Author: Rap Lab

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Isohypsen Plugin For Rhino3d

Isohypsen Plug For Rhino3d

Table of Contents

The Plugin

What the plugin does

The plugin is designed to assist with data preparation for “classical” landscape models. Thereby creating a specific workflow to minimize repetitive tasks. 

What the plugin doesn’t do

The plugin doesn’t take any design decisions for you, nor does it help you find the proper level of abstraction for your model. Keep in mind that cadastre data is especially troublesome and needs to be redrawn because of it’s poor quality. As of today, there is no magical “improve” bad drawings button, that takes away the redrawing step that will safe you a ton and frustration in the digital workshop.

The Rhino Commands

isohypsen_layers

Cleans the layer structure of the GEOBAU Format for better orientation.

isohypsen_boundary

Trims all selected lines to a given boundary/model perimeter. 

isohypsen_init

Creates the topographic model by projecting surfaces to the contour lines. At the same time the contour lines get smoothed and a point reduction happens that improve the data for digital fabrication.

isohypsen_layout

Creates a 2D-layout with labels ready to be exported for laser cutting, the cutting plotter or milling. Each contour layer has trimmed cadastre data to minimize production time and a guide line of the top layer that can be used for assembly.

Workflow

Step by Step 

  1. Make sure to download both .dxf files of your map section. Click here to find out more. 
  2. Open a new rhino file > “Small objects in meters”
  3. Import both .dxf files. Set model units and layout units to Meters.
  4. Type “SelAll” in the command bar and zoom to your selection by klicking Zoom > “Zoom Selected” in top view to see your drawings.
  5. Type “Isohypsen_layers” in the command bar and confirm with ENTER to clean layers. 
  6. Type the following in the command bar to remove all blocks. Confirm Every Step with ENTER:
    • SelBlockInstance
    • Explode
    • Join
  7. Type “SelDup” in the command bar and delete the duplicates.
  8. Use the rectangle tool to draw the boundary.
  9. Type “Isohypsen_boundary” in the command bar and follow the instructions to trim the selected boundary area. There are two steps to complete the task:
    • select curves to split: Type “All” in the command bar and confirm with ENTER.
    • select boundary: select your previously drawn boundary.
  10. Select all Drawings, type “Move” in the command bar and follow the instructions to move your drawings to the 0, 0, 0 coordinates.
  11. The imported cadastre_data must be redrawn now to optimize laser cutting. Use Polylines and NURBS curves for better results.
  12. Use Units to  reset the units from meter to millimeter and check that your scaling is right. If you need to adjust your scaling use Distance to check the actual length and Scale to set the new scale
  13. Once done, move the terrain curves below the cadastre drawing sets.
  14. Generate the contour surfaces and simplify the contour lines by typing “Isohypsen_init” in the command bar and following the instructions. There are four steps to complete the task:
    • select contour lines. Press enter when done: “Höhelinien” > “Select Objects”, press ENTER
    • select boundary: klick the previously drawn boundary 
    • reduce point count to 0.5: press ENTER
    • select objects to trim, select pressing Shift to extend: follow the video below from 04.47 if unclear.
  15. You can now cut out the outline of your buildings out of the iso surface. Therefore type „Trim“ in to the comman bar. There are two steps to complete the task:
    • select cutting objects: select the outline of the building you want cut out of the iso surfaces. Press ENTER to confirm your selection.
    • select object to trim, select pressing shift to extend: select the outlines of the surfaces you want to cut. Press ENTER to confirm.
  16. Type „isohypsen_layout“ in the command bar and follow the given instructions to generate the cutting data.
  17. Create a new layer and draw a rectangle with the size of your stock to arrange/nest the cutting data
  18. Use Print to export a vector PDF for the laser cutter or save the rhino-file to import it into the zünd template

Installation And Download

Download Isohypsen Plugin
The plugin is designed to work with Rhino7 on Windows. It can be installed on a Mac with a bit of extra work (see below).
 
Win
To install the plugin on your computer simply download isohypsen.rhi to your computer and double-click the installer while Rhino3d is closed. Open Rhino3d after the installation is complete and the commands of the plugin should be available when you type “isohypsen_…” in the command line. 
 
