Rhino: what are the features of this 3D modeling software?
One of the most popular 3D modeling software for manufacturers is Rhinoceros 3D, also known as Rhino. Based on NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational Basis Splines) geometry, this surface modeling software is commonly used for architecture, prototyping, engineering, jewelry and industrial, graphic, naval and automotive design. Its latest version, Rhino 6, has been created to remove obstacles that can arise when using the program. Thanks to its thousands of users, the software has been improved, and the current version is faster and more stable.
The software was created by Robert McNeer & Associates, a Barcelona-based company dedicated to sales, training, marketing and support for software in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Rhinoceros 3D was originally a complement to the AutoCAD software developed by the multinational company Autodesk. The success of this software lies in the fact that there is no limit to the complexity or size of the drawings. So let’s examine the characteristics of the latest version of Rhinoceros!
Photo Credits: Rhinoceros 3D
The main features of Rhino 6
Rhinoceros 3D is a CAD software with a multitude of complex 3D modeling tools, which allow you to create unimaginable shapes with great precision and detail, whether from a drawing, a sketch or even a 3D scan. The software is compatible with most design, drafting, CAM, prototyping, rendering and illustration programs. As we said before, it is based on free modeling using NURBS. Rhino 6 allows you to work from curves or mathematical formulas able to accurately describe a 3D shape. On the developer’s site, it is specified: “NURBS are mathematical representations of 3D geometry that can accurately describe any shape, from a simple 2D line, circle, arc or curve to a very complex free-form 3D organic surface or solid. Because of their flexibility and accuracy, NURBS models can be used in any process, such as illustration, animation or manufacturing.”
Once the user has modeled the object, it can be exported in a .STL or .OBJ format, suitable for additive manufacturing. It is important to note that 3D printing is not the speciality of this 3D modeler. You can read on the website: “We continue to think that concepts are only useful when they are built and in the hands of the user. With digital manufacturing and 3D printing costs in free fall, more and more designers now have direct access to 3D digital manufacturing equipment. While we are not experts in all areas of manufacturing or construction, we try to ensure that Rhino’s models are accurate enough and accessible to all processes involved in the realization of a design.“
Several functionalities allow the design of complex shapes
Buying a license
If you want to get the Rhinoceros software, you just have to buy it on the official website of the company. You will find several options, depending on the type of license you are looking for. The latest version, Rhino 6, for Windows and Mac, is priced at €995 (compared to €495 for the previous version). For students and teachers, the company is launching a special offer: €195 for Windows and Mac (€95 euros for the older version). The company also offers the possibility to buy packages including several software: Rhino 6, Flamingo, Penguin and Bongo. These packages start at €1,695 euros (for students it’s €495), but is only available for the Windows operating system. Remember that these offers are only valid in Europe.
Finally, Rhino is well known in many different industries because of its diversity, its multiple functions and its relatively low cost. One of the reasons for this growth of users is the number of formats it can work with, acting as a conversion tool. It allows to overcome compatibility barriers between software packages during the design process. In addition, many tutorials are offered on the site, allowing users to easily and quickly get to grips with the tool and understand its main features. A forum has also been developed to exchange and solve software-related problems in the simplest way possible. It’s a real community that exists behind Rhino! You will find more information on the Rhinoceros 3D website HERE.
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