Tutorial – How to prepare your 3D model in Rhino for CNC fabrication
From Alexander Sanning
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Timestamps:
0:04 [Intro] Scope of the tutorial
0:10 [Rhino] Save the model as a separate file for CAM preparation
0:17 [Rhino] Only include in the model what is meant to be CNC fabricated
0:33 [Rhino] Use millimetres as the model unit
0:41 [Rhino] Scale the model to fabrication scale
0:55 [Rhino] Situate the model at the origin
1:17 [Rhino] Orient the model so that its longer dimension is along the X axis
1:39 [Rhino] Topologically, open and separate objects are eligible, but the model must cover the whole XY surface area
2:06 [Rhino] The minimum bottom margin is 5 mm (from lowest point of the milled surface to work table)
2:24 [Rhino] Evaluate the dimensions of the model with the BoundingBox command
2:52 [Rhino] The physical stock must fit within the CNC work area dimensions, with 100 mm being the maximum Z height
3:57 [Rhino] The digital model must fit within the dimensions of the physical stock material
4:23 [Rhino] The size of the model must be reasonable to CNC mill in time (maximum 6 hours of expected milling time)
4:49 [Rhino] By reducing the size of the model by a moderate amount, you reduce the time it takes to mill by a large amount
6:13 [Rhino] Including vertical surfaces (e.g. buildings) is more or less suitable depending on the hardness of the material
7:14 [Grasshopper] Make sure that any building models are suitably positioned in the vertical Z axis, if not already so
8:35 [Rhino] For descended building footprints, make sure that the pocket walls do not incline inwards
9:56 [Rhino] To easily (but lengthily) create building footprints, use the BooleanDifference command
11:34 [Rhino] Concave corners will always have the radius of the tool left unmilled, due to the cylindrical shape of tools
12:43 [Rhino] Whether you want a smooth or a terraced fabricated model, a smooth 3D model may be used for CAM
14:22 [Rhino] Curves to be engraved should be projected to the landscape surface
14:53 [Rhino] Curves to be engraved in separate ways should reside in separate layers
15:30 [Grasshopper] Make sure that curves are projected and segmented as polylines
17:45 [Rhino] Export 3D models and curves as separate files, for proper import in Fusion 360
18:14 [Rhino] Save the exported 3D model file as a Rhino 5 file, for compatibility
18:22 [Rhino] Save the exported polyline file as an AutoCAD DXF file, with the export scheme 2007 Lines
19:21 [Rhino] There needs to be a surface to CNC mill, but every other geometry is optional
19:39 [Outro] Conclusion of the tutorial
.........................................
Links:
Rhinoceros:
https://www.rhino3d.com/
Grasshopper web portal:
http://gh.kthcnc.se/
.........................................
This tutorial demonstrates to KTH Architecture students how to prepare a 3D model in Rhino for CAM import in Fusion 360.
The tutorial covers all the necessary prerequisites, as well as export of both 3D models and polylines.
The operating system used for this tutorial is Windows 10. Running another operating system (e.g. Linux, MacOS) might amount to a different user experience or software incompatibility.
If you want to check in which computer room(s) any relevant software might be installed in – CADLAB, DFL, and ARCPLAN are in the KTH School of Architecture building – please check the following link for current status:
https://www.kth.se/en/student/it/campus/computer-rooms/lista
Disclaimer:
This tutorial aims to increase student awareness of the versatility of the digital tools available for use within the context of the architectural education offered by KTH. As such, it might not be generally applicable, but on the other hand, if at least one architecture student is helped by it in fulfilling deliverables requirements or being taught something of genuine interest, the purpose of this tutorial is satisfactorily achieved. There might be inaccuracies in this tutorial – if you identify any significant one, please tell us in the comments.
0:04 [Intro] Scope of the tutorial
0:10 [Rhino] Save the model as a separate file for CAM preparation
0:17 [Rhino] Only include in the model what is meant to be CNC fabricated
0:33 [Rhino] Use millimetres as the model unit
0:41 [Rhino] Scale the model to fabrication scale
0:55 [Rhino] Situate the model at the origin
1:17 [Rhino] Orient the model so that its longer dimension is along the X axis
1:39 [Rhino] Topologically, open and separate objects are eligible, but the model must cover the whole XY surface area
2:06 [Rhino] The minimum bottom margin is 5 mm (from lowest point of the milled surface to work table)
2:24 [Rhino] Evaluate the dimensions of the model with the BoundingBox command
2:52 [Rhino] The physical stock must fit within the CNC work area dimensions, with 100 mm being the maximum Z height
3:57 [Rhino] The digital model must fit within the dimensions of the physical stock material
4:23 [Rhino] The size of the model must be reasonable to CNC mill in time (maximum 6 hours of expected milling time)
4:49 [Rhino] By reducing the size of the model by a moderate amount, you reduce the time it takes to mill by a large amount
6:13 [Rhino] Including vertical surfaces (e.g. buildings) is more or less suitable depending on the hardness of the material
7:14 [Grasshopper] Make sure that any building models are suitably positioned in the vertical Z axis, if not already so
8:35 [Rhino] For descended building footprints, make sure that the pocket walls do not incline inwards
9:56 [Rhino] To easily (but lengthily) create building footprints, use the BooleanDifference command
11:34 [Rhino] Concave corners will always have the radius of the tool left unmilled, due to the cylindrical shape of tools
12:43 [Rhino] Whether you want a smooth or a terraced fabricated model, a smooth 3D model may be used for CAM
14:22 [Rhino] Curves to be engraved should be projected to the landscape surface
14:53 [Rhino] Curves to be engraved in separate ways should reside in separate layers
15:30 [Grasshopper] Make sure that curves are projected and segmented as polylines
17:45 [Rhino] Export 3D models and curves as separate files, for proper import in Fusion 360
18:14 [Rhino] Save the exported 3D model file as a Rhino 5 file, for compatibility
18:22 [Rhino] Save the exported polyline file as an AutoCAD DXF file, with the export scheme 2007 Lines
19:21 [Rhino] There needs to be a surface to CNC mill, but every other geometry is optional
19:39 [Outro] Conclusion of the tutorial
.........................................
Links:
Rhinoceros:
https://www.rhino3d.com/
Grasshopper web portal:
http://gh.kthcnc.se/
.........................................
This tutorial demonstrates to KTH Architecture students how to prepare a 3D model in Rhino for CAM import in Fusion 360.
The tutorial covers all the necessary prerequisites, as well as export of both 3D models and polylines.
The operating system used for this tutorial is Windows 10. Running another operating system (e.g. Linux, MacOS) might amount to a different user experience or software incompatibility.
If you want to check in which computer room(s) any relevant software might be installed in – CADLAB, DFL, and ARCPLAN are in the KTH School of Architecture building – please check the following link for current status:
https://www.kth.se/en/student/it/campus/computer-rooms/lista
Disclaimer:
This tutorial aims to increase student awareness of the versatility of the digital tools available for use within the context of the architectural education offered by KTH. As such, it might not be generally applicable, but on the other hand, if at least one architecture student is helped by it in fulfilling deliverables requirements or being taught something of genuine interest, the purpose of this tutorial is satisfactorily achieved. There might be inaccuracies in this tutorial – if you identify any significant one, please tell us in the comments.
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