1 Topic by browner87 (edited by browner87 2014-05-26 01:36:05)

  • browner87
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Topic: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

I'm about to start on a large scale project that will be many pieces and take me a long time to do. Recently, I've been working on a few small scale projects that I've ultimately given up on (after entirely modelling) in Sketchup and done again from scratch in OpenSCAD.

Now, I love OpenSCAD and it certainly has its place, but I feel Sketchup would be easier for this project with more geometric shapes and things that I just feel would be harder to describe with math.

The problem I have with Sketchup  is that I finish my model, and it's in a .skp file. Now I've downloaded 2 separate plugins that are for exporting files as STL and BOTH fail to properly export the object. If I export the file and try to slice it with Slic3r, I get almost a non-existant object. Slic3r just freaks and generates almost nothing. Now, if I run it through NetFabb (like I was for a while without problem), the geometry is usually skewed in some weird way. Sometimes round holes are semi-circle holes, and sometimes square channels are triangular channels. I just can't make heads or tails of it.

SO - Is there a reliable way (using an older version of Sketchup/Slic3r, different addons, etc) to make Sketchup export proper STL files that will work in Slic3r? (Ideally with the newest version of Slic3r)

Example skp and stl files attached (*_fixed is after NetFabb  tried to fix it)


EDIT: Just to be clear, I've cleaned up a few files by just completely redoing the entire affected area and it usually works, but I don't feel like having to do this project 3 times over.

Post's attachments

Lid_Corners_curve.skp 1.11 mb, 3 downloads since 2014-05-26 

Lid_Corners_curve.stl 185.49 kb, 4 downloads since 2014-05-26 

Lid_Corners_curve_fixed.stl 39.63 kb, 4 downloads since 2014-05-26 

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2 Reply by knowack

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Re: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

Much like you describe, I have a love/hate relationship with SketchUp.  I keep looking around for something better, and keep coming back to SketchUp.

I'm using version 2013, and can see you're on version 2014.  I don't know if that's part of the problem, but I'll share my experience with you anyway:

I use the "SketchUP STL"  plugin from the SketchUP Team, which is available in the Extension Warehouse.  I'm able to import and export .stl files without difficulty. 

Having said that, SketchUp itself makes some rash geometry assumptions during modeling, that become apparent when exporting for 3D printing.  I attribute this to the fact that SketchUp seems originally intended for 'visual correctness' rather than 'model integrity'; not to the .stl export process.

I use the NetFabb cloud service to good effect.  I find that using 'components' in SketchUp to isolate portions of the model helps keep the geometry sane...often not needing a scrubbing through NetFabb.

3 Reply by browner87

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Re: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

I'm not sure if you are able to open my file since it's newer than your version, but it's a pretty simple file if you view the STLs in your browser. I don't even know what I'd componentize...

I also use the SketchUp team's STL exporter, as wel ass one that does STL and DFX or something like that. Both have the same problems sad

Maybe I'll just have to suck it up and use OpenSCAD. I love the concept of it, but in reality making complex shapes can be a large code mess. Trying to juggle in my head a whole bunch of shapes being added and subtracted from each other is a pain, and I would likely make every part in a different file so I'd never get to see them "assembled" before printing to check for obvious math errors.

If anyone knows a good way to convert skp files to STL with very good reliability, I (and many others) would greatly appreciate it!

4 Reply by tramonta

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Re: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

Hello,

It takes me 5 minutes to prepare the model for the genuine STL file.
I did it with Susolid plugin.
The most important is to scale the model 1:1000 and then export the STL file in meters,but don't worry,Slic3r will see it in mm.
Please check if all ok in Slic3r,because I did't check it.

Post's attachments

Lid_Corners_curve_solid.skp 1.11 mb, 3 downloads since 2014-05-26 

Lid_Corners_curve_solid.stl 145.61 kb, 7 downloads since 2014-05-26 

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5 Reply by browner87

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Re: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

Hmmm... The STL file you have posted does not slice properly with Slic3r, but I will vertainly give that plugin a try. It looks very intriguing. I will post back if I have any success!

6 Reply by lawsy

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Re: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

+1 for SUsolid.

An old video of mine:

lawsy's Website

7 Reply by tramonta

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Re: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

"Hmmm... The STL file you have posted does not slice properly with Slic3r"

Strange,I have checked it with the latest version of Slic3r and is slicing totally ok for me without complaining.
And also the g-code viewer is showing the properly formed path.

8 Reply by browner87 (edited by browner87 2014-05-27 15:10:05)

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Re: Reliable way to use Sketchup for modelling?

I must apologize. I only tried slicing it with the old version of Slic3r that came with Repetier Host. I did slice it with the latest version of Slic3r and it does appear to slice properly! I will download this addon and see if I have any further problems with prints. Thank you so much!

EDIT: Does the free version of SuSolid with free version of SketchUp do this?