3D structural scheming and analysis generation

Using Rhinoceros as a sketch tool for 3D structural scheming and analysis generation

More videos from Geometry Gym

Questions? Contact Nathan Luke of Geometry Gym

+61 477 088 606  | nathan@geometrygym.com | support@geometrygym.com 

Free Karamba3D online class by Clemens Preisinger and Matthew Tam

Plugin developer and structural engineer Clemens Preisinger, along with Matthew Tam from the expert Karamba3D team, is offering free 40-minute Karamba3D online training sessions starting this Friday, April 3.

In their first session, Clemens will show Otto Wagner designed bridges in Karamba3D and the basic structural principles behind some of these Viennese gems.

Date: Friday 3 April 2020
Time: 14:00–14:40 (CEST)
Language: English

More information and registration here...

Instant mixed reality experiences from Rhino and Grasshopper with Fologram

Fologram for Mobile is available now on the App Store and Google Play to help designers create augmented reality experiences for sharing, learning, modelling and making instantly from Rhino and Grasshopper. Fologram works by streaming your Rhino and Grasshopper models to unlimited connected mobile (and HoloLens) devices over WiFi. Connecting a device is as simple as clicking a button and scanning a generated QR code. No model preparation, game engines, or scripting is required. Advanced users can use Fologram to build powerful interactive augmented reality applications by using tracked devices, gestures, and markers as inputs to parametric models. See a demo of Fologram in the video below:

Fologram for Mobile is a standalone augmented reality platform for the classroom, studio, and workshop. Users can download the Rhino plugin and Fologram for Mobile to stream models, connect multiple devices and work with all Grasshopper components entirely for free. Saving models to a device and working with unlimited Grasshopper parameters can be unlocked with a subscription.

More information here...

Grasshopper tutorials by Andrew Heumann

Looking for Grasshopper tutorials? Check out Andrew Heumann's series on learning Grasshopper, for beginner to intermediate Grasshopper users. Each YouTube session is around 30 minutes.

Andrew is a frequent poster on the Grasshopper users' web site and a digital artist.

Getting to Know Grasshopper with Andrew Heumann...

Online Python programming course by Long Nguyen - April 22-24, 2020

Python Level 1+ Basic & Intermediate Programming for Rhino and Grasshopper

April 22-24, 2020

Online

This 3-day Python class with Long Nguyen (organized by SimplyRhino UK) requires no previous knowledge of programming or scripting, only Rhino and Grasshopper. There is a maximum of eight attendees only in the class, so students can expect individual support.

Python is an increasingly popular programming language widely used in many fields, from 3D modeling, web programming to scientific computing, artificial intelligence, etc.

As a modern programming language, Python has simple and clean syntax, making it very accessible to beginners.

Thanks to Rhino and Grasshopper’s official support, Python users can programmatically access its powerful 3D modeling environment, including all essential features of its advanced NURBS engine. This opens up many new exciting possibilities, such as:

• Building simple scripts/tools that automate repetitive modeling tasks, boosting efficiency
• Developing and customizing tools and workflow specific to your team's needs
• Programming advanced design algorithms that are not possible with standard out-of-the-box tools
• Using Python as a creative design tool
• Interfacing Rhino and Grasshopper with other software programs

Complete details and registration...

Introduction to Crystallon webinar

Aaron Porterfield, the founder of f=f, will be giving a free 90-minute webinar Introduction to Crystallon.

Crystallon is an open-source plugin for creating lattice structures using Grasshopper.

He will discuss the theory behind lattice structures, their possible applications, and a quick workflow using Crystallon.

The webinar is this Sunday, March 29, at 17:00 CET. It is limited to 50 participants, but it will also be streamed live on YouTube, and a recording will be available after.

Register here...

Face Shield 3D model

Controlmad has been kind enough to share its face shield design (3DM and DXF) with the community.

You can manufacture up to 10 units per hour with a laser cutter. Details here.

Also, check the Coronavirus Makers web site for many other free designs of medical devices and protection systems.

Essential Guide to C# Scripting for Grasshopper

We're delighted to share the release of the 1st edition of the Essential Guide to C# Scripting for Grasshopper. This latest publication by McNeel is intended for designers experienced in Grasshopper visual scripting, who would like to take their skills to the next level to create their own custom scripts using the C# programming language. This guide does not assume nor require any background in programming. It includes a description of the C# component in Grasshopper, an overview of C# programming basics, and a detailed review of the RhinoCommon geometry. It also includes a few examples of design algorithms implemented using C# in Grasshopper.

Download C# Guide text and Grasshopper examples...

