDistanceOnSurface".
• Added ptTriangulatePoints command to create a mesh using Delaunay Triangulation algorithm.
• Added ptGroupSimilarPanels that groups similar curves. It is based mainly on number of curves segments and their length. It also test area for planar curves.
• Added labeling for 3d custom panels.
• Fixed shift defaults values in 2D and 3D pattern managers.
• Fixed divide surface by distance preview bug.
• Added new animated short tutorials to the wiki page.
• Updated menu, toolbars and PT for monkey.

Rhino Tech Tips Blog

In case you missed it, Vanessa has been posting tech tips on the Rhino Tech Tips blog.

If you have tips or ideas please e-mail them to Vanessa.

Grasshopper for Rhino - new minor version

Grasshopper 0.50092 for Rhino 4.0 is now available to download. This minor new release has a huge list of new features and enhancements, including:

Fixes:

• Setting a Graph back to None did not cause an update. This is fixed.
• Graph mapper objects with no graphs failed to read back in. This is fixed.
• Transformations that do not maintain similarity now properly deform non-deformable geometry types (circles, arcs and boxes become NURBS curves and BReps respectively). This is fixed.
• Orient transformation had a bug which resulted in erroneous mappings for some input cases. This is fixed.

Changes:

• EvaluateCurve component has an extra output for curve span length.
• Curve divisions components have been moved into a separate category.

Additions:

• CurveFrame component
• CurveHozirontalFrame component
• CurvePerpendicularFrame component

Details and download...

Grasshopper for Rhino - new version

Grasshopper 0.50090 for Rhino 4.0 is now available to download. This major new release has a huge list of new features and enhancements, including:

• Reworked interface icons and display modes
• Reworked Graph Mapper interface
• Improved Graph Editor dialog
• New Gradient Control
• Automatic data casting from Colour to Points and Vectors added
• New mutable code lines in VB and C# script components which allows for custom type definitions and custom procedures
• New curve components (Shatter, Trim with BRep, Split with BRep, Trim with Region)
• New Surface components (Rail Revolve, Copy UV Trim, Retrim)
• New Mesh components (BRep mesher, Surface mesher, Mesh settings)
• New Graph types (Parabola, Sine summation, Sinc, Square Root)
• Merge Definition menu item has been reincarnated
• 3D text tags are now available from the panels
• Invariant culture is now used everywhere (I think) so all floating point numbers should be entered using the point decimal symbol

Details and download...

Grasshopper for Rhino - new version

Grasshopper 0.5 for Rhino 4.0 is now available to download.

This major new release has a huge list of new features and enhancements, including:

• C# and VB.NET scripting components.
• BarGraph component for real time visualization for large amounts of numbers.
• Fibonacci sequence component.
• Jitter component.
• More Interval(2D) components.
• Rotate plane component.
• Circle/Arc center and radius extractor.
• Explode curve component.
• Rectangle and Polygon components.
• Plane surface component.
• Flip surface component.
• Curve region union component.
• Mass addition, Mean (average) and Truncate components for dealing with large amounts of numbers.
• Mathematical intersection components (Ray-plane, Plane-curve, Ray- Surface, Curve-ray etc.).
• More options for the Loft component (Loose, Tight, Rebuild etc.).
• Curve Perpendicular frames component now provides true 'zero-twisting- frames'.
• New file format (see this wiki page for details)
• Component search popup dialog. Double click on the canvas (on an empty spot) and start typing.
• Better help topics for some components.
• Memory footprint has been reduced significantly.
• Enhanced notes.
• Bug fixes.

Details and download...

TurboCAD supports Rhino 3DM

TurboCAD v15.2 with its new Rhino 3DM import/export file filter was just released.

Details...

Qube! render farm management enhanced

PipelineFX, makers of Qube!™, a leading render farm management software, announced that it has released updates and enhancements to Qube! interfaces to several digital media applications.

Qube!'s interface for Rhino provides an easy way to submit, prioritize and manage renders.

Details...

