SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

Re: Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

null@example.com (n2ri) — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 07:48:04 +0000

yobi3d.com shows filters for 20 different file types for 3D printing some you have to buy program to work with them. I only use freeware programs and only use a few to convert to STL or a more manageable format. also a few are used for web page creation and not physical 3D printing of objects like the animated Sketchup files. BTW Sketchup 8 if still available is freeware and if given option for file download I recommend version 8 or older files.

Re: Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

null@example.com (Kronikabuse) — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 01:34:12 +0000

It's a slicing program. Pretty nice but its pricey. https://www.simplify3d.com

Re: Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

null@example.com (Rocketman) — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 00:07:19 +0000

Kronikabuse wrote:

I dont use sketchup. If you use S3D there is an option that lets you pick a surface to make coplanar with the bed. Before I got S3d any time I need to rotate a model I used netfabb

What is s3d?

Re: Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

null@example.com (Kronikabuse) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 13:38:59 +0000

I dont use sketchup. If you use S3D there is an option that lets you pick a surface to make coplanar with the bed. Before I got S3d any time I need to rotate a model I used netfabb

Re: Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

null@example.com (Rocketman) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 05:14:34 +0000

I am referring to objects converted from .stl to .dae to import into Sketchup. I get them from thingiverse often times. I don't use project files. I later convert back to .stl as needed.

Like if the bottom of the object is say: 0.047935% I would multiply by reciprocal in attempt to get to whole numbers. Even when I get all zeros eventually implying that it is level with floor it is still proceeded by a ~ symbol indicating that it is approximate. That is frustrating since I already displayed as many numbers as it will show me.

Re: Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

null@example.com (n2ri) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 03:57:40 +0000

well 1st Sketchup files must be converted to workable STL files as not much can be done to make them printable until then.

2nd most Sketchup files are very poorly made by low quality designers that just dump them there then you never see designer again and others put/encrypt things into their designs for copyright protection or specific 2D uses that are hard to find/fix/remove but that part must be done in Sketchup b4 converting to STL.
these type issues are just one of the many things you have to learn through trial & error.
but 1 tip I will give you that will speed up that process some (though make it harder at times) go in settings of sketchup and uncheck 'hide geometry' and any other effects like fog etc as those are only for 2D picture use and the hidden things are not hidden in STL form so will screw with printing. you will also then see 2D items that need removed/deleted also.

also you will find many measurements are not exact when converted to STL and printed but some can be rescaled after test print once you find how much to adjust for. as with any printed file. just like photo copiers need many times for precise measurements. so rescaling calculators/charts are another resource needed.

Getting exact measures in Sketchup??

null@example.com (Rocketman) — Mon, 08 Oct 2018 02:04:32 +0000

Sometimes I import items that are tilted at weird angles with many decimals in them, and I just can't seem to level it perfectly. Any pointers on how to do that?