Download these 51 freeform models that can be exported and read in as an IGES or STEP into any CAD program. These models were created using T-Splines. You do not need to have T-Splines installed on your computer to read the files — they will open as watertight, dumb NURBS geometry in any program that can read in .3dm (Rhino) files. To edit the models, download a free trial of T-Splines.

T-Splines allows you to easily create flowing, freeform surfaces for many applications, including architecture, jewelry, consumer products, and marine. T-Splines lets you create complex objects as a single, smooth surface that you can push and pull like digital clay. Here, we have provided over 50 T-spline models for you to download and use. These files just contain the finished models; for step-by-step instructions on how to create T-spline models, please visit our tutorials page. As you will see when you download and examine the models, T-spline surfaces

• can be converted to NURBS surfaces at the push of a button
• are well-suited for shape exploration
• are seriously smooth
• allow you to add detail to specific parts of your model
• can be saved as a coarse mesh for small file size
• are compatible with downstream engineering applications.

Conversion to NURBS

T-Splines is useful for creating swoopy, freeform shapes. At any point in the modeling process, you can exactly convert the T-spline surfaces to NURBS surfaces. Since T-Splines is tightly integrated with the Rhino 3D modeling software, you can then use Rhino’s tools to create the rest of the model based on your original T-spline form. Here are two examples: in the first, T-Splines was used to make the shape of the heart pendant, then Rhino was used to add the gem settings. In the second, T-Splines was used to get the form of the bike seat, then Rhino was used to add the supports and screw holes. (Read more about using the right tool for the job when combining T-Splines + Rhino in your toolset.)

Shape exploration

The bike seat model included in the model pack has the T-spline surface saved at various steps in the layers. This method gives you an easy way to go back to the model at various points to make changes. Traditionally, when working in surface modelers such as Rhino, you would save your base curves and always go back to the curves to make changes to your surface. While you can work that way with T-Splines, since you can pull and tug on the model as well to explore design alternatives, you don't need to go all the way back to the curves, you can also go back to saved copies you have made of the model.

Seriously smooth

T-spline surfaces are excellent at accommodating smooth transitions between forms; in fact, as far as we know, we have the smoothest star points in the CAD industry, which mean that complex surfaces like the one below can be thickened or offset. Download the model pack to try for yourself!

Local detail

This case concept model shows how T-Splines can have high detail in specific areas of the model. When control points are moved to adjust the detail, the deformation smoothly blends into the rest of the model.

Small file size

Most of the T-splines surfaces in the model pack are saved as a boxy mesh (we call this "box mode"). This significantly reduces the file size. To display the T-Splines models as smooth surfaces (in "smooth mode"), just select the model and run the tsSmoothToggle command.

Downstream compatibility

These T-spline models can be sent as watertight NURBS surfaces to engineering applications such as PRO/E and SolidWorks. Try it yourself—just export the T-spline model like you would a Rhino polysurface. Watch this recorded webinar to see how to bring a T-spline model into SolidWorks.