PanelingTools for Rhino 4.0 Updated

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

• Added ptPanel3DCustom command to create 3D panels bounded by 2 grids (and surfaces if any). The input of the 3D patterns can be curves, surfaces and polysurfaces of any shape.
• Added orientation feedback and "Flip" option to ptOrientToGrid command. The command uses one grid and optional reference surface.
• Refined the 3D pattern manager.
• Re-written the splitting algorithm for pulled panels (edges and faces). It should be more robust.
• Fixed a divide surface by direct distance bug. If the default distance is too low, it used to take very long time.
• Fixed another divide surface by direct distance bug for closed surfaces.
• Added Solids layer to the user-defined 3D patterns. It joins unit pattern surfaces when applicable.
• Fix brick 2D pattern bug.

Sophie3D viewer released

XOSystems has released Sophie3D, a Flash based 3D viewer. With a few simple steps, you can publish your Rhino models to the web.

Details...

RhinoScript Labs update

RhinoScript is a scripting language based on Microsoft's VBScript language. With RhinoScript, you can quickly add functionality to Rhino, or automate repetitive tasks.

The Labs version of RhinoScript contains additions and modifications to the version of RhinoScript included with Rhino 4.0 SR4.

Details and download...

rhinoreverse ships new version

ships version 2.9 with many new features and enhancements.

Details...

Rhino Reseller Meeting - Barcelona

Rhino resellers, 3rd-party developers, and McNeel development and support staff from around the world gathered for 3 days last week in Barcelona. There were no major announcements but they were many discussions about everything that is happening in the fast growing Rhino community. Presentations were made by:

• Users
  • Marc Torres and Sergio de la Parra
  • Tobias Nagel
  • Marc Fornes
  • Jess Maertterer
• McNeel Regional Offices
• 25 third-party developers

Everyone was excited to learn more about the size and diversity of the Rhino community – trading many stories about users, projects, and applications from around the world.

Tobias Nagel - user web site

Tobias Nagel has been a great resource for many Rhino users. He selflessly shares his vast expertise on the Rhino support newsgroup.

Check out his newweb site...

'MatchProperties' added to Rhino Labs Tools

The Rhino Labs Tools plug-in contains miscellaneous tools that you might find useful. Who knows, some of these tools might even make it into the next release...

ConvertDots - converts text dots to either points or text objects.
DupDimStyle - duplicates dimension styles.
FindText - finds text in the document.
HideLayersInDetail - similar to Rhino's HideInDetail command, only it hides all objects on a layer.
ImportDimStyles - imports dimension styles from another .3dm file.
MatchCrvDir - matches the direction of selected curves.
MatchProperties - matches object, material, and texture properties.
ModifyRadius - changes the radius of arcs and circles.
MoveGripsInside - moves the grips of a planar curve inside of a closed planar boundary.
MoveInside - moves a planar curve inside of a closed planar boundary.
ReplaceBlock - replaces a block with another block definition.
RevCloud - creates revision cloud curves.
Revert - reverts to the previously saved document.
SelDimStyle - selects dimensions based on their style.
SelHatch - selects hatch objects.
SelNonManifold - selects non-manifold surfaces and polysurfaces
SelRenderColor - selects objects by their diffuse render color (Rhino renderer only).
SplitCrv - splits a curve into multiple pieces.
SuperExplodeBlock - explodes blocks into component objects (including any nested blocks).
SynchronizeRenderColors - synchronizes an object's material color with its display color.
UnjoinEdge - unjoins selected polysurface edges. Won't unjoin seams in closed surfaces.
VertexColorCreator - generates mesh vertex colors based on a meshes texture.
VPoint - sets the viewing direction for parallel-projected views.

Details and download...

Zoo 4.0 runs as Windows Service

Zoo 4.0 build 3-Aug-2008 now runs as a Windows Service.

The Zoo service starts automatically when the server is restarted, and does not require a user to be logged in.

License information is migrated automatically from previous versions of the Zoo, so there should be no additional configuration required to install and run this new release.

The console for monitoring the Zoo is virtually identical to the older console, but has additional buttons for starting and stopping the Zoo service.

