Re: Problems with exporting stl files from Google Sketchup

[LaBarbe]

Hello,

I've had the same problem with sketchup.
Finally, I used :

- skp_to_dxf
http://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl

- solid inspector
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30504

- and always have a look to all faces: sometimes its a "back face" ... so right button on the face and transform it in "front face"... something like that :)

After that i never had any problem like this.

Hope it can help you.



Le mercredi 6 mars 2013 02:24:16 UTC+1, Punarjay Chakravarty a écrit :

I recently acquired a MakerBot Replicator 2. I've been able to print objects downloaded from Thingiverse (like this mobile phone stand) fine.

I have also been able to design solid objects in Google Sketchup 8, export them using su2stl to .stl format, import them to Makerware software that slices it to produce the final .x3g file that the printer accepts. Like this bumper I made for my robot.

I have a problem with printing more complex designs of mine. An object that is not completely solid, like this microcontroller case that you see in the images below comes out with undesired triangles or plastic filaments in the middle of the object. 

I believe the problem is with stl exporting. I have used both the su2stl plugin (http://rhin.crai.archi.fr/rld/plugin_details.php?id=429) and the guitar list plugin (http://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl) without success in printing these non-solid objects. When stl files exported from Sketchup using these plugins are imported to the MakerWare software (I have also tried Replicator G), they look fine, but when I upload the stl files into TinkerCad (as suggested on this post (https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/makerbot/oNKs4wWlXas), I see that the shape looks different from what I see in Google Sketchup or in Makerware/Replicator G. There are missing faces and extra faces on the object.

Does anybody else have problems with exporting stl files from Google Sketchup and printing on the Makerbot? 

Any suggestions?

[Tom Lauerman]

Just wanted to make sure you know this is a SketchUp problem, rather than a printer problem. SketchUp is easy to use but generates some strange geometry, I don't think it was designed with 3D printing in mind. You might look into learning another 3D modeling software, there are lots of good free ones now, as well as many amazing commercial packages. Check this thread for suggestions: https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!searchin/makerbot/best$203d$20modeler/makerbot/BqIUI314Bxk/nglf-WVNu-UJ

[lasda]

You can view your .stl files in NetFabb Basic and fix them there too.  It is a free download, but you need to register to use it.

[66tbird]

I find myself using ''view/face style/x-ray' a lot to track down solids issues also.

I'll check out SuSolid.  The Sandbox can also do some serious work but at a steep learning curve.

[Richard]

I have not read all the responses, but you can process your stls
through NETFABB's website to get a cleaned and repaired file. It is
free and straightforward.
http://cloud.netfabb.com/

[66tbird]

I just bought the Susolid plugin and then I through a very complex mish-mash mess at it and it fixed it up fine. That is the sketchup plugin to have for this kind of work.

I've thought about moving back to solidworks or acad many times just because the bolin(sp?) function is limited in SK. Yet SK does so much for me in cnc. Like generate g-code, test the physics of a mechanical design, and transportability of open source. This was the plugin that sealed the deal.

On Wednesday, March 6, 2013 7:30:18 AM UTC-7, Spricer wrote:

I had the same problems on my printrbot 3d printer.

If I export stl and then inport again in Sketchup,my model is messed up.

Now I have a susolid plugin that fix my model in no time.

And now I only do 3d printing from Sketchup.

[Bao N. Lê]

 

Is it this kind of problem that your solutions are fixing ?

 

I spend this day trying to make this 3D printer working correctly, but it keeps filling the emptiness of my objects, I do not know why :(

 

Thank you for your help