StructuralDesigner3D is now for free!!
StructuralDesigner3D enables you to create funicular, tensile, and pneumatic structures using Dynamic Relaxation. All directly inside Rhino (no need for Grasshopper).
The plugin is designed with a clean and intuitive interface:
-
Simply select your input geometry (meshes or lines),
-
Define the physical parameters (masses, stiffness, pressure, etc.),
-
And run the simulation.
Afterwards, you can refine the parameters, save your results, or integrate the geometry directly into your Rhino model (with automatic layer separation).
In this first release you can create:
-
FunicularStructures → for compressive shells and arches.
-
TensileStructures → for prestressed membranes and cable nets.
-
PneumaticStructures → for air-supported membranes.
Feel free to share your results! 
Download: https://www.food4rhino.com/en/app/structuraldesigner3d
Website: https://www.structuraldesigner3d.com/
Usermanual: https://structuraldesigner3d.gitbook.io/usermanual
Article: (PDF) StructuralDesigner3D: A new form-finding plugin for Rhinoceros3D with Dynamic Relaxation
9 Likes
This looks absolutely amazing as-is!! I wonder if it would be useable for more simpler structural analysis like floors, walls, beams, etc…
1 Like
Hi Keith. Thank you!!
In this first version, I’ve focused on the form-finding of funicular, tensile, and pneumatic structures using dynamic relaxation. But maybe, in the future, I will add structural analysis functionalities as well.
2 Likes
Hi @David_Afonso
Do you have a V7 version? I only see V8 listed on Food for Rhino.
In the past I used Rhino vault for making guitar and other instrument cases as the shapes needed to be strong.
Hoping for a V7 version but if not I understand.
RM
1 Like
Hi @3dsynergy. On the PackageManager in R7, you’ll also find StructuralDesigner3D. It works in both versions.
I never thought about using this for musical instruments. I’m really curious to see how it goes.
After installation, you may need to activate StructuralDesigner3D in the PluginManager, and also enable the Toolbars.
will you keep the plugin free for the foreseeable time? or what are your plans
Hi @David_Afonso
Awesome glad there’s a V7 version! Looks like the package manager is broke I can’t get it to find your plugin using the search, also if I scroll to the bottom of the plugins Rhinos stopping at open nest and wont go further in the alphabet.
In the past I used Rhino vault to make the top structure on a semi parametric mandolin case further made in grasshopper, I used scan and solve Fea to see if helped in adding strength, it did seem to but the project never materialized and so the ultimate test of the real world didn’t happen. But now with so many 3d printers available I thought I’d try again and I’d use your plugin since I don’t have Rhino Vault anymore.
Thanks for making this available.
RM
When I first launched the plugin, I offered it for sale. It took a huge amount of work to develop, and naturally I hoped to get some financial return. But after a while, I realized that to have a bigger impact it makes more sense to make the software freely available.
So yes, my plan is to keep it free for the foreseeable future. I may look for other ways to sustain the project, such as running workshops, offering training, or collaborating on architecture and design projects where StructuralDesigner3D can be part of the workflow.
3 Likes
That’s strange. Just yesterday a friend of mine installed it on Rhino 7 without any problems. It sounds like this might be a Package Manager glitch rather than an issue with the plugin itself.
You can also download here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18sxUKsj31mfbzNVqXOpm7wNUCIvPZ1DG?usp=sharing
very nice. it was my favourite distraction for the last 2 days. i have some feedback should you be interested in further developing the tool. so far i have only looked at pneu in more detail, the others i tested only briefly.
i used a Mac and Version 8 in MacOs Tahoe
PneumaticStructure:
- i think it makes more sense to avoid the question prompt seen here in the first image below that asks you if you want to keep editing, specifically while you are making changes during the initial set up it always reverts back to that question which is in my opinion extremely redundant. it should revert back to the part in which you change the parameters while also finishing the command from there. there is a done button but it is greyed out. for now either way the question is pretty obsolete unless i have missed something.
revert to this below instead and avoid the upper prompt entirely
- when i create a simple mesh plane and use pneu the vertices are rotated and not fully symmetric. basically nit picking here a bit but if it can be improved why not, also it becomes more evident if you increase the pressure etc.
-
when you use pressure beyond a relative to the geometry threshold, like for some 1 for others already at 0.6 the geometry gets obliterated meaning it just disappears entirely, but that also depends on the input mesh in one instance i managed 0.1. eventually i found that simply reverting to a lower pressure brings the geometry back but it is very confusing that the geometry vanishes.
-
when you go beyond a few steps after creating a pneu you suddenly cant undo anymore again structure lost.
-
generally i would like ESC to aboard the command with nothing created, currently when you try it still creates some geometry.
-
a button/function keep input geometry would be helpful since it simply converts it and the old (state of) geometry gets lost.
1 Like
Thank you so much for taking the time to test it and write such detailed feedback. 
When I have time, I will look into all of them for a second version. If you have any other suggestions about the other commands, they’re more than welcome. 
I’d pay a bit for a structural analysis plugin. Kiwi3D comes close but it hasn’t been developed since Rhino 6?. Karamba looks good too but it’s too expensive for how much usage I’d get out of it - mega overkill for my needs. And I don’t like paying subscriptions (surprise!!!); with Rhino being perpetual I think that plugins should be too. With that said I’d pay a few bills for a nice and simple structural analysis plugin.
Your app looks like it achieves really good results quite quickly. I’m pondering lots of other uses. The Pneumatic feature looks like it would be good to create realistic looking pillows (almost similar to fabulous designer).
2 Likes
Thank you for the feedback! I will definitely consider adding other tools for structural design, optimization and analysis.
1 Like
Hi @David_Afonso
If I try to install from options plugins the plugin doesn’t appear. If I drag and drop it onto rhino I get this error and text log.
structuraldesigner3d (20251207-141305).log (18.2 KB)
Sorry for the trouble, my Rhino is V7 latest service release.
RM
Hi @3dsynergy
Sorry. The error was actually on my side. But I’ve fixed it and StructuralDesigner3D should now appear in the PackageManager of Rhino 7. At least it’s showing on mine and is working perfectly.
Could you please try searching for it again in the PackageManager?
1 Like
Hi @David_Afonso
Thanks so much for your help and generosity.
It’s working!
Now to put it to use.
I have one use right of the bat doing the ballonets on an airship model I made. Can I feed my ballonet to your program and have it inflate? You can see the anchor points in the drawing.
RM
Good to hear everything is working well
If your goal is to generate inflated ballonets, the PneumaticStructure command is the right option. You can either use open or closed meshes with specific anchor points. A nice feature is the ability to change the lines’ rest length, which can be used to simulate prestressed cables and create cushions.
Hi David,
Awesome!
Yes it’s working well just tested on a random mesh.
RM
1 Like
