RhinoART and Cut3D

Post by **lpcsales** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 3:19 pm

I'm still experimenting with Cut3D - GREAT SOFTWARE - ...I haven't yet machined this, but I created this simple and quick molding sample using RhinoART and Rhino3D, exported the object as a 3DS file and brought into Cut3d. No problems experienced along the way. I can see this combination of software working together very well!

Post by **Gene Rhodes** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 4:22 am

What are the pro`s and con`s of rhino software? is there an extensive learning curve ? and what is the cost ?
I`m not sure of what software i need . i like the cut 3d and would love to do stuff like this on my bot. is there other software i could use for this that is more reasonable than rhino since i dont intend to build a precision spaceship or neuclear power device , i just want to carve 3D in wood..
Thanks Gene

Post by **Wemme** » Fri Nov 24, 2006 5:40 am

I'm in the market for a new 3d graphics package. what are others using?
also learning curve, documentation, support and price are important.
Regards
Bart

Gene Rhodes wrote:What are the pro`s and con`s of rhino software? is there an extensive learning curve ? and what is the cost ?
I`m not sure of what software i need . i like the cut 3d and would love to do stuff like this on my bot. is there other software i could use for this that is more reasonable than rhino since i dont intend to build a precision spaceship or neuclear power device , i just want to carve 3D in wood..
Thanks Gene

Post by **lpcsales** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:34 pm

Rhino is a 3D nurb modeling package...not a cad program and it does have a steep learning curve. I haven't even begun to learn how to model in it yet, but I didn't really get it for that purpose. RhinoArt and RhinoCAM are plugins for Rhino3D and together they give you some very good capabilities.

The cost? ...retail is about $2500.00 for the 3, but they do have specials off and on and you can get it much cheaper if you can wait for the specials.

Below is one I did this morning. It's 37" long and will be cut from a 2 x 8. I created the vector layout in Corel X3, exported as DXF , imported this into Rhino3D and used RhinoART to create the 3D reliefs from the vectors. Once this was done, I exported it out of Rhino3D as an STL file and then imported it into CUT3D to get the final rendering.

Until CUT3D showed up, I used RhinoCAM to generate the toolpaths for the final cutting for 3D reliefs...now it's CUT3D as it is SOooo much easier.

Post by **Bowman** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 10:10 pm

I have played with Rhino and I think it is a great 3D app with lots of nice features. The learning curve is easier than AutoCAD and I like the way it can work with a lot of file formats. I want to say retail for just Rhino is around 8 bills but you might find it cheaper on sale at sometime. If your a student or know a student I think you can get it for 3 bills or so, definetely worth the money. I heard the RhinoCAM is nice as well but I saw somewhere it was costing more than Rhino itself.

There is also a free version of 3D Studio Max now called GMAX and someone has even written a code generator plugin for it. Just briefly checked it out but seemed cool, fairly steep learning curve I believe though. But the price is right! They even had some tutorials for using it when I downloaded it that may help.

This site has the download for GMAX scroll down and on the left side you will see the app and a list of all the different files they offer to go along with it.

http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax

I got the CNC plugin for GMAX from a yahoo group I belong to called CNC_Toolkit it was made by Rainnea the groups owner. He was giving it away free a while back but I guess he has proved it more now as I see now he charges $99 for it, it works with GMAX, 3DSM and Autodesk Viz and does 5-Axis. His site is located at..

http://www.rainnea.com/cnc.htm

But if you just wanted to do the 3D modeling in GMAX and import it to another CAM app for generating toolpaths and code this should work. Give it a try.

Good luck,

Bowman

Post by **Wemme** » Tue Dec 05, 2006 11:14 pm

Hello.
Gmax does not save or export to a format that can be used with Cut3d so i can't see the use of it really.
Regards
Bart

Bowman wrote:I have played with Rhino and I think it is a great 3D app with lots of nice features. The learning curve is easier than AutoCAD and I like the way it can work with a lot of file formats. I want to say retail for just Rhino is around 8 bills but you might find it cheaper on sale at sometime. If your a student or know a student I think you can get it for 3 bills or so, definetely worth the money. I heard the RhinoCAM is nice as well but I saw somewhere it was costing more than Rhino itself.

There is also a free version of 3D Studio Max now called GMAX and someone has even written a code generator plugin for it. Just briefly checked it out but seemed cool, fairly steep learning curve I believe though. But the price is right! They even had some tutorials for using it when I downloaded it that may help.

This site has the download for GMAX scroll down and on the left side you will see the app and a list of all the different files they offer to go along with it.

http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax

I got the CNC plugin for GMAX from a yahoo group I belong to called CNC_Toolkit it was made by Rainnea the groups owner. He was giving it away free a while back but I guess he has proved it more now as I see now he charges $99 for it, it works with GMAX, 3DSM and Autodesk Viz and does 5-Axis. His site is located at..

http://www.rainnea.com/cnc.htm

But if you just wanted to do the 3D modeling in GMAX and import it to another CAM app for generating toolpaths and code this should work. Give it a try.

Good luck,

Bowman

Post by **Greasetattoo** » Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:46 am

I use AC3D. www.inivis.com
$69
GREAT and easy to use program, for modeling.
Great forums.
I bought it!
They have a 14 day demo!
Check it out!
G

Post by **Wemme** » Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:17 am

Cheers. Will look into it.

Greasetattoo wrote:I use AC3D. www.inivis.com
$69
GREAT and easy to use program, for modeling.
Great forums.
I bought it!
They have a 14 day demo!
Check it out!
G