I’m wondering if Rhino is the right tool for creating 3D printable shoe model designs like the one below. I’ve spent a lot of time working in Rhino over the years but for far less artistic and complex designs (mainly shoe lasts and orthotics). And I’m now looking to start getting into stuff like this.
As far as the ‘weaved’ sections, definitely grasshopper/rhinocommon will do the trick. But the other more prominent geometries, would this be better done with a SubD or surfaces workflow? I do like the idea of doing it in SubD, but it’s beyond my abilities at the moment. Perhaps someone could recommend some SubD tutorials for this kind of work?
Or am I completely out to lunch here and there is a way better tool for this specific kind of thing, like Zbrush for instance?
Nothing “needs” to be done in SubD except for character models, “exceedingly” organic shapes. This looks like normal NURBS surfacing, probably actually done in Rhino…
Divide the design into the basic shape and the applied “features” such as the bumps, embossings, holes, etc.
Next consider the basic shape without the features. It can be split primary surfaces and transistion surfaces. Each of the primary surfaces can be modeled as a NURBS surface. Some of the them may be best modeled as a trimmed surface.
After modeling the primary surfaces and adjusting them until they are satisfactory create the transition surfaces.
Thank, I’m starting to see how this could be done with surfaces.
Is there any general rule for when to use surfaces and when to use SubD? I understand that SubD is great for organic shapes, but with McNeel putting so much effort into SubD, surely the intention is for SubD to be used for more than that?
Can any SubD advocates reading this see any advantage to pursuing designs like this with SubD rather than surfaces?
Why do you want to create a “3D printable shoe design”?
Is it a one off? Should this be “production ready”? Do you want to grade the shoe as well (create different sizes)?
Do you just want to create this shoe and print it? Do you want to modify it or iterate on it afterwards?
If you want to get something done, I am an advocate for using the tool that gets you there in the most efficient and comfortable way.
This does not mean use the tool you’re most comfortable with, if “getting it done” means the output has to be in a specific format, use a tool that supports it.
Regarding SubD modelling, personally I’m more proficient in other software than Rhino, mainly because I’m used to it.
SubD modelling allows you to manipulate surfaces in a way, that allows fast iteration, mostly at the cost of accuracy in my opinion.
I developed a method of grading 3D printable shoe geometries. Now I just need the geometries. A couple advantages of going SubD would be the ability to make changes and iterate. Would be great if there were tutorials achieving geometries like this with SubD. I have watched a number now, but haven’t found any yet for something quite like this.
