Updated 08/04: Click here to read about Sculpteo's actions regarding the ongoing COVID-19 crisis

Rhino 3D Tutorial: Prepare your model for 3D Printing with Rhinoceros

This 3D modeling software tutorial is written and designed to provide 3D printing enthusiasts with accurate instructions for designing 3D files that are 3D Printable thanks to Rhino 3D CAD software.

In this 3D CAD tutorial, you will learn the best practices for modeling, correcting and exporting an object for 3D printing using Rhino software. At the end of this Rhino 3D tutorial, you will learn how to:

Then, you will be able to upload your 3D file on our website and 3D print it!

Upload a design

Rhinoceros (Rhino) is a 3D modelling software specialized for free-form NURBS (non uniform rational B-spline), created by Robert McNeel & Associates. NURBS is a mathematical model that renders curves and surfaces in computers graphics. This mathematical model offers great flexibility and precision in 3D modelling. 

Rhinoceros is a CAD software commonly used for industrial design, architecture, marine design, jewelry design, automotive design, CAD / CAM, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, product design, furniture design, as well as the multimedia and graphic design industries. Product design’s easy thanks to this 3D modeling tool. Rhino software is also great to create CAD models for rapid prototyping with 3D printers. Indeed, Rhino models can be saved in a file format compatible with 3D printing.

A basic understanding of Rhinoceros is required in order to get the most out of this CAD software tutorial. Rhinoceros provides lots of great videos and tutorials on its website for getting started with Rhino.

You can buy Rhino 3D or download a 90 days trial version of Rhinoceros V5 for free. You will also find some plugins for Rhino 3D that will help you get a great Computer-Aided design experience and create the best CAD models.

Summary​

1. Rhino Models: Design a printable 3D file

  • 1.1. Before starting to model
  • 1.2. Proper 3D modelling for 3D print
  • 1.3. Color and textures for full color printing

2. Manage and export valid 3D files for 3D printing from Rhinoceros

  • 2.1. 3D model analysis
  • 2.2. Fix NURBS 3D model
  • 2.3. Create and export a mesh
  • 2.4. Correct mesh for 3D printing
  • 2.5. Mesh analysis

3. Avoid mistakes that occur when designing 3D files for 3D printing on Rhino

  • 3.1. Mesh reduce
  • 3.2. Mesh orientation unification
  • 3.3. Mesh hole fill
  • 3.4. Non manifold errors
  • 3.5. Multishell parts
Tutorial Part #1