Mac
Please download the files for the plugin from our github repository and follow the official installation instructions on the rhino developer site: https://developer.rhino3d.com/guides/rhinopython/creating-rhino-commands-using-python/#mac
 

Note: Sometimes, using this system, Rhino requires that Python be loaded before it can see the new command for the first time in a session – running EditPythonScript, or any other python script should allow the command to work.

Github

If you want to contribute to our plugin with your own ideas or you know how to improve the code, feel free to help us maintain and improve the plugin.

Acknowledgement

This is a shout out to all the kind help that we received while investigating this topic. 

The basic idea for the workflow comes from an explanation of a similar plugin that is being used in the education of architectural model builders in Switzerland and was kindly explained to us by Noa Hirschi from https://modellag.ch/

Further explanations on the  aesthetics and design considerations as well as much needed insight into the different data sets were provided to us by Pascal Gnädinger from https://diemodellbauer.ch/

Federico Bertagna from the Chair of Structural Design at ETH Zurich was kind enough to develop the first a fist draft of the plugin with Grasshopper

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Bandsaw for Plaster

Bandsaw for Plaster

General Information

1 machine available

For Plaster only!

In order to use this machine you must have succesfully completed the following courses:

  • general safety introduction course
  • introduction to the plaster workshop
  • Do not wear gloves 
  • Tie long hair back
  • Wear proper workshop clothes
  • Work piece must rest on the table at all times
  • Use only allowed material: plaster
Please check our workshop rules for more detailed safety instructions.
  • Plaster

Bandsaw for Plaster Overview

  1. Power switch
  2. Guide assembly
  3. Wheel for adjusting guide hight

Things of Importance

  • For cutting dry plaster it’s recommended to use a dust mask.
  • Make sure the vacuum cleaner is plugged in and turns on
  • Never work from behind the bandsaw, pulling the workpiece
  • Use only light pressure to avoid blade deflection
  • Turn off the machine before pulling back the workpiece
  • Always support your workpiece on the machine table
  • Always use both hands to guide your workpiece while cutting it
  • Avoid cutting narrow curves
  • Clean the machine every time after use.
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GIS Data For Landscape Models​

GIS Data For Landscape Models

Table of Contents

GIS Browser, Canton Of Zurich

www.maps.zh.ch

The GIS browser is an important tool for getting information about a specific site. The data that you can get, ranges from simple contour lines to noise pollution data. It is definitely worth spending some time to investigate the different maps and options of the tool, in order to find the ones that might be of use to your project.

For landscape and terrain models we focus on two sets of data that are of special interest to us. The first one contains the terrain information, contour lines, and is called: Isohypsen DTM – 2017/2018 and the second one contains all the cadastre data (e.g. streets, houses, bridges and so on…) and in the case of the Canton of Zurich is called: Amtliche Vermessung – Datenmodell Kanton Zürich (DM01AVZH24). Both data sets can be downloaded as .dxf-files for further processing in any CAD software. 

Note

The data that we get from the website is a great starting point, but is unfortunately far from being useful for anything else than printing. If you want to use our laser cutters or cutting plotters to make a landscape model, you will soon discover that both .dxf-files are full of problematic line definitions. In order to minimize this source of great frustration we created our own Isohypsen-plugin for Rhino3D that helps you with creating cleaner data for your models.

See this post for more information on the plugin and file preparation!

Geobau (DM01AVZH24) Layer Definitions

It is worth to studying the layer definitions of the cadastre data in order to get the layers that are useful to your project and discard unnecessary geometry that makes your files heavy and hard to handle. Information about the layers and the exact content can be found here: GEOBAU2 Format

GIS Browser Step By Step

  1. Use zoom and pan to get close to your desired plot
  2. Select the appropriate scale (1) for your model (e.g. 1:1000, 1:500)
  3. Press the download button (2)
  4. Follow the instructions in the “Datenbezug”-tab (3) to select your perimeter (4), specify your email address and to choose the download options
  5. Under “Format festlegen, Produkt bestellen” select “Alle Produkte”
  6. Search for Product “Isohypsen DTM – 2017/2018” and download as .dxf-file (5)
  7. Search for Product “Amtliche Vermessung – Datenmodell Kanton Zürich (DM01AVZH24)” and download as .dxf file (5)
 
If you are planning to build a Landsacpe model, proceed by klicking here to use the Isohypsen Plugin For Rhino3d.
 
