RhinoVault is a plug in for Rhinoceros that allows for creation of vault structures that work in compression. We have been working with Rhinovault in my building shop class to learn about modern compression structures. For the final assignment we were to 3D print a vault we had designed with RhinoVault.
In Rhino
Makerware’s rendering
Rhinovault -> http://block.arch.ethz.ch/brg/
Originally, I was looking for a way to 3D print sound files using histograms and a displacement commands in Rhinoceros ( a CAD based program). In Rhino the command called “apply displacement.” However, I discovered by using gray-scale topographic maps the same command could be used to make topographic models. The command displaces a surface based on the color values of a texture applied to the surface. Each pixels value is interpreted as a z axis value, creating a point cloud which the command then pulls the surface to the points
converted topographic map; note the steps in the gradient
.At first I used simple topographic maps of states, but they were only in color and my imaging software was not very good at changing them into gray-scale without a loss of quality. Next iteration, I’ll be using STRM data, which is gathered from satellites in black and white. A downfall of the STRMs is that they have a smaller geographic area and would need to be stitched together for state-sized models.
However the model from the first maps were decent and made for good practice.
Render of .stl
Sample STRM
Been working a large wall decor of my college’s logo, a running jackrabbit. (GO SDSU!!). The end result will be a 2.5ft by 1.5 ft, 2in thick wall decor. This will be 3D printed using the makerbots. The makerbots only have a build area of 6in x 11in, therefore the piece has been split into 8 different parts. As for attaching them together, I have used dove tail joints hidden underneath. The joints where built with a .2mm gap, which accounted for the plastic shrinking when cooling. The joints worked great, we cant get the rabbit apart! Will have pictures of the printed rabbit soon!
uncut decor
where the rabbit was cut
Close up!
Joint details
Teresa Hébert 