It’s been a long time coming but I’ve finally committed to Rhino and bought a license. I’ve been on the fence for a while now as I know how great it can be for some really complex lattice structures and freeform modelling, but I just know Solidworks so well I like to think I can design anything I want in there anyway (as with my 3D printed bike). What tipped me over the edge is finding out that there is a plugin for Rhino called Firefly that can be used to directly control my new Arduino, along with a host of other controllers. Now that’s cool! I’ve been researching ways to move between Arduino and CAD models for a little while now as part of my PhD, and this has got me really excited.
The images above show one of my simple giveaway designs for a phone amplifier available on Thingiverse for FREE (read the post here which includes a video showing it in action). Originally modeled in Solidworks, I thought it would be a good challenge to put it into Rhino and make sure it’s a Solid Model ready to 3D print. It’s a slightly different way of thinking, but it’s quite easy to pickup. I miss the parametric capabilities of Solidworks, but can definitely see some fun ahead with Paneling tools and Grasshopper. Even generating a simple wireframe style model is very quick in Rhino, as in the third image.
Besides, I can always adopt a hybrid process and jump between both Solidworks and Rhino can’t I?
– Posted by James Novak
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I’m considering buying a CAD package to improve my design capabilities; do you think this one would be good to use over Solidworks?
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Wow good question @mr3dprint… I’ve only really just started using Rhino but can already see how powerful it is. I will always be a Solidworks fan, but when you start to talk about money there is a significant difference between both programs. Rhino comes in at about AUS$1000, while Solidworks I believe is somewhere around AUS$7000 and then AUS$3000 per year to maintain the subscription. The other thing to consider is the type of projects you plan to be working on. Like anything there is always pro’s and con’s to each, I’d definitely do my homework before making any financial commitments to either.
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Thanks a lot for the advice. I’m really only looking at taking a step up from using things like Sketchup and some of the autodesk tools so certainly the price comparison will play a big part! I’ll keep doing my homework but seeing what you’re doing already with Rhino is definitely swinging my vote (or wallet!) that way 🙂
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