Need more help? Check out the official maps.zh.ch help for detailed instructions and further options: https://maps.zh.ch/help/index.htm or https://www.zh.ch/de/planen-bauen/geoinformation/geodaten/geodatenshop/kostenlose-geodaten-beziehen.html

Further Data Portals

Terrain2STL

terrain2stl
Website

GIS Browser

Screenshot 2021-06-29 163826
Website

Stadtmodell Zürich

Screenshot 2021-06-29 162640
Website

swissSurface3D

SwissSurface3D
Website

OpenStreetMap

Openstreetmap
Website
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Trotec Laser Cutter

Trotec Laser Cutter

General Information

  1. Turn on the laser cutter and computer
  2. Unlock the machine with your ETH card
  3. Place the material onto the laser bed
  4. Pull down the protective cover and focus
  5. Import your PDF into Ruby
  6. Choose placement and material
  7. Cut
  8. Turn off the laser cutter and the computer after use

Cost: 20.- / h  (starts from login time!)
Area: 1000mm x 600mm
File: PDF, RGB colors, vector-based, no groups

Colors:

  • Cut = Red (RGB 255,0,0)
  • Engraved Line = Black (RGB 0,0,0) (Hairline / 0.01pt / 0.01mm thick)
  • Engraved Area = Blue (RGB 0,0,255)
  • Acrylic Glass (Plexiglas, PMMA) (0.5mm to 10mm)
  • Paper (up to 300g)
  • Corrugated Cardboard (0.5mm to 4mm)
  • Cardboard (0.5mm to 4mm)
  • Air-Ply (0.5mm to 2mm)
  • Poplar Plywood (3mm to 10mm)

  • PDF Export Guide for various CAD programs
  • Convert fonts to paths
  • Pay attention to closed paths (the laser is as accurate as the file)
  • No cut masks, no groupings, no compound paths
  • Try to void duplicate lines
  • No paths beyond or exactly at the edge of your file
  • Try to join lines into closed polylines
  • Try to avoid line segments smaller than ~0.5mm (can result in not being able to cut your file!)

Laser 2-6 HIL

  1. Unlock the machine with your ETH card at the entrance door.
  2. Turn on the laser cutter by pressing the standby button (1) 
  3. Place the material on the upper left corner of the laser bed and pull down the cover.
  4. Move the laser head over the material with the navigation keys. (2)
  5. Focus on to the material surface by pressing both AF-keys at the same time (3). For Laser 1, follow instructions below.
  6. If you want to start your file at a specific spot drive there manually with the navigation keys. (2)
  7. As soon the laser job started you can anytime pause the process with the “Pause/Play” key. (4)
  8. To cancel a job press the stop button (5)
Standbybutton-03

Turn on

DSC_2986

Place material in the top left corner

DSC_3033

Place laser head over material

DSC_2984

Focus

Laser 1 HIL and Lasers at ONA Workshop

The Laser 1 and the Lasers at ONA workshop work basically the same as all the other laser cutters, only the laser focus must be differently.

  1. The machine will turn on as soon as you login
  2. Move the laser-head over the material.
  3. Mount the distance gauge.
  4. Raise the laser bed incrementally with the Z up key (3) until the distance gauge falls off.
  5. Store the distance gauge. The laser cutter is now in focus.

Distance gauge

Mount distance gauge

Z up key

Laser focused

Ruby (Laser Software)

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  • Open the laser software “Ruby”.
  • Log in with the auto-filled credentials if necessary. 
  • If the message “Job Control isn’t running. Do you want to switch to Ruby?” appears, accept it with “Yes”.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Tab 1: Import (1) your PDF. (2)

If “Error” appears check Troubleshoot.

Tab 2: Delete the white area around your drawing (1) or skip with “create job”.

Tab 3: The position of the laser (1) should be visible and can be used to position your file. Choose the material from the drop down menu (2). Check how long the job will take with the clock button (3). Then continue with “push to laser”. (4)

Tab 4: Check the material settings and start the laser process. (1)

Stay with the machine while the job is cutting to reduce the risk of a fire.

Please clean your workspace and turn off machine after you’ve finished cutting.

Troubleshoot

Refresh the website.

Check that there are

  • only necessary lines
  • Boarder 600mmx1000mm or less
  • no watermarks or hatches
  • only RGB colors
  • hairlines set to 0.01mm/0.01pt
 

To edit  (do this only if Ruby can’t load your file!) your file either

  • open it in Illustrator and switch to vector mode.
  • or use the Adobe Acrobat Reader and switch to edit mode.
 
