Rhino

Intro

Rhino 3D

Rhino (also known as Rhinoceros 3D or Rhino 3D) is a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by Robert McNeel & Associates. It is widely used in industries like architecture, industrial design, product design, jewelry, automotive, and marine design.

🔑 Key Features:

• NURBS Modeling: Unlike mesh-based software (like Blender), Rhino uses NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines), which allows for mathematically precise representation of curves and surfaces.
• Precision: Excellent for technical applications where millimeter or sub-millimeter accuracy is critical.
• Versatile File Support: Rhino can import and export a huge variety of file formats (DWG, DXF, OBJ, STL, IGES, STEP, and more), making it ideal for interoperability with other CAD and CAM software.
• Grasshopper Plugin: A powerful visual programming tool that comes with Rhino. Grasshopper is heavily used for parametric and generative design, especially in architecture and computational design.
• Extensibility: Rhino supports plugins, scripting (Python, RhinoScript), and a robust SDK for custom tools.

🧰 Common Use Cases:

• Architectural modeling (especially parametric and conceptual design)
• Jewelry design with precise measurements and detail
• 3D printing / rapid prototyping
• Marine and automotive hull design
• Furniture and product prototyping

Designing a Coaster for 3 Fabrication Methods | Rhino Tutorial (Part 1)

Choose a template

• Click New → Template Files → Small Objects- Inches (working and display units)
  • For larger objects (e.g. larger than a truck), choose from Large Objects

Draw circle

• CLick Snap to Grid and draw circle with 4” diameter

Add Text

• Use TextObject command
• height: 0.5”
• Font: Franklin Gothic Heavy
• Output: Curves
• Algin: Center

Duplicate circle

• Use ArrayLinear → 3 items → click reference point below circle and drag to the right

• Add 2nd TextObject

  • Output: Surfaces

• Add 3rd TextObject

  • Output: Solids
  • Thickness: 0.125

Create offset

• Offset 1/4” → inwards

Prepare for laser cutting

• Rename layers and create sublayers
  • Right click each sublayer and click ‘Change Object Layer’

Prepare for CNC

• Export as coaster.dxf

• Load file in Easel