Any Methods to CONVERT to ACTUAL 3D solid?

Hi Everyone,

I'm seeking to convert files I've already made into a kind of open space wireframe like object that's actually a 3D solid with thickness that can print.

Are there any methods in Grasshopper or Rhino that can automatically convert faces/open up a solid? Thinking things such as filigree, screen, wire frame solid, weaves, Voronoi style, or - create openings between already existing vertices - etc.

I would like to 3D print files but solids are expensive. Open surfaces print less cost so being able to convert existing files into open products would be very helpful.

Some tools look promising but still can't get any real open forms. I would appreciate any suggestions, guidance and directions to look into.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Brent

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by David Rutten on October 11, 2013 at 9:55am

Rhino5 has shelling support.

See the _Shell and _testOffsetPolysurface commands.

David Rutten

david@mcneel.com

Tirol, Austria

Permalink Reply by Brent Baxter on October 15, 2013 at 9:36am

Had a chance to look into these. Not sure ... since they seem to work only for individual components? Looking into automatically converting an entire object.

I recently come across what should be able to do the trick over at Blender. A good overview is on this blog:

http://blendersushi.blogspot.com/2012/09/modeling-new-wireframe-too...

Blender's Wire Frame Tool didn't work for me having some apparent catastrophic file results (looking into Blender Forum Support to resolve) but sharing here as a good example of what I am going for.

Many Thanks,

Brent

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