Organic tree branch shape

[JamesLEDA2]

Hello,
First time poster long time lurker.
I have a project which is somewhat unusual (hence my posting).
I need to create a tree branch to be used to instruct a CNC cutter to make a tree sculpture.
Each branch is to be the same but diminishing in scale as you move up the tree canopy.

I've created a flat 2D image of the branch in plan but I'm struggling to find a way of turning this into a 3d shape with a smooth "organic" shape.

I've had a read and it seems people recommend the morph/mesh tool for this but I'm struggling to get it to work. I've attached a 2D image of the plan view, is there a recommended way to turn this into a 3D curved tree branch with an elliptical cross section running throughout the length of the branch?

Another option is Sketchup, though I'm less familiar with this, do you think this may be the best approach?

Kind regards,

[Anonymous]

James,

there would be no problem doing this in ARCHICAD if you were after a planar shape simply using the slab tool or the morph tool. With the morph tool you could also fillet all the edges.

But to have an elliptical profile you will need either use to use a NURBS modeller such a Rhino and use lofting tool or within ARCHICAD create a GDL script using the sweep command. The Rhino option is probably best to get output to a CNC mill as ARCHICAD is not really the correct tool to talk to a CNC.

If it were me I would not be trying to connect to the CNC but would document the 2D outline as you have done and document the elliptical cross sections at key points along the 'Branch' and then let the fabricator who is an expert in the CNC and its modelling software produce shop drawings / production model so any fabrication issues are theirs and not yours.

Scott

PS: some things to think about:
- how do you plan to connect the branches to the trunk?
- at what point would elliptical cross section at base of branch would need to match trunk