Rhinoceros Version 2.0: solids and surfaces from Robert McNeel & Associates.(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)

MOST POPULAR parametric 3D solid modelers are great for creating models that can be readily modified to meet changing design criteria, but they are not as good at constructing the freeform shapes commonly found on consumer products and automobile bodies. Product designers often use other tools to fill the gap and Rhinoceros, from Robert McNeel & Associates, is one of the most versatile of these. Rhino has been used to successfully design objects ranging from children's pull toys to ocean going yachts. The curving organic shapes that are now commonly used in both exterior and interior building designs are also suitable subjects for Rhino models.

Rhino can create both solid and surface models, but unlike many programs, these models are not different object types. As a result, you can use typical solid modeling techniques, such as a Boolean difference operation, in creating surfaces; and you can use typical surface modeling techniques, such as a two-rail sweep with multiple profiles, in creating solid models. All Rhino curves and surfaces (including the surfaces of solids) are NURBS-based.

Rhino's impressive set of methods for creating surfaces, include edge curves, planar, extrudes, lofts, networks, rail sweeps, revolves, drapes, height fields, blends, and offsets. Once you have created a surface, you can trim, split, move, rotate, scale, fillet, chamfer, and copy it; as well as join it to other surfaces. You can also edit surfaces on a basic level through their control points. Rhino has an equally impressive set of methods for creating and working with curves.

Rhino is intuitive in use, and has a well thought-out, logical interface. You can initiate most actions through either screen pull-down menus, right-click shortcut menus, or tool bars. Unlike most Windows programs, Rhino also has a command line, which is useful for initiating actions, specifying options, and entering point coordinates as a set of three numbers separated by commas (rather than having to tab through separate X, Y, and Z fields in a dialog box). You can also use command line input to create script files and keyboard macros that streamline operations you often perform. Rhino does use dialog boxes when they are applicable.

Typically, you will use multiple viewports as you create Rhino 3D models. These viewports are similar to the operating system windows used in most newer CAD programs in that they are rectangular and you can stretch and move them, but in addition, each viewport can have its own coordinate system and visibility settings. This enables ...