G-CODE WRITER FOR 2D SHAPE MILLING DEMO

In this video, I will explain how to setup a Grasshopper definition that will write the G-code for 2D shape milling on a 3-axis milling machine.  G-codes are the codes that position the tool and do the actual work, as opposed to M-codes which manages the machine.  Actually, there are a whole host of different codes that can be written to control a CNC mill, however G-codes are what we are most interested in for this definition as it will allow us to streamline our fabrication process by sending the parametric data from Grasshopper directly to a CNC mill.

In this example I will be writing the tool path information for a 2D Vornoi Pattern generator, originally written by Sang Hoon Yoon.  You can find his vornoi diagram definition on his site www.sac3.blogspot.com.  This video explains how to use your data-structure (trees) to help weave together various text strings which control how the CNC mill head will operate.

I have formated the text strings to work with the open source ShopBot CAM software.  This software is excellent for many reason, not least of which is the fact that it's free and has a large online help community... much like Grasshopper.  It also allows the user to preview the cut even if their computer isn't connected to an actual CNC mill which can come in handy while testing out your cuts.  Syntactically, ShopBot part files are setup slightly differently from traditional G-code which harkens back to the days when cutting files were stored on punched tape and it's format was optimized for brevity.  You can find a lot of helpful resources on how to setup ShopBot part files in their Programming Handbook.  

You can check out this video in HD after the jump.

Note: This video is for demonstration purposes only.  Andrew Payne and LIFT architects will not be held responsible for any damages that might arise from using this method.  Please consult your machine's operating manual before implementing this fabrication method. 

UNIV. OF TORONTO GRASSHOPPER WORKSHOP

I am pleased to announce that I will be teaching a 3-day fabrication workshop at the University of Toronto from July 17th-19th.  The first two days of the course will be set up to teach the fundamentals of the software plugin and we will work through a diverse range of topics.  However, the third day will be focused on the construction of a full scale urban intervention where we will be using Grasshopper to facilitate the fabrication of a full scale prototype.  We will examine Toronto's existing urban infrastructure, namely it's post and ring bicycle lock system, and develop a parasitic design that can be modified for each site's unique characteristics (such as volumetric dimensions (length, width, height), bike lock spacing, screening systems and solar orientation, and acoustical response.  We will also be using a 5-axis CNC Mill (PADE Spin-W) capable of machining 1.2m in the z-axis and roughly a 2.5m x 2.5m x-y bed-size. 

I'd like to thank Matthew Spremulli and Valentina Mele for helping organize the event.  The workshop is open to University of Toronto students only and is currently sold out.  I will be posting more about the workshop and some fabrication shots very soon.  Stay tuned!

Update 21 July: Above are a few screenshots from the workshop hosted at the University of Toronto this past weekend.  We really covered a lot of ground and the images below display an amazing amount of progress made for students who were completely new to the software system (after just 2 days). 

GRASSHOPPER PRIMER CHINESE EDITION

A huge congratulations goes out to Wu Di (aka Woody) and his team of translators for taking on the arduous task of translating the entire 160 pages of the Grasshopper Primer (second edition) into the Chinese language.  Months of hard work went into this translation and it is our hope that this printing will help spread information about this powerful software plugin to mainland China and across the world.  Wu Di has graciously offered to answer any questions you may have about this edition and you can reach him by his email address wudiwudi1212@gmail.com or at the Chinese 3D forum websitehttp://g.shaper3d.cn.

