Best practice for complex geometry 3D file format to send to manufacturer

Rhino
1

Hi all,

Currently working on a footbridge for a project in Danmark. The project itself (see visual) is composed of a double curved geometry.

We are sending the project over to a metal manufacturer so that he can produce that foot bridge.

Common practice is to send 2D plans/details, but here it is not enough, so we decided to send accompany those 2D plans/details with a rhino 3D geometry

My question is simple:

What is the file format usually requested by metal manufacturers for 3D files? Is there a best practice ?

or,

What would you do in this situation ? ie: having a complex/double curve geometry needing manufacture ? How would you communicate it to the manufacturer, what would you provide, … ?

Any help is much appreciated,

Best,

Driss
Architect & Engineer
B_1.pdf (1002.3 KB)
B_2.pdf (887.6 KB)

2

Hi Driss,

I would start by asking these questions to the manufacturer. Different suppliers have different requirements. Before we had our own waterjet machine, we used different suppliers that had different requirements. Some wanted .dxf files, and others wanted .igs. When it comes to wireEDM, some want a 3D model and others just curves. I would suggest you ask them what they need.

Hope this helps,

Dan

3

A lot of companies send the Rhino file itself. With rhino they can break the shape down to fit their fabrication process.

A secondary choice would be an NURBS solid format like STEP.

What 3D application do they use?

4

The fab shop I assume will construct it’s own structural model utilising your 3d model and assistance from an engineer on member/plate sizes, connections, bolt sizes etc.
Normally a 3d model in .stp or .dwg is what they would need.
A few 2d drawings to check dims against the 3d model is also helpfully.

You could also ask for a copy of the completed 3d structural model from the fab shop (most steel detailing programs will output .dwg) and overlay it over your 3d model for checking purposes.