This video introduces a series on primary surfacing, aiming to teach experienced CAD users how to create better, smoother 3D models. The series emphasizes going back to the basics of primary surfaces to avoid common issues that arise later in the modeling process. The instructor, Schuyler Greenawalt, a freelance surfacing expert in the aerospace industry, shares insights gained from fixing complex projects. The course will cover classical NURBS modeling fundamentals, patch layout, span, and matching, applicable across various design fields like automotive, aerospace, and product design. It's designed for users already familiar with freeform surface modeling concepts, not beginners.
Generic 3D model in Rhino3D, serving as a background for the introduction
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Introduction to the Primary Surfacing Series [00:00:00]
The series aims to demonstrate how creating proper primary surfaces leads to:
Better and smoother 3D models.
Improved workflow efficiency.
A deeper understanding of the CAD tools being used.
The core philosophy is to return to foundational principles to ensure primary surfaces are as good as possible, preventing downstream issues.
Instructor: Schuyler Greenawalt, co-founder of School Street design company.
Experience: Over 10 years in freelance surfacing, primarily for the aerospace industry, specializing in low-drag bodies and production surfacing.
Inspiration for the Series:
Frequent experience being called in to fix complex projects where in-house teams struggle.
Observing recurring issues that stem from poor primary surfacing from the very beginning of a project.
Problems often manifest later in a project (e.g., when attempting to offset, make watertight, or create blends), but their root is in the initial surfaces.
Analogy: The instructor likens his role to an "old man" complaining about current practices, but choosing to create a series to teach better methods instead.
The Importance of Classical NURBS Modeling [00:02:54]
Despite the abundance of advanced surfacing tools (like SubD, T-splines), understanding the classical approach to NURBS modeling is crucial.
Benefits of Understanding Fundamentals:
Helps in creating higher-quality models.
Provides a foundational understanding of why certain methods were historically preferred.
"Class A" Surface Modeling:
The series will discuss "Class A" surfacing later, acknowledging it as a contentious topic regarding its definition, importance, and practical application.
The series is not strictly "Class A" modeling but will be informed by its concepts, without being dogmatic.
High-quality surfaces have valid reasons for being modeled in specific ways, and these traditional workflows and approaches are often being lost.
Individuals who care deeply about surface quality or are currently facing challenges with it.
Users who understand the high stakes of precise modeling, especially in industries where tooling costs millions (e.g., aerospace), requiring surfaces without "wobbles, wiggles, and wrinkles."
Who it's not for:
Brand-new CAD users.
Users primarily focused on mechanical design (e.g., SolidWorks for mechanical assemblies) rather than freeform surface modeling.
The distinction is drawn between a "machinist" (mechanical design) and a "sculptor" (freeform surface modeling).
This series is aimed at experienced users who already grasp surface modeling concepts, techniques, problems, and pitfalls.
Concluding Examples: The series will culminate in multiple practical examples demonstrating the discussed concepts, focusing on primary surfacing for:
Aircraft.
Cars.
Marine applications.
Cross-Platform Applicability: While the examples might differ by industry, the underlying surface modeling techniques and thought processes are universal.
Software:
Rhino 5 (older version).
VSR | Autodesk Shape (a plugin no longer sold, which is why the instructor uses Rhino 5).
A dedicated video will explain the advantages of Shape over stock Rhino for certain surfacing tasks and why the instructor remains on Rhino 5.
Platform Agnostic Concepts: Many modules, such as patch layout, span, and matching, will be broadly applicable, making the series useful even for users on different NURBS freeform modeling platforms.
