They are a series of computer graphics courses for threedimensional modelling, rendering and prototyping, starting from Rhinoceros V5. The aim of these courses is to train professionals with an adequate degree of competence in the design and modelling of complex forms in the field of jewellery design, so as to boost their chances of satisfactory integration in the professional world.
The courses are organised by ascending level of specialisation and by argument, so as to satisfy all types of training requirement, perfectly tailored to the needs of each individual pupil.
BASE MODULE
The Foundation Course in Rhino is aimed at students who have never used the programme or have only a rudimentary knowledge of it. The purpose of the course is to teach the students how to use the 2D and 3D software tools so that they can acquire a certain familiarity with the graphic interface. In this way, once they have completed the foundation course they will be able to use the software to continue learning independently. Theoretical and practical concepts for producing technical drawings in 2D are taught, and for jewellery modelling of surfaces and solids designed for the construction of 3D digital models.
The course is focused on jewellery design, also dealing with topics such as pure geometry, descriptive geometry and jewellery construction (components, combination and mechanics) as well as methods and techniques for transforming the idea into a model ready for prototyping. The course ends with the process of rapid prototyping (3D printing), through the creation of a previously designed object.
Main topics of the course
- Introduction: Foundations of Rhino – Description and features of the software - Interface – Viewports - Navigation
- Customisation of Rhino
- Creation of geometries: two-dimensional forms; points and curves – surfaces – degree precision modelling – aids for modelling – object edition – points editing.
- Transformations - Gumball
- Cplane – use and changes – management of viewports – use of background images
- Layers - Blocks - Groups
- 3D modelling and editing: solids and polysurfaces – creating deformable shapes – modelling of solids – importing and exporting of models – organisation of dimensions libraries
- The meshes – print management
- Computer-assisted jewellery modelling with TechGems: Interface – composition and modelling commands
- Customisation of workspaces and toolbars: Rhino settings – customisation of toolbars – management
- Identification of problems of a geometric nature – solutions
- Management of 3D printing (rapid prototyping)
- Introduction to rendering
ADVANCED MODULE
The Advanced Course in Rhino is aimed at those who have already mastered a basic knowledge of the programme and want to refine their jewellery modelling techniques. During the course, concepts of NURBS geometry are explored, such as degree, control points, knots and so on, leading to mastery of the use of advanced tools on points, curves, surfaces and solids. Other aspects covered include the use of analysis tools, the approach to parametric design using Grasshopper and the use of cellular patterns exploiting the Panelling Tool plug-in.
The objective of the course is to overcome the limitations of a superficial use of Rhinoceros and the geometry of objects in general, to reach the point of being able to model any form whatsoever that may be necessary for the development of a project.
Main topics of the course
- NURBS geometry – Elements of theory
- Properties of the objects
- Geometry of complex forms: surfaces and solids
- Free-forms - Loft – Network of curves
- Editing of points – Curves from objects – Surface tools – Editing of solids
- UDT
- Analysis tools – Edge editing
- Elements of mesh geometry
- Introduction to the use of Panelling Tools
- Elements of Grasshopper
RENDERING COURSE WITH FLAMINGO
The Flamingo course is aimed at students who wish to acquire expertise in photorealistic-quality rendering without necessarily having to become professionals. The course is tailored for anyone who wants to utilise the computer as a useful tool for jewellery design, although still subordinate. Flamingo nXt offers maximum simplification of the option settings so as to achieve an excellent result in the shortest possible time. The aim of the course is to acquire a complete knowledge of the programme, from the management of the materials and the lighting to the creation of an environment and setting the rendering properties, targeting a correct representation of the project in both technical and communication terms.
Main topics of the course
- Introduction to Flamingo – description of the software and characteristics
- Materials – materials editor – assignation
- Colour base – reflection – self-luminance – transparency – bumps – procedural bumps – brightness – displacement
- Procedural materials
- Templates -libraries
- Mapping – decals – texture unwrapping
- Lighting: methods – study of scene lighting
- Light sources – properties and parameters
- Shadows
- Studio lighting – exterior lighting – interior daylight – artificial lighting
- Use of high dynamic range images HDRI
- Ambience
- Backgrounds – effects
- Channels
- Rendering – settings – path tracing
- Burn control – white point adjustment
- Post processing