How to fix hairlines in Adobe Acrobat Reader:
  1. Go to “Print Production”.
  2. Choose “Fix Hairlines”.
  3. Set the target value to 0.01mm/0.01pt.
  4. Save the file.
 

If that does not work, try printing your file as a PDF in Acrobat Reader: 

  1. Click “Print file” or press “Ctrl”+”P” to open Adobe Print.
  2. In the Printer drop-down menu select “Adobe PDF”.
  3. Press “Print”.
  4. Wait until “Save PDF file as” window opens. Once open, select where you want to save your PDF (e.g. “Desktop”).
  5. Save PDF.
  6. Try importing the PDF into Ruby.

Check if

  • the material settings are correct 
  • autofocus is set correctly
  • your material is flat – even 1-2mm can make an enormous difference! Here is some more information on how to keep your material completely flat. Laser cutter skill builder

If all checks have been made and the laser is still not cutting through, contact a Raplab staff member.

In some cases the laser-job can be continued with the “Play” button. If this doesn’t work you’ll have to restart the machine and check your file in-depth. Often geometries with too many anchor points or very small line-segments (< 0.2mm) lead to this problem.

To solve this problem try to redraw the lines in question or repair them in your CAD software by rebuilding the curve with less control points. More information on how to fix this can be found here. 

  1. Check that your lines are the correct color. (They must be 255, 0, 0 RGB for red lines.) To easily change it. Go back to the design page, select all of the lines that the incorrect color. Click on the correct color swatch.  Then click create job again.
  2. Check whether you have exported the file correctly. It is import that you select the “Vector” option not the “Raster” option.

Go back to the design page and press “create job”.

Check on the produce page and check if the machine is paused. If it is try pressing the stop button located on the machine.

 

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Rotorelief

Wahlfach FS21 Übung 4: Tanz

WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
WaysOfSeeing
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Wahlfach FS21

Wahlfach FS21

ModelThinking: Ways of Seeing

Impressionen

Übung 3: Reinterpretation, Schatten und Ergänzung

Übung 4: Tanz (Rotorelief)

Link

Übung 5: UnWrapping

Übung 6: Bildbau

Übung 7: Comic

Übung 10: 10 zu 1 (Macro/Micro)

Teilnehmende

Teaching Team:
 
Katrin Derleth, Alessandro Tellini

Studierende:

Julie Agustoni, Cynthia Baumann, Lily Blanchard, Gabrielle Chilinski, Alex Nagel, Davide Orsi

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SketchSpace HS20

Seminarwoche HS20

SketchSpace

Skizzen und Impressionen

Teilnehmende

Teaching Team:
 
Katrin Derleth, Alessandro Tellini,
Fabio Meier, Christian Egli

Studierende:

Arnold Noemi, Avdija Sadia, Berweger Sabrina, Bienz Marvin, Buzzi Ilenia, Carlier Nicolas, Delory Aurore, Elatifi Hanna, Finschi Judith, Grünig Nina, Hug Adrian, Knecht Dominic, Manoharan Gokulan, Paterniti Barbino Alessandro, Pellizzari Amanda, Rohr Georg, Saravanja Anja, Sundermann Lennard

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Wahlfach HS20

Wahlfach HS20

ModelThinking:
Richard Sennett "The Craftsman"

Teilnehmende

Teaching Team:

Katrin Derleth, Alessandro Tellini

Studierende:

Bitter Charlotte, Genieser Pérez Judith, Haghighat Shoar Keivan, Ischer Amandine, Kwon Hyuk Sung, Mayer Theo

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Form 2

Anleitung Form 2

IMG_9449

Maximale Druckgrösse: 145 x 145 x175 mm

DSC_3655
DSC_3656

Schritt 1: Druckprozess

  1. Steckerleiste am Strom anschliessen
  2. Preform auf privatem Laptop öffnen
  3. Drucker nach Aufstartprozess mit Laptop verbinden
  4. Drucker- und Materialtyp sowie Auflösung definieren
  5. STL Datei importieren
  6. Druck automatisch einrichten (Zauberstab) oder manuell Stützstruktur hinzufügen
  7. Druckauftrag hochladen
  8. Print am Drucker drücken
  9. Lüftungsventil beim Harztank öffnen
  10. Druckplattform überprüfen
  11. Druck starten