Download now...

Kindergarten Teacher

After completing one day of Rhino commercial training, Adam (age 5) is determined to teach Rhino to all of his fellow kindergarten students at Mary Evans Elementary, Allen TX.

In the Theaters

Scott Schneider at New Deal Studios has been kind enough to take time from his busy production schedule to share some of their Rhino work on the new Rhino film & set gallery.

RhinoScript.org

Another great resource for Rhino scripting.

Check it out...

Teacher Training in August

3-D modeling workshop for design, drafting, graphics, and technology educators

Learn how you can add 3-D modeling to your design and design communication curriculum without burdening your students with yet another software product. You'll be able to focus on teaching design while your students take advantage of the latest 3-D modeling technology.

Aug 11-15
Ontario High School, Mansfield, OH
Aug 12-15
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
Aug 15-16
Del Valle High School, Del Valle, TX
Aug 19-20
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

More details...

New reverse engineering tools for Rhino

This new RhinoResurf (Reverse Engineering plug-in) for Rhino converts a point cloud or mesh to a NURBS surface(s). Features include:

• NURBS fitting with specified tolerance.
• Controllable surface smoothness. G1 continuity transition.
• Powerful ability to fit large scale point cloud/mesh to a single face.
• Easy to use. Just one or two button clicks.

Details and eval download...

Using Photoshop CS3 with Rhino

Desktop Engineering Online outlines Kyle Houchens' process for quickly developing the Hot Wheels models using Photoshop CS3 Extended, Rhino, and a Cintiq tablet.

Read more...

Rhino 4.0 SR4 Final Release Candidate Available

Rhino 4.0 Service Release 4 will be released on Monday August 11, 2008. SR4 will be available via Check for Updates on that day, and we will also begin production of a new batch of Rhino 4.0 CDs.

There has been a lot of testing on SR4 and we're confident that it's a major improvement over SR3. Please Download Rhino 4.0 SR4 now, and let us know if you experience any problems.

New in Rhino 4.0 SR4:

• CurveThroughPt: Control points and edit points can now be selected as input.
• SelMappingWidget: New command - Selects the texture mapping widget. Enhanced Features:
• Sweep1: Road-like Top is now "session sticky" and reverts back to Freeform between sessions. Bug Fixes:
• Crashes and instability problems fixed, including:
• Crash during open, save, or import on some newer ACER computers.
• BackgroundBitmap: When a background bitmap file was deleted, Rhino could crash on startup.
• CPlane
• Export
• ExtractControlPolygon
• Join: An intermittant crash in the code that joins curves has been fixed.
• Open:LWO: Crash opening Lightwave files.
• Paste: Holding Ctrl+V to paste objects caused Rhino to close.
• Toolbar command crashed Rhino on Vista Home Basic OS.
• Dozens of other bug fixes and enhancements. For a complete list and to download, visit http://download.rhino3d.com/whatsnew.asp?rel=379

Rhino scripting blog by Pablo Herrera

Once again, Dl. Pablo C. Herrera Polo, Professor, Facultad de Arquitectura, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas Escuela de Posgrado, FAUA, Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería. Lima, Perú has another new blog.

This one is only focused on Rhino Scripting Resources.

PanelingTools - Small Update

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

• Fixed a bug in "Reset" option in ptPanel3D command.
• UI improvements for "New" pattern definition in ptPanel3D command.
• Fixed two memory leaks.

Grasshopper for Rhino - minor upgrade

Generative Modeling for Rhino

This (really, really minor) release fixes two display crashes related to Connector Wire drawing.

Other changes and additions:

• Grasshopper Log is no longer recorded in public versions
• Grasshopper Asserts are no longer echoed in public versions
• New point components added (Spherical, Cylindrical, Oriented)
• Sliders now have more options, including snapping to Odd/Even numbers and custom decimal accuracy

Download...

Rhino Training in El Segundo, CA

New Rhino Level 1 Class
Dave Schultze will hold a Level 1 Rhino class on August 6-8 (W-F) at the Learning Tree facility in El Segundo, CA. He will also have a second instructor "roaming" to offer individual assistance whenever needed during the class lessons.

