Rhino 3D: Anything you can do I can do better!

As generally believed, there are some fine details that set Rhino apart from parametric CAD. In one aspect, Rhino can create a surface that exists mathematically, while the surface is hard to be made by an apparent set of rules in parametric modeling. Parametric CAD programs have more stringent conditions on creating a surface. If the conditions are satisfied, then the surface can be generated. If not, the surface will fail. One of the reasons for that I figure is because parametric CAD is designed for engineering and in some cases scientific applications. The 3D models or surfaces in parametric CAD must be precise and anchored on measureable parametric data. However in Rhino, it provides you with multiple ways to create a surface that is hard to defined in mathematical terms even though the surface exists mathematically.
 
Look at this example of Lofted surfaces from Rhino 5 Level 1 training manual, Exercise 59— Canoe. (The manual is here)When you prepare sketch profiles (curves) to make a lofted surface in Solidworks, the program will have to make sure the newly lofted surface go through every sketch profile (curves) with smooth curvilinear transition. It is rigidly constructed and conformed to the sketch profiles. Whereas in Rhino, you can have some other options:

 

Above are the finished Canoe and its original sketch profiles (curves)

 

In the Loft Options dialog box, the default of Style is Normal. A surface is fitted over the curves just it can be done in Solidworks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or, in the Loft Options dialog box, you can switch Style to Straight sections, A surface is fitted through the curves, but the sections are straight between the curves. It is much like a poly model.

 

 

 

 

 

Or, in the Loft Options dialog box, switch Style to Loose, a surface is created that uses the same control points as the curves. The surface follows the curves more loosely. Use this option when you want the surface to conform to the control points of the input curves.

 

 

 

This is an example that illustrates one of the advantages a CAD user can see in Rhino over CAD programs like Solidworks – its versatility and flexibility in getting surface made.