Source Files:
The Grasshopper Primer_Chinese Edition.pdf (size: 6.3mb - right-click and select 'Save Link As' - adobe acrobat needed)

Primer Source Files (size: 193k - right-click and select 'Save Link As' - this is a collection of definitions and Rhino files needed to complete the examples in the primer)

GRASSHOPPER PRIMER JAPANESE EDITION

After a monumental effort from Rhino specialist Atsuo Nakajima, the Grasshopper Primer has been translated into Japanese.  The tutorials found in the Japanese edition have been written to work with plugin version 0.6.0012 and will match the first set of chapters in the second edition (English version).  These tutorials primarily deal with getting familiar with the plugin interface and will walk new users through the process of creating beginning and intermediate level definitions.  For now, the main difference between the two editions is that the advanced chapters dedicated to VB scripting and creating your own custom components can only be found in the English edition.  Personally, I am extremely excited about this release, as it is a fantastic addition to the growing community dedicated to helping people around the world help understand this amazing tool.  Should you have any questions about this version, please feel free to contact Atsuo at the address below.

Atsuo Nakajima
151-0063 Tomigaya 1-6-9 A-1 Bldg, 2F
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
(tel) 81-3-5790-8431 (fax) 81-3-5790-8432
(email) nakajima@applicraft.com
URL:http//www.applicraft.com http//www.rhino3d.co.jp

Source Files:
The Grasshopper Primer_Japanese Edition.pdf (size: 8.44mb - right-click and select 'Save Link As' - adobe acrobat needed)

Primer Source Files (size: 193k - right-click and select 'Save Link As' - this is a collection of definitions and Rhino files needed to complete the examples in the primer) 

FLUX OPENING NIGHT

The FLUX exhibition opened last night at the California College of Arts and we had an incredible turnout.  The exhibition explores contemporary architecture and design through its relationship with changes in design technologies such as parametric modeling, digital fabrication, and scripting.  Over 40 projects are featured in the exhibition through drawings, photographs, and specially made models that explore the techniques and processes presented in the projects.  Eight topics dealing with the geometric and performative aspects of the projects are explored: Stacked Aggregates, Modular Assemblages, Pixelated Fields, Cellular Clusters, Serial Iterations, Woven Meshes, Material Systems,Emergent Environments.  I was brought in as a parametric modeling and complex geometry consultant to write a Grasshopper definition that would generate the form, ribs, plexi-glass panels, and all of the connection details.  These would in turn be flattened in Rhino so they could be sent directly to the CNC mill.  Final fabrication started just 2 weeks before the opening and because all of the details had been controlled in the parametric model, each of the 4 modules could be constructed in just two and half hours.     

Director of Architecture, CCA: Ila Berman
Project Design and Fabrication: Kory Bieg, Andre Caradec, Andrew Kudless
Parametric Design Consultant: Andy Payne
Sponsors: K Bieg Design, Studio Under Manufacture, Solid Thinking

Photos courtesy of Kory Bieg 

GRASSHOPPER PRIMER ENGLISH EDITION

The second edition of the Grasshopper Primer is out and it wouldn't have been possible without the tremendous contribution from Rajaa Issa.  Rajaa is a developer at Robert McNeel and Associates and is the author of several other Rhino plugins including ArchCut and the ever popular PanelingTools.  This revision provides a much more comprehensive guide than the first edition, weighing in at almost 160 pages with over 70 new pages dedicated to creating your own customized scripting components.

This printing coincides with two events; the first being the new release of Grasshopper version 0.6.0007 which proves to be a giant upgrade to the already robust Grasshopper platform. Existing users will find subtle, and some not so subtle changes to how data is stored in the current version; making some previous definitions outdated or even unusable.  It is the hope that this primer will help new and existing users navigate many of the changes to the software system. The second event that overlaps with this publication is the conference titled FLUX: Architecture in a Parametric Landscape that is being held at the California College of the Arts. The event explores contemporary architecture and design through its relationship with changes in design technologies such as parametric modeling, digital fabrication, and scripting. Among other things, the event will consist of an exhibition and a series of workshops dedicated to parametric software systems.

Source Files:
The Grasshopper Primer_Second Edition.pdf (size: 10.7mb - right-click and select 'Save Link As' - adobe acrobat needed)

Primer Source Files (size: 193k - right-click and select 'Save Link As' - this is a collection of definitions and Rhino files needed to complete the examples in the primer)