Previously, Dave had only conducted on-site training at the clients' locations. But, he received so many requests from individuals and smaller companies that he added this class.

Space is limited.

Details and enrollment...

RhinoScript Labs Updated

RhinoScript is a scripting language based on Microsoft's VBScript language. With RhinoScript, you can quickly add functionality to Rhino, or automate repetitive tasks. The Labs version of RhinoScript contains additions and modifications to the version of RhinoScript included with Rhino 4.0 SR3.

Details and download...

Rayflectar Graphics - Timer Utility, etc.

Thomas Anagnostou at Rayflectar Graphics has been kind enough to share the many tools he has developed for his own in-house use.

The latest is a Project Timers for automatic tracking of project time. This free utility helps keep track of time spent on Rhino projects and other documents.

Other free utilities and scripts include:

Units Converter Tool - Calculate conversions between units. This is a free utility that helps in conversion of multiple units at a once..

Gear Generator - Involute Gear Generator


Harmony - Manipulate clusters of objects
This is a script to distribute various transformation aspects to any number (cluster) of objects, such as distribution of:

• Equidistance (distribute object equally spaced)
• Alignment (align to any of x,y axis or to the curvature of a surface)
• Object displacement (controlled by surface deltas)
• Rotation (constant to any of x,y,z axis, or controlled by surface deltas)
• Scale (constant to any of x,y,z axis, or controlled by surface deltas)
• Jitter (displacement, rotation or scale randomness to any of x,y,z directions or controlled by surface deltas)

IsoMatch - Isometric view match
The user can draw any two planar lines representing the X and Y-axis of an axonometric view and the script will convert a perspective viewport to a parallel view with corresponding camera angle. If the user constructs the XY guides with a specific angle (eg 30-30) then the result will be an isometric view..

MinBox - Minimum Bounding Box
This is a RhinoScript to generate the minimum bounding box of any 3D object (or objects) including planar objects..

CameraLine - Manipulate Camera-Target
This simple Rhino script fits the current camera-target to any line segment. It is possible to either extract a line representing the current camera-target, or assign the camera to a new line. This is also a good way to have a number of lines (as a visual cue) of several possible camera locations. Use this tool to fine-tune focal distances (accurate adjustment of Depth-of-Field) for render engines such as Maxwell.

Details and download...

MeshFlatten for Rhino announced

Today RESURF announced MeshFlatten for Rhino, a plug-in for Rhino. This plug-in gives Rhino the ability to unroll the selected mesh model. MeshFlatten for Rhino is designed to be extremely user friendly. Users just select a mesh and click right-mouse button, and the flatten result will be calculated automatically. Command: RsMeshFlatten

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 3D. Unfortunately, for 2D layout that is not always the best. So like many drafting and illustration products, this Labs plug-in provides the controls to set the draw order by layer and by object.

Details and download...

Windows Service Version of Zoo Available

The new Labs version of the Zoo runs as a Windows Service. Thus, if you reboot the system, you do not have to log onto the system to start the Zoo. The Labs version of the Zoo will also let you share CD-Keys across a routed network.

Details and download...

RhinoScript - Archimedean Spirals

Here is a new example that creates Archimedean Spirals using RhinoScript.

More RhinoScript examples, tips, and tricks...

New Rhinophoto Beta

Rhinophoto Version 0.9.2 is available for 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.
• [Edited by Brian Gillespie, 3-Nov-2008: this plug-in is now included with Rhino 4.0 SR4b. Please download from http://www.rhino3d.com/sr]

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.
• [Edited by Brian Gillespie, 3-Nov-2008: this plug-in is now included with Rhino 4.0 SR4b. Please download from http://www.rhino3d.com/sr]
  

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 Class for Marine Designers

ProBoat E-Training is offering Rhino Modeling Class for Marine Designers Beginning on June 1, 2008.

