Rana Abboud

Hi- I'm modelling a building that is conceptually generated by 'folding' and am trying to 'Unfold' this from the CAD data so it can be seamlessly constructed (CAM)

1) I've heard that there is a Rhino3D plug in that 'unfolds' complex models... does anyone have any experience with this, or know of a similar plug-in that exists for Cinema4D?

2) Does anyone have any tips on how to rationalise an arbitrary 3D mesh into modular component parts? I am using Cinema4D for the prelim 'form' at the moment, and the task of manually modelling facetted planes to generate the shape seems incredibly time-consuming! Is there a better way??

Any suggestions would be terrific and v. appreciated, thanks!

Attached Images

FoldedShape_lr.jpg (8.3 KB, 74 views)

Claudio Branch

In a previous life, I did alot of 3D sheet metal work using Pro/E. We would basically model up a part in it's formed or folded state and then use a "Flatten" command to create the appropriate flat pattern. Working backwards in essence.

If your base geometry can be imported into a program like Pro/E or Solidworks, then the design can be used as a skeleton to model the appropriate formed parts and flat-patterns that need to be made to build the design.

Know any parametric modelers with manufacturing experience?

Rana Abboud

Thanks for the post Claudio-
Nope - don't yet know modeler/manufacturers here in Sydney, but will definitely try to find them, and look into Solidworks in the meantime.

STRAT

can we look to post in the correct forum next time please?

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shaneis

Why not contact an Industrial Designer or Rapid Prototyping specialist.

Haven't heard of C4D being used with CAM equipment, but a couple of manufacturers do include Rhino (or plug-in to Rhino) with their accompanying software packages.

Claudio Branch

He's a first-timer....

Rana,

I recommend that you look around for companies that are doing sheet-metal fabrication, send them your design and ask for a quote.

IHAB

I think that "she's"...?

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Claudio Branch

I think you're right....

If so, my apologies Rana.

nicnic

Form Z has a great unfold tool, I used it to make physical models from 3d ones, its puts on tabs / fold lines etc to glue. Also a very interesting generative tool for messing around with.

Rana Abboud

Thanks heaps for the tips... and apologies on posting in wrong forum! (Have now learnt, and migrated to 'Rhino' area of Forum).

Will try sheet metal fabricators next. Thanks again.