Rhino workflow

Rhino to Revit: create a lighting family with IES

For a Rhino to Revit family workflow, keep only the BIM-ready closed solids, set document units correctly, select the objects and export ACIS SAT using a 4.0-compatible preset. Check size and body count, then pair the SAT with matching IES in BIMMER. BIMMER does not directly accept native .3dm files.

, lighting-product designer and BIMMER developer Updated

Direct support status

InputDirectly accepted?Required action
Rhino .3dmNoOpen in Rhino and export selected closed solids to SAT.
Rhino ACIS 4.0 preset SATYesUse the Default, AutoCAD, Inventor or SolidWorks-compatible 4.0 preset documented by Rhino.
Open surfaces / meshesNoJoin/repair into valid solids; meshes are not the accepted ACIS solid workflow.
IESYesPair it with the matching SAT.

The BIMMER workflow

  1. Work on a copy and delete layers/objects that are internal, hidden or too fine for specification use.
  2. Use ShowEdges and object properties to confirm closed polysurfaces; repair naked edges before export.
  3. Set document units, select only BIM-ready solids, choose Export Selected → ACIS (.sat) and use a documented ACIS 4.0 preset.
  4. Re-open and measure the SAT, then pair it with IES in BIMMER and inspect the generated RFA.
BIMMER-generated Revit family with geometry and photometry
BIMMER-owned output evidence: the generated RFA opened in Revit. Rhino prepares the closed solid and exports SAT; native 3DM is not a direct BIMMER upload. See the complete BIMMER tutorial.

Closed solids are the key checkpoint

Rhino can model NURBS surfaces, polysurfaces and meshes, but the BIMMER path is ACIS solid geometry. A visually complete object may still have naked edges. Check and repair those edges before export so the SAT contains dependable bodies.

Rhino to Revit uses a documented SAT preset

Rhino 8 documents Default, AutoCAD, Inventor and SolidWorks SAT export schemes at ACIS 4.0. That is within BIMMER’s supported 7.0/4.0 boundary. Hidden objects are not exported, so use explicit selection and layer control to make the result intentional.

Common failures and what to change

Objects look solid but export as missing or open geometry.

Use ShowEdges and repair naked edges; verify the objects report as closed polysurfaces.

Unwanted layers appear in the SAT.

Use Export Selected with only BIM-ready solids visible/selected.

The family scale is wrong.

Set Rhino document units before export and measure a known dimension in the re-opened SAT.

Questions manufacturers ask

Can BIMMER upload 3DM directly?

No. Export selected, closed Rhino solids as an ACIS 4.0 SAT first.

Which Rhino SAT scheme should I choose?

Rhino documents several compatible presets at ACIS 4.0. Use one of those, then verify dimensions and body count before BIMMER.

Is BIMMER a direct Rhino to Revit converter?

No for native 3DM files. Rhino must first export selected closed solids as compatible SAT; BIMMER then combines that SAT with IES into a Revit lighting family.

Primary references