You will begin by learning to work with curves, then surfaces, and finally move into fairing a simple chine hull, followed by a simple sailing schooner hull. When you have mastered each of the preceding items, you will move on to a self-directed project of modeling a complete hull/deck/superstructure of your own design.

Details...

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 multidisciplinary events is free, although registration is required. You will be able to show your designs from your professional or private life in a special Pecha Kucha session. Just bring your Power Point slides or photos in a USB pen drive.

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

Rhino Tools - a Labs project

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

Details and download...

Rhino 4.0 reads SolidEdge files

Datakit is now shipping a Rhino 4.0 plug-in to directly import or reference native SolidEdge files.

Other Rhino 4.0 plug-ins from Datakit include:

• Rhino 4.0 to CATIA V5
• Rhino 4.0 to CATIA V4
• ACIS to Rhino 4.0
• CATIA V5 to Rhino 4.0
• CATIA V4 to Rhino 4.0
• INVENTOR to Rhino 4.0
• JT to Rhino 4.0
• PARASOLID to Rhino 4.0
• PRO-ENGINEER to Rhino 4.0
• UNIGRAPHICS to Rhino 4.0

Training Schedule Update

Rhino commercial training schedule

Rhino training is available worldwide. Choose from a variety of classes including Level I, Level II, Rhino 4.0 Upgrade, and many more. 

New classes include:
Australia - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth
Montana - Rhino for Jewelers
New York - RhinoGold
Acapulco - RhinoGold at DIMé 2.0 Conference

Schedule...

Teachers and students: You may attend one of our three-day Level I commercial classes on a no-charge space-available basis at our offices in Barcelona, Irvine, Miami and Seattle.

Free 3D workshops for educators

Teachers: Learn how to bring 3D modeling to your design, drafting, graphics and technology curriculum without the burden of learning another software product. Click on the date for more details. (Space is limited, sign up early.) 

Watch this web page for more details and additional cities. To host a workshop at your school, email Jody.

Zoo 4.0 New Version

New features include:

• Support for Routed Networks: With Rhino 4.0 SR3 and later clients, the Zoo can be found across routed networks. The client finds the Zoo using a DNS entry or a local registry key. See the help file that installs with Zoo 4.0 for configuration details.
• New product support: The Zoo supports Bongo 2.0.
• Backward Compatible: The new Zoo can replace your existing Zoo, and will work with all existing clients.
• Help File with updated configuration information.

Details and download...

The Loremo

The Loremo, designed with Rhino, needs only 2 L. diesel/100Km (118 mpg) and has all the comfort of German cars: airbag, ABS, ESP and air conditioner starting at less than 15,000 €.

At flexiCAD.com you'll find the complete article originally published at German magazine Digital Engineering Magazin

Save plug-in details to a text file

This script save the names of loaded and unloaded plug-ins to a text file. It may be useful when you are debugging scripts or having problems with Rhino. Details and download...

rhinoreverse™ 2.8.0 released

rhinoreverse is fully integrated in Rhino 4.0. It enables the user to transform digitized surfaces (point meshes) to NURBS surfaces. New features include:

• Powerful "healing" algorithm - RRHeal
  Already existing NURBS-face models can be healed: Small gaps, steps and overlaps will be filled automatically.
• Relief surfaces - RRRelief
  In geography and architecture large relief surfaces are given in STL format, but for engineering tasks often NURBS face data are needed. To transform them, the method RRRelief was designed.
• Complex Patches - RRPatch
  In order to create complex patches, RRPatch allows adding curves in order to define the inner shape of the patch. A tolerance-based interpolation algorithm generates joinable surfaces.

More details and download...

Pro/ENGINEER supports Rhino

Pro/ENGINEER users can now import data directly from native Rhinoceros version 1.0 through 4.0 files, including boundary representation surfaces, facet data, curves, and colors.

As of Wildfire 3.0 M140 which shipped on 28-Feb-2008, Wildfire users can download a plug-in that will enable direct import of Rhino data into Pro/E.

As of Wildfire 4.0 M010 which shipped on 14-Mar-2008, the plug-in is integrated in standard Pro/E.

Details...