
Create intricate 3D waffle structures in Rhino Grasshopper from freeform geometry to fabrication by slicing, interlocking components, and unrolled layouts with labeled tags.
Learn to model a closed watertight 3d geometry, create a bounding box, slice in directions, add interlocking cutouts, and produce 2d drawings with labels for waffle structures in rhino grasshopper.
Create a closed watertight geometry from a 50 by 50 by 30 box, rebuild the top to nine by nine, and shape with control points, trims, and joins.
Bring three-dimensional geometry into Grasshopper using a brep and bounding box, create slicing planes from edge divisions, and intersect with brep planes to form a waffle structure.
Create cutouts by intersecting surfaces in x and y directions, flatten the data, then use pipes as solid cutters after offsetting and joining offset surfaces in both directions.
visualize the waffle structure in grasshopper by adjusting material thickness, offsetting surfaces in two directions, and creating closed poly surfaces through extrusion of offset outlines.
Generate 2d drawings and text tags for waffle elements, labeling with x and y coordinates and numbers.
Explore the Open Nest plug-in to convert text into polylines for easier engraving. Adjust font, size, and offset, and organize graphics into engraving and cutting layers for laser fabrication.
Learn how to create intricate waffle structures from any 3D form using Grasshopper—the industry-standard tools for parametric design and digital fabrication.
This course takes you step-by-step through the entire process: from modeling free-form geometry, to slicing and generating interlocking waffle components, to preparing your elements for fabrication with unrolled layouts and labeled tags.
Whether you’re an architect, designer, student, or digital fabricator, you’ll gain practical skills to turn complex 3D shapes into real-world buildable structures.
What You’ll Learn:
How to model free-form 3D geometries in Rhino
Create a waffle grid system using Grasshopper
Design interlocking structural elements with precision
Unroll and layout elements for laser cutting, CNC, or manual assembly
Add automatic numbering and text tags for organized fabrication
Export ready-to-cut drawings with all necessary markings
Tools & Software Used:
Rhino 3D (Windows or Mac)
Grasshopper (visual programming plugin for Rhino)
Who This Course Is For:
Architecture and design students
Fabrication professionals and model makers
Grasshopper users seeking practical workflows
Anyone interested in parametric structures and digital making
Requirements:
Basic knowledge of Rhino and Grasshopper
Rhino + Grasshopper installed (Rhino 6, 7, or later)
No previous fabrication experience required—just curiosity and creativity!
By the end of the course, you'll be able to confidently generate fabrication-ready waffle structures for projects of any scale. Join the course and develop a clear, hands-on understanding of digital-to-physical workflows.