RhinoCAM 2020 released

MecSoft Corporation announced RhinoCAM 2020, the latest version of MecSoft’s fully integrated CAM plugin for Rhinoceros 5 and 6.

Release highlights include:

• New G-code editor module for previewing and editing G-code files
• New Profile-Nesting module for nesting profile tool paths
• New Mill-Turn module for C axis mill programming on a lathe
• Fixtures – Ability to define fixtures in all CAM tool paths
• Many features and feature improvements in 2 ½, 3, 4 & 5 axis machining
• Simulation – Taper tool holder collision as well as fixture collision detection
• Other productivity and user interface enhancements

For more information, see What’s New in RhinoCAM 2020.

You can request free demo software downloads of RhinoCAM.

Bella Render for Rhino plugin

Diffuse Logic is pleased to announce an open beta for its Bella for Rhino plugin.

Bella is a new state of the art spectral renderer, written from a clean sheet to achieve unmatched realism. By adhering to a physics-based approach, Bella produces photographic-quality images, while avoiding the need for typical confusing settings.

The Bella for Rhino plugin (available for Windows & Mac) integrates Bella directly with Rhino, with little need to learn anything new. In its initial iteration, the plugin supports seamless translation of Rhino settings, materials, and environments, whether rendering directly in a Rhino viewport or using the Render command.

We invite all to join us as we move forward from this initial release, to give feedback as we add more Bella-specific features, and then integrate Bella's native node-based system with Grasshopper.

Complete press release...

Tekla Grasshopper Link Glass Dome Model - video

Controlmad's summer workshop in Design & Parametric Fabrication (Madrid) - June 17-July 9 or July 8-30, 2020

Controlmad's summer workshop in Design & Parametric Fabrication (Madrid), is organized so that any student without previous knowledge in 3D modeling or Rhino, may get a solid base for going into parametric design. For that, the workshop uses Grasshopper, a free graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino’s 3D 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. It is used at many famous architecture offices like Zaha Hadid or Norman Foster and at the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona), one of the most technologically advanced buildings in the world.

Students not only learn how to model and render but also will implement various strategies to obtain structures of complex models, analyze, calculate, interact with the physical environment, etc. with the chance to manufacture different models with CNC technology, like cutting laser Trotec and 3D printers. The final goal is to create, design, and 3D model a cool object, prototype, or sculpture using Rhino and Grasshopper, get a fast render with V-Ray, and make it real with digital machines.

The course is scheduled in five units over four weeks.

1st edition: June 17-July 9, 2020
2nd edition: July 8-30, 2020

Complete details and registration...

Grasshopper-SOFiSTiK webinar on parametric bridge design recorded

Complex Steel Bridge Design Through SOFiSTiK and Parametric Modelling

SOFiSTiK and FINLEY Engineering Group recently held a webinar on parametric bridge modelling:

The SR 826/Palmetto Expressway and SR 25/ Okeechobee Road Interchange Improvement Project in Miami-Dade County, Florida, includes the design and construction of three new flyover ramps. It provides additional routes with a direct connection at the existing interchange while also improving safety and alleviating traffic. Each new ramp is composed of twin continuous steel box girders with spans ranging from 140’ to 230’ with a total bridge length of 7,241’. Four steel straddle bents are required in locations where the substructure cannot be founded beneath the girders due to obstructions from existing roadways or the Miami Canal. Each flyover ramp has unique geometric constraints including a varying deck width, curved girders with radii down to 330’, varying superelevations, and complex gore area framing that are modeled explicitly in 3D with a refined analysis in SOFiSTiK.

Download the recorded webinar...

Grasshopper-SOFiSTiK interface documentation...

New in ShapeDiver: Copy Model Settings & Re-upload GH files

Over the past months, ShapeDiver has added many new features. From lights and shadows to environment settings and camera controls. All of this implied more time for creating the perfect scene. However, a Grasshopper definition update meant doing it all over again.

Because of that, ShapeDiver has added two new features: Copy Model Settings and Re-Upload Models.

The Copy Model Settings is available on the standard model "Upload" page, making it possible to search through your old models and also the public models uploaded by other users.

The Re-Upload is located below the models that appear on the ShapeDiver Dashboard. When re-uploading a model, the form automatically fills the viewer settings from the previous version.

If you have any doubt or wish, don't hesitate to let them know using the forum.

More information here...

Naval Architecture workshops in Naples (Italy) - March 17-18, 2020

NDAR is pleased to announce a series of workshops on Naval Architecture (parametric hull and structure design) with Rhino, Orca3D, and ExpressMarine in Naples, Italy.

