RhinoArt

[btk]

Rhino users:

I have been Trying out the Beta of the new RhinoArt Plugin from RhinoCam/Mecsoft.
This runs as a plugin from within Rhino 3.0
Some of the features are:
(*) 3D Relief from image files (jpg, gif, bmp)

[normand]

Another software you might try while they debug rhinoart http://news2.mcneel.com/scripts/dnewsweb.exe/zsurf_ring.doc?uucount=3&cmd=article&group=rhino&i tem=231121&part=100&utag=&/zsurf_ring.doc free

[btk]

Normand,
I have not tried out ZSurf, however I read that it is a Heightfield from Bitmap converter.
RhinoArt (as well as Rhino itself) has that functionality, however the main draw for me so far is the "Puff" functions that allow you to create 3D surfaces from Enclosed Vectors in one click. For making prismatic letters or raised artwork, previously (in the absense of "Art" software) it was a lot of surface modeling/trimming/sweeping, etc. The RhinoArt process makes this much more enjoyable (and not having to leave Rhino is a treat).

Note:
(1) As pointed out in other RhinoCam Related Posts, RhinoArt similiarly may be perceived at first to have a somewhat counter-intuitive User Interface that gets some getting used to (but the payoff in the end once getting used to is great).
(2) The RhinoArt Plugin generates surface meshes, however the toolpath creation has to be passed on to another 3D CAM Package (i.e. Millwizard, RhinoCam, or another 3D CAM software)

Brian

[normand]

Hi Brian
I dowdloaded rhino art but did not have time to try seriously. I would need more example to look at.Because all that I see has the same puffed texture.Also the thousand dollards price tag does not help.But that is just me.
Normand

[btk]

Normand,

There are two great tutorial videos showing the process on the RhinoCam Website, however here are some pics of some experiments that I have done using RhinoArt.

(1) 1st create Vectors.

4044
(2) Use RhinoArt Puff Function to Puff to desired height and profile. (select vectors and profile).

4045
(3) Toolpath and Cut

4046

This sort of thing is very possible with many other software packages as well as surface modeling/trimming/sweeping, etc.

While Shopbot sells Rhino, they do not currently offer the RhinoCam/Art plugins, so perhaps we should put any further comments on the RhinoCam Forum to avoid any conflict with SB CAM partners.


Brian

[rick_woodward]

BTK/ Brian. Well, i had looked at rhino quite a while back. This Puff function looks pretty fast. I understand the statement about going to rhino forum. But its too bad there isnt somewhere to get real opinions of users in a group with interaction. cnc users are doing many different things. Some cam packages do some things better than others. With a chunk of money on the line, the cold hard facts , no holds barred is whats needed. Input from reasonably proficient users, honest opinions with the good , the bad and the ugly. Having said that. It would/could have repercussions. A resellers forum as has been pointed out, isnt the place, nor is the companies own forum. But learning a bit about a given software is very good. I am glad you posted the pics and discussed it. I cant afford more software, but it looks very interesting. I would like to hear from you and anyone else using rhino products and plugins. especially the Art plugin. What your using it for primarily, pro's , cons,learning curve, functions that dont work,bugs or problems, cost. My email is rcarves@hotmail.com (mailto:rcarves@hotmail.com) All replies,discussion will remain confidential.My focus is 3d carving wildlife/animals/rustic, to highend signage.Comparisons of software would be great from actual users, though i reckon few can afford to own more than one program.