Schritt 2: Reinigung

  1. Kontrolliere die Isopropanolmenge im Waschbecken. Der Füllstand sollte
    zwischen den beiden Pfeilen sein. Kontaktiere einen Raplab Mitarbeiter,
    falls er zu tief ist.
  2. Wähle im Menu des Isopropanolbad die Funktion “Open”
  3. Entferne (mit Handschuhen) die Druckfläche
  4. Schliesse das orange Gehäuseabdeckung des Druckers, damit der Harz nicht aushärtet
  5. Entferne den Harz rund um das Teil mit einem Papier.
  6. Befestige die Platform in der Halterung vom Isopropanolbad
  7. Wähle die Dauer (10min bis 20min)
  8. Starte den Waschvorgang
  9. Kontrolliere, dass das gesamte Teil im Isopropanol eintaucht.
  10. Mehr Infos: Form Wash
  11. Reinige die Druckfläche mit Papier und Isopropanol
  12. Während das Teil gereinigt wird, kannst du bereits den Form Cure einstellen und aufheizen lassen.

Schritt 3: Härten

  1. Platziere (mit Handschuhen) das Werkstück im Form Cure Gerät
  2. Wähle die Dauer (30min bei 60°)
  3. Mehr Infos: Form Cure
  4. Entferne die Stützstruktur mit Schleifpapier oder einer Feile

Schritt 4: Ausschalten

  1. Schliesse das Lüftungsventil vom Harztank
  2. Entferne die Stromzufuhr
  3. Reinigung aller Flächen (Gehäuse, Tisch) (nicht mit Isopropanol)
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Zünd CNC

Anleitung Zünd (Aramis)

20201007_121534

Nur für Forschende. Voranmeldung erforderlich.

Fläche:   800mm x 1300mm
Höhe:      20mm
Kosten 50 chf pro Stunde

Anleitung für Aluminium fräsen

Aufstartprozess

  1. Maschine am Bedienpanel bei der Türe freischalten
  2. Mit F1 Maschine einschalten
  3. Computer starten
  4. Erste Meldung vom Tool manager mit Ok bestätigen

Vorbereitungen

  1. Achse mit Navigations-Pad nach hinten fahren.
  2. Matte positionieren
  3. 11122 (Auto initialisierung mit Aki)
  4. Positioniere den Aki gemäss Bild
  5. Folge der Anleitung
  6. Verstaue den Aki
  7. Positioniere den rechten winkel, das Teil und die Abdeckplatte. (Das Teil muss mindestens ca. 20cmx40cm sein, damit der Anpressdruck durch den Vakuumtisch genügend hoch ist.)
  8. Positioniere eine luftundurchlässige Platte hinter dem Teil.
  9. Stelle die Vakuum Breite ein (3,1,1,9,2) und wähle die gewünschte Breite

Vorbereitungen Cut Editor

  1. Öffne das .dxf im Programm “Cut Editor”
  2. Wähle das Material, die Materialstärke und die Dimensionen
  3. Positioniere das Teil am richtigen Ort
  4. Erstelle Bearbeitungsschritte
  5. Weise diesen den jeweiligen Konturen zu
  6. Bei Pockets muss zuerst eine Füllstruktur erstellt werden
  7. Füge Stege hinzu, dass das Teil bis am Schluss mit der Grundplatte verbunden bleibt
  8. Kontrolliere die Reihenfolge
  9. An Cut Center senden

Vorbereitungen Cut Center

  1. Kontrolliere die Einstellung Sealgrip, die Reihenfolge sowie das gewählte Werkzeug
  2. Falls organge, klicke doppelt auf die Beschriftung des Werkeuges
  3. Schalte den Wechselrichter ein
  4. Und setze die Maschine “online”
  5. Starte den Auftrag

Werkzeugwechsel

  1. Entferne Die Spindel und das Absaugrohr
  2. Wechsle den Fräser aus
  3. erhöhe die breite der Vakuumfläche
  4. Fahre mit dem Fräskopf über den Sealgrip, wo auch das Vakuum ist.
  5. 1,1,1,2,1
  6. Bewege den Fräser langsam nach unten (Die Spindel beginnt zu drehen)
  7. Bestätige mit OK, wenn der Fräser die Oberfläche der Matte berührt