Can anyone here print something for me using a Sketchup file, or would I need to learn a new CAD program in order to get a printable file? It’s been a real PITA attempting to convert (unsuccessfully) to STL. Anyway, the item would be about the size of a grapefruit. I would appreciate any help/advice you could offer. Thanks! TB
4 Likes
SOC3D
May 20, 2016, 8:31pm
2
I model in sketchup and convert to stl for printing daily. I can also print whatever it is for you.
SOC3D
May 20, 2016, 8:32pm
3
What issues are you having converting it? Are you exporting to stl or trying to use another method?
Exporting to STL (installed extension). Keeps giving me a message like: “630 faces exported, 0 lines exported, 4249 objects ignored.” I’m using Sketchup Make 2016, if that makes a difference. If you could print from my Sketchup file, that would be great. You can email me at troy.brengle@gmail.com with costs, etc. Thanks!
Garyg
May 20, 2016, 8:55pm
5
Hi
I also use Sketchup, but I use the SketchupPro paid for version.
I convert files successfully to STL all the time.
A plug in called Solid Inspector author is TomTom helps a lot.
Some geometry does not convert easily into a solid.
For instance, round objects intersected with other round objects sometimes give trouble.
You can tell if the STL will turn out by using the Solid Inspector to look for holes and other geometry errors.
I hope this helps you in some manner.
If Miaviator is willing to help you with your project, It would be a very good Idea to use his Hub.
Thanks, Gary. I’ll try Solid Inspector. I sent my file over to Miaviator to check it out. Hopefully we can get it figured out.
SOC3D
May 21, 2016, 1:50am
8
I don’t like to lock people into using my hub (My lead times are quite long until mid June). I’ll fix the file if I can and let him know what I did then send back the modified file and stl.
Hi,
I use sketchup for my modeling as wel, you have diverse plugins that can help you in your moddeling,
also you got a Sketchul STL exporter.
https://extensions.sketchup.com/nl/content/sketchup-stl
Further more, ThomThom, has a variaty of plugins that are usefoll with the modeling.
https://extensions.sketchup.com/nl/user/261/store
Troy_9
May 21, 2016, 5:23pm
10
Thanks, I just downloaded a trial version of Sketchup Pro, so maybe that will help, and I installed some of those plug-ins, too. Just working on getting solids solid now.
Garyg
May 21, 2016, 8:12pm
11
Hi
Once your solids are solid and you convert them to STL using the Sketchup STL converter,
If you are drawing in inches, you will need to scale up your drawing x 25.4 in order to have the STL
come out the correct size.
Just thought you’d like to know