These workshops are organized by Università Partenope (March 17) and Università Federico I (March 18) and are open to professionals (free attendance).

To register to one of the workshops, please contact:

• NDAR - 
• Università Federico II - Prof. Tommaso Coppola
• Università Partenope - Prof Antonio Scamardella

Workshop details (in Italian)...

Seanaptic 5.0 - Accelerator for ShipConstructor

The new release of Seanaptic 5.0 includes the Accelerator for ShipConstructor module, developed in partnership with SSI Corporate, leveraging the powerful SSI Genesis API. 

The Accelerator for ShipConstructor module allows direct export of parametric Seanaptic ship structures into ShipConstructor with no compromise on quality but with an unparalleled reduction in detail design man-hours. Save up to 80% of the effort and time required to generate a full structural marine project!

A 3-month trial is available at https://www.seanaptic.com/shipconstructor-accelerator

Free academic version.

4.500.000 downloads on food4Rhino!

Food4Rhino, the plugin community server by McNeel, with more than 560 Rhino and Grasshopper apps and 250 resources, reached today 4,500,000 downloads!

Check out the newest developments in AEC, jewelry, visualization, CAD/CAM, robots, CFD, FEA, environmental analysis, marine, AR/VR/MR, footwear, games, volumetric modeling, structural optimization, product configurators, form-finding, urban and landscape, BIM translators, GUI customization, and much more!

Thanks to all contributors!

POSTPONED: Developing Mixed Reality Applications for Design and Construction Workshop by Sean Guy, April 27-29 at McNeel Europe in Barcelona

Developing Mixed Reality Applications for Design and Construction 

(With HoloLens 2 in Rhino & Grasshopper)

April 27-29, 2020

10:00 AM–6 PM

McNeel Europe S.L.

Roger de Flor, 32-34 bajos

08018 Barcelona (Spain)

This workshop by Sean Guy aims to give all participants a strong foundation in developing mixed reality applications within Rhino and Grasshopper to explore and prototype mixed reality design tools, workflows, fabrication approaches, and construction logistics. Sean is the Fologram for Rhino Product Manager at Fologram, a design research practice and technology startup building a platform for designing and making in mixed reality.

After completing the workshop, participants should have a clear technical understanding of event-based modeling in Grasshopper, how to leverage combinations of screen-based and head-mounted mixed reality platforms and the advantages and limitations of mixed reality approaches to design and construction. Specifically, all participants can expect to learn to:

• Translate parametric design models directly to holographic construction information.
• Build mixed reality user interfaces to streamline sequences of fabrication tasks.
• Create and detect QR codes for part identification, placement and tracking.
• Develop multi-user collaborative applications with cross-platform support.
• Implement the best practice for a mixed-reality-first approach to design and construction.
• Brainstorm use-cases for mixed reality in AEC, present MVPs, and discuss outcomes.

Day 1 - Introduction to the Fologram toolkit on HoloLens 2 and mobile

• Introductory Lecture on Fologram Holographic Design Research
• Introduction to Fologram Learn resources
• Introduction to the HoloLens 2
• Introduction to Fologram for Grasshopper (feature list)
• Integrate Fologram with other Grasshopper plugins
• Build simple Mixed Reality applications using Fologram for Grasshopper
• Interact and animate designs inside of Fologram

Day 2 - Computer vision and creating mixed reality modeling applications

• Examples of analog tools augmented with Fologram
• Tutorial and Implementation 1: Tracking hands and pointers (Getting hand and pointer data, Using events to filter data, Preparing a model for cross-platform use)
• Tutorial and Implementation 2: Working with QR Codes (Creating positioning QR codes, Creating custom QR codes, Code tracking in Grasshopper)
• Task: Modeling application with codes or hands
• Control the data flow of a project using live feedback from your device
• Creating advanced multimodal applications

Day 3 - Creating collaborative applications and project development

• Building multiuser mixed reality applications in Grasshopper
• Task: Collaborative mixed reality design task
• Individual/group project development
• Presentation of final outcomes

Fologram reference projects: The Tallinn Pavilion, All Brick project
Course requirements: Basic knowledge of Rhino and Grasshopper.

Course fee: EUR 795,00 (+VAT); full-time students and university teachers will get a 50 % discount (proof of status required). Please note, your seat is only confirmed once your payment has cleared.

Max. number of participants: 10. If there is no quorum, the course will be canceled 15 days before (April 12).

Course language: English 

Educational seats are limited. Sign up now by contacting McNeel Europe here!