Alternative uses for Houdini

[lukeiamyourfather]

A node based CAD application doesn't exist that I know of. If that's the case, Side Effects should make one based on SOP networks. All of the CAD applications I've used are rubbish. I made a quick model for a jig with the copy SOP and cookie SOP and then machined using code generated from the Houdini model. Everything worked great, images attached if you're curious. The jig is to hold a fiberglass plate which will be cut for a copter chassis (also modeled in Houdini). Done being off topic, carry on!

[Macha]

Maybe they should get onto the 3d-printing bandwagon! Somehow.

[lukeiamyourfather]

Maybe they should get onto the 3d-printing bandwagon! Somehow.

Some wicked stuff could be made in Houdini for 3D printing just as is. There are other applications that will write the code for the machine based on a 3D model like DXF, STL, OBJ, etc. I made a waterfall in RealFlow for an artist (Eyal Gever) which he had 3D printed. The results are pretty cool.

[Macha]

Wow thats really cool Luke! You should make a version with little people, or birds, drowning in it.

Edited October 27, 2011 by Macha

[moondeer]

i'd love to try out some houdini models at shapeways.

3d bikini model printed at shapeways

Edited October 28, 2011 by moondeer

[john_z]

Take a look at Grasshopper 3d.

It looks very interesting for design/arch.

[kubabuk]

A node based CAD application doesn't exist that I know of.

Actually that's not true, there are a bunch of them out there. Two most influential are:

• uStation + Generative Components
  
• Rhino+grasshopper
  

Groshopper is getting more attention recently (due to the fast development and price ) it's used in very many offices around the globe. It has a few advantages over Houdini since it's focusing primarily on modeling not FX such as:

• great support for nurbs (such as trims)
  
• modeling precision and snapping controls
  
• export/import many 3rd party formats
  

[Netvudu]

oooh, I love the fluid sculpture!

[zdimaria]

Some wicked stuff could be made in Houdini for 3D printing just as is. There are other applications that will write the code for the machine based on a 3D model like DXF, STL, OBJ, etc. I made a waterfall in RealFlow for an artist (Eyal Gever) which he had 3D printed. The results are pretty cool.

hey luke,

could you please elaborate on these photos? did you print this? sorry to say I tineyed your pics and seeing that they are nowhere else on the net, im guessing you did this yourself. im very interested in how you did this

zak

[0rr]

If I could I would use houdini for everything ;D.

If you haven't already seen it take a look at my shape experiments: link

Since there aren't any node based vector apps (like illustrator) I am also thinking of ways I can use houdini

for 2d stuff. I was suprised how well it works. And because of houdinis wren render I can export it to illustrator and edit it further.

I am also thinking about writing a custom 2d render with pyx so what I can take advantage of layers and bezier curves.

Here are some results:

[lukeiamyourfather]

hey luke,could you please elaborate on these photos? did you print this? sorry to say I tineyed your pics and seeing that they are nowhere else on the net, im guessing you did this yourself. im very interested in how you did thiszak

I created the simulation and handed it off as an OBJ sequence. The client had it 3D printed, probably through a business like Shapeways or similar. There are alternatives like RepRap (open source 3D printer that can replicate itself) and Ultimaker (commercial product for hobby users). Though the alternatives wouldn't be able to print an object that large which makes me think it was professionally printed. The photos are from the client after it was finished.

If I could I would use houdini for everything ;D.If you haven't already seen it take a look at my shape experiments: linkSince there aren't any node based vector apps (like illustrator) I am also thinking of ways I can use houdinifor 2d stuff. I was suprised how well it works. And because of houdinis wren render I can export it to illustrator and edit it further.I am also thinking about writing a custom 2d render with pyx so what I can take advantage of layers and bezier curves.Here are some results:

Those images on your site are wonderful! I can see a lot of uses for a 2D node based application. Never rendered anything with Wren but I'm going to check it out now. If you decide to pursue a 2D renderer based on PyX give us a heads up, I'd love to help with that.

[Ezz]

quote:"A node based CAD application doesn't exist"

Have you tried SolidWorks or some of the highend CAD-systems like CATIA?? Well they have somekind of the same procedual

approach to 3d-modeling like Houdini.

Cheers

Erik

[lukeiamyourfather]

quote:"A node based CAD application doesn't exist"

Erik, I also said "that I know of" since I'm not an engineer who uses CAD applications everyday.

[lukeiamyourfather]

And because of houdinis wren render I can export it to illustrator and edit it further.

I was messing with Wren to get some images. I was getting Raster images, can it render vectors? A different way to get vectors I've been using is export a cache to Meshlab and use a tool there to create cross sections of a mesh exported as SVG files.

[0rr]

I was messing with Wren to get some images. I was getting Raster images, can it render vectors? A different way to get vectors I've been using is export a cache to Meshlab and use a tool there to create cross sections of a mesh exported as SVG files.

you have to add the -p render command flag. Or click on the Icon next to Render Command. There you can set the Create Postscript Checkbox. I think you also have to directly save the image to disk. So you have to set a path in the Output Picture textfield with the .ps suffix.

It'll give you a line segment for every polyline. These segments are not connected.

[guache]

different way to get vectors I've been using is export a cache to Meshlab and use a tool there

What tool in Meshlab did you use?

[lukeiamyourfather]

What tool in Meshlab did you use?

There are two tools, one to create a single cross section and another to create many cross sections. If using the latest version (1.3.0 at the time of writing) look under Filters > Quality Measure and computations > Cross section parallel planes and Cross section single plane is the next menu item. The output requires a little editing like removing superficial border artwork on the pages. Might be worth a RFE to the project to have an option to toggle the different elements of the output if you plant to use it a lot.