Module brings IronCAD and Rhino together

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 25, 2003

A new IronCAD/Rhino integration module combines the mechanical detailing strength of IronCAD with the surface styling power of Rhino.

A new IronCAD/Rhino integration module combines the mechanical detailing strength of IronCAD with the surface styling power of Rhino.

It allows both IronCAD and Rhino to be used concurrently in a synergistic manner within a single design process.

The power of the integration module is experienced when both IronCAD and Rhino are installed on the same machine.

Once configured the user has the ability to edit IronCAD native or imported surfaces/solids in Rhino from within the active IronCAD session.

Following the completion of the edit session in Rhino, Rhino automatically closes and the user is placed back in the originating IronCAD session where the newly edited surfaces have been updated.

This process dramatically improves the productivity of the design process by doing away with the need to save out files between iterations as well as providing the user with ability to use the best tool for the job at each stage of the modelling process.

Troy Cooksey of Turlingdrome Design had this to say after spending some time using the Rhino integration module: "When I design a product, I find that IronCAD usually accomplishes 95 to 100% of my modeling needs.

On those occasions that I cannot easily create a desired form in IronCAD, I use Rhino.

I have found this to be an extremely powerful combination.

Surfaces and solids created in Rhino can be imported into IronCAD and used as stand alone parts or integrated as features into an existing part.

Now the talented people at IronCAD have upped the ante with this new plug-in that allows data to be almost seamlessly passed between the two software packages.

Native Rhino 3dm surfaces and solids can be imported directly into IronCAD and used as parts or features of parts.

Selecting this geometry for editing sends you back into Rhino where you can use its arsenal of manipulation tools.

Once completed, you are sent back to IronCAD where the surface geometry and any associated part features are updated automatically without the need for re-importing and reinsertion into the part.

This is all done without the need for file linking.

For designers like myself that use both software packages, the time savings that this plug-in provides will be immense.

Not only that, but the integration of these two powerful approaches to modelling will create capabilities that are greater than the sum of the two products individually".

"We're excited to add IronCAD to the list of engineering options that work along side Rhino", said Robert McNeel of Robert McNeel and Associates in Seattle.

"This new integration module from IronCAD breaks new ground in that it allows a user to select the best design interface for a particular design task within a single design session".

Shaun Murphy, IronCAD's Vice President of Marketing puts it this way: "Creating a seamless integration between Rhino and IronCAD has created a win win situation for 3D designers everywhere, that are looking for the very best in solids and surfacing at an unbeatable price".