cutting solid model

[mikejkd]

I have a model I want to cut in foam for a prototype but want to know if I can get Rhino to give me a cross section every inch or so. Is this possible? Can I array a cutting plane and then explode or is there an easier way?

[turmite]

mikejkd,

Are you wanting Rhino to create your cut paths? If so that is not possible unless you have Rhinocam. I am currently using a member here at the zone to do all my cam (machine code) and am 100% happy. Are you wanting to section the model becase it is too large for your machine? If that is the problem then yes you can section it either direction or both directions. It will take me a little while to find it and no better than I am with Rhino...I might never find it! I'll try it a little later and will post what I find.

Mike

[mikejkd]

yes, I have to section it to fit the machine.

[DAB_Design]

load your model into rhino. Select the objects you want the contour of. Type 'contour' in the command area and hit enter. It then asks for a base point. If you want to get contours running left to right on your screen, click somewhere above your model. It then asks for another point. May be something about direction, I can't remember off hand. Hold the shift key and click somewhere below the model. The shift key is used to ensure you get a 90degree line. Then type in the distance between contours.

Note: In case the left/right, above/below mentioned above is confusing, this should all be done in the same view.

If you have any problems, let me know. Always glad to help.

[DAB_Design]

Guess I should mention that when this is done, the curves that are created have alot of control points. Making them a pain to edit if needed. But they can be used to split your model.

In addition if you need more sections in certain areas, you can use the 'section' command. Does the same thing as contour, but only you put the sections where you want. With this, you click a point where you want the section to start, and again where you want it to end. Be sure to use the shift key again if you want a straight 90 degree section.

[mikejkd]

Will I be able to just section the drawing with space in between or will it still look like a solid? With space in between MY brain will work better.

[DAB_Design]

Do you mean will it slice it up and spread it out for you? No, not without a few more commands.

If that is what you are wanting to do, probably the best thing to do would be draw 2d lines at the places you want to split the model. Then extrude those curves to make 'cutting planes'. Then cap the sliced up sections, and manually space them out.

How big of a part is it? Can you post your file?

[High Seas]

Here's a sideways view/thought...
Save your file (Rhino) as an *.stl (stereolith) and then use STLWORK - you can get a demo download - as I recall and its real good value anyway.
STLWORK has a mode just for what you're wanting to do - cut several layers - in fact its called "slice" .
Not affiliated - just like the product and used it for a similar project/problem.
Jim

[mikejkd]

Sorry I have been a bit slow getting back but I have been real busy. The part I want to do (get ready for this) is a car body. My machine when it is done will be about 8 ft x 5 ft x 5 ft to machine foam. This is why I need to cut it up. I would of liked to make a bigger machine but space is limited. Anyone have any good ideas on how this machine can make some of my money back?

Thanks
Mike

[BillPSu]

mikejkd
To slice up your model create a planar surface in the direction you want to slice. The plane must be larger than the model. Create an array of surfaces using Transform/Array/Rectangular create as many as you want and then either split the model with the surfaces or create a curve from objects. If you want to see a flat part with the ends select the section cap both ends and extract the 2 end surfaces.