AutoCAD to Rhino Workflow

A Step by Step Guide to Modeling in Rhino 5

Preparing to Import DWG into Rhino

Open up the DWG file that contains the detail in AutoCAD

Figure 1- Detail sheet in AutoCAD

Save a copy of the DWG to edit and delete or hide all elements that are not needed to model
Figure 2- Bench Detail with only necessary features for the model

Figure 3- Unit Setup for AutoCAD

Figure 4- Document Properties for Rhino 5

Open up both the AutoCAD Drawing Setup and Rhino Options and match settings

Adjusting Imported DWG in Rhino

Figure 5- Imported linework into Rhino

By default, the imported DWG in Rhino lays flat along the Z axis and will need to be rotated

Figure 6- Correctly rotated file in Rhino

Select all linework and Rotate the elements 90 degrees so the detail is displayed correctly in the Front viewport

Joining and Closing Curves

Three scenarios of curve types can occur when importing AutoCAD drawings:

These curves are free; they are not joined, closed, or placed in a block

Figure 7- Curves

These five curves are were closed in AutoCAD so there is no need to close the line in Rhino

Figure 8- Closed Curves

These curves are in a block and the block needs to be exploded in Rhino to be modeled. Type explode in the command bar to edit

Figure 9- Curves in a Block

Joining and Closing Curves

Type Join in the command line and select out boundaries of elements together

Figure 10- Top boundary of bench outline

A prompt will appear if lines are not connected asking if the program can connect the lines

Figure 11- Rhinoceros 5 Join Prompt

Type CloseCrv after the elements boundary curves are joined

Figure 12- A closed curve in rhino

Extruding Curves to Create Surfaces

Figure 13- Extruding a curve with the Extrude Curve command

Extrude a curve by selecting a closed curve and going to Surface > Extrude Curve > Straight

Figure 14- Extruding along the wrong axis scenario

If the extrusion is locked to move along wrong axis, click Direction in the command bar to reassign it a new direction

Figure 15- Extruding along both sides

Figure 16- New Rhino Surface

In the command bar, click Both Sides so it reads Yes and the extrusion is mirrored

Cap Surface

Figure 17- New Rhino Surface

Figure 18- A capped surface

Type Cap in the command bar and select to the surface to cap both ends

Figure 19- Identifying other elements in model

Repeat previous steps for the other elements of the model

Organizing the Layers

Create layers to put the new surfaces in and choose a file naming structure that is easily identifies 3D elements in your model

Figure 20- Layer Window with applied filter (see red icon)

Figure 21- Right click on layer to bring up this dialogue

Identify an element in your model and highlight the layer to move it to by right clicking on the layer and choosing Change Object Layer