Using SketchUp with the MOD-t

[Vectrexer]

Starting this thread for SketchUp (http://www.sketchup.com/) related topics.  

Started mainly in connection with the usage of SketchUp usage in education. Welcoming other comments as well.

MOD-t + SketchUp 

• Preparing projects for the MOD-t Store or PC App.
  
• Tricks
  
• Tips
  
• Procedures
• Videos
• Printing
• Links to other useful sites detailing MOD-t use with SketchUp.

Bring on the helpful comments!

[Jackson He]

I tried SketchUp and quickly gave up.

Basically I started with a rectangular block. Then I cut a rectangular through-hole on one surface. When I tried the same on a different surface, so that the two holes would intersect each other, it failed--the first hole is blocked by the second hole!

[Julio Ibarra]

It's important to keep in mind that Sketchup is a surface modeler. It doesn't create solid objects in the conventional sense. If you make say a cube. It's actually just 6 faces and the cube is hollow. This makes things tricky when you try to cut or push/pull shapes drawn into these surfaces. I'm a Sketchup novice and I certainly don't have all of the answers, but I'm slowly learning. As a side note, trying to model a lightsaber in Sketchup is hell..

[Marc Brenner]

I would only advise Sketchup to those that are familiar with Sketchup.  If you have never used it, don't start now just for 3d modeling/printing.  

That said, I've never had an issue using Sketchup for 3d printing.  Here are my steps:

1) Draft 3d Object

2) Run Cleanup3 (plugin)

3a) Run Solid Inspector (plugin) 

3b) Fix all errors

3c) Make note if errors cannot be fixed

4) Highlight object and export stl in mm (even if it is created in inches) (also a plugin)

5) If step 3 still had errors, upload and fix the stl file automatically at https://netfabb.azurewebsites.net/

6) Send to Newmatter store and print!

Sounds like a lot, but it really isn't.  Most simple prints don't require step 5.  Steps 2 and 3 take all of a minute. 

[Julio Ibarra]

Marc

Thanks for sharing your process! A lot of useful information there. I'll definitely check out those plugins. I do disagree about Sketchup and beginners though. There is a steep learning curve, but there's plenty of information available. I think it's a powerful tool if you learn how to use it. Some may not have the patience I suppose, but I think if you're interested in modeling at least give it a try.

[Marc Brenner]

Don't get me wrong, I think it is a great CAD program for surface modeling and quick mock-ups.  But, if you are a beginner, I feel learning a solid modeler for 3d printing is the much better route.  

Solid modelers are great for more advanced prints where you need tolerances and interconnecting parts.  If something doesn't change, you modify a parameter or dimension and everything adjusts.  With sketchup, you pretty much have to redraw that specific part.

[Christopher Leger]

Sketchup is good overall, but I've not found it as good for 3d printed models.

For getting my young teen boys on board with 3d modeling for the first time, I found TinkerCad probably the easiest.  I use other applications for advanced parts, but I'll still pull up TinkerCad to whip out a quick 5 minute part.  Being browser-based makes it easy to try without committing to an installation too.

Chris

[Julio Ibarra]

I agree a solid modeler would definitely be better for beginners. The surface modeling takes some getting used to. I'll have to try out TinkerCad. I never got around to it since Sketchup served my needs for the time.