Food4Rhino

This add-on provides two-way collaboration between AXISVM and Rhino/Grasshopper. It makes possible to set up a complex, parametric AXISVM model (send nodes, line elements, surfaces, domains, load panels, supports, loads etc. to AXISVM). Items can be meshed and grouped into custom parts. User may perform FE analysis, import analysis results, create steel and timber design members and run cross-section optimization in AXISVM via COM server connection. When the export/import process starts, AXISVM opens automatically, displaying the structure immediately and updating as parameters are changed.

New features in GrasshopperToAXISVM V8.3:

• create custom materials directly in Grasshopper
• use the already known Deconstruct Items component to extract material properties
• import RC1 result components: reinforcement quantities and cracking values (for calculated and actual reinforcement), reinforcement design forces, shear resistance values
• set reference directions of load panels
• automatic AXISVM license selection (no more pop-up window)
• new example file: parabolic steel frame - from our cooperative partner BUCC

New features in GrasshopperToAXISVM V8.2:

• new result types can be imported: surface force, CLT utilization, surface support force, gap force, NN and LL link element force, edge hinge force
• grouped import is now available for CLT stress, nodal and line support force (using Item|ID input "-1")
• with these updates, both the unique and the grouped import is available for all result types

New features in GrasshopperToAXISVM V8.1:

• access to the result case lists of existing *.axe files, no need to (re)start FEA from GH
• extract the extreme result values in envelope and critical cases
• new result types can be imported: spring force, surface stress, CLT surface stress;
• quicker assignment of cross-sections to the optimization groups (for CS optimization based on predefined shapes)

New features in GrasshopperToAXISVM V8.0:

• import the main items of existing AXISVM models into GH, extract their properties and generate parametric loads on the
• Rhino preview is available for the AXISVM components;
• create custom parts (with folder structure) in AXISVM;
• highlight items in AXISVM based on GH objects or item IDs;
• flexible usage of AXISVM models and windows (change file path, save model variants, sender component can connect to any AXISVM window opened from GH etc.);
• selected material, cross-section and CLT panel name is displayed at the bottom of the components;
• 6 new load types: moving load, nodal mass, fault in length, line tension/compression, influence line load and surface concentrated load is available;
• assign domain and load panel polyline loads to structural members;
• create warping factors, and use the seismic isolator characteristics easier;
• import the displacement, force and stress results for all structural members quicker.

Installation

• Install Rhinoceros 6, 7 or 8 and AXISVM X8R1.
• AXISVM COM server has to be registered within the operating system as administrator. Registration makes AXISVM COM objects available for other programs. COM server is registered after installation of AXISVM. Older versions of AXISVM must be unregistered first. See details in the AXISVM COM Server Reference Guide.
• Download the latest GrasshopperToAXISVM_VXpX.zip file. This contains a *.gha file and the Interop.AxisVM.dll file that are required to use the add-on. Place the file in the Grasshopper Components folder and unzip it. You can open the Components folder through the Grasshopper menu: File --> Special Folders --> Components Folder.
• Restart Rhino and open Grasshopper. There is a new tab in Grasshopper named AXISVM.
• In case you don't see the tab, go to Grasshopper Components folder, right-click on GrasshopperToAXISVM_VXpX.gha, select properties and click on Unblock.

Feedbacks, questions and feature requests are welcome in our AXISVM Support Center.

History:

• GrasshopperToAXISVM V8.0 (published in year 2025) significantly enhances the user experience with numerous new features. It provides Rhino preview for the AXISVM components. User may identify (highlight) items in the AXISVM window via Grasshopper. Custom part folders can be defined. Flexible work with file paths and AXISVM windows allows to save model variants into separate files conveniently. Some model items of an existing *.axs file can be imported into Grasshopper and may be loaded with parametric load definitions. Furthermore, this package makes many new load types available: nodal mass, influence line load, line tension-compression, moving load etc.
• GrasshopperToAXISVM V7.0 (published in year 2024) brings new component groups focusing on the results and cross-section optimization. The result case list of each performed FEA is available. User may customize the result display settings, including display modes of the model (wireframe, hidden etc.), the result display mode (diagram, isolines etc.), scaling factor, color legend settings etc. Some results may be imported from AXISVM to Grasshopper and the values are available as data trees. Available result types: nodal and member displacement, member internal force, member stress, nodal support reaction force and line support reaction force. Cross-section optimization the AXISVM SD9 and TD9 modules can be used from Grasshopper with a brandnew component group.
• GrasshopperToAXISVM V6.x (published in year 2023) took a huge step and made possible the meshing of structural members and domains (FE mesh is created in AXISVM), five analysis types can be started from Grasshopper (linear static, nonlinear static, vibration, buckling, seismic analysis) and user can create steel and timber design members via new components. Beside these new features, the existing component subcategories are extended as well. Any type of references, node-to-node and line-to-line link elements and storeys can be defined. Parametric cross-sections can be created and displayed, XLAM panels can be selected or defined. User can create linear or nonlinear spring characteristics as well as isolator characteristics. A new nodal support component is available that can handle the AXISVM spring characteristics approach. Snow load, wind load, concentrated line load, support displacement and fluid loads can be set up.
• GrasshopperToAXISVM V5.0 and V5.1 (published in year 2022) introduced numerous new possibilities and consisted of 82 AXISVM components in total. New elements (special domains, beam end releases, eccentricity, rigid elements etc.) and loads could be defined. Components for load panel, load group and load combination etc. has been developed.
• GrasshopperToAXISVM V4.1 and V4.2 (published in year 2021) offered 16 AXISVM components. Some load types could be defined, material and cross section library access has been implemented, linear static FE analysis could be started. Duplicated elements could be removed from the FEA model.
• The very first version of the add-on has been called AXISVM Export. Its development has been started 2017 and it has been published 2018. The components could send simple lines and structural members to AXISVM. The following version called GrasshopperToAXISVM V3.0 has been extended with the capability to transfer of surfaces, domains and nodal supports. These versions are not available on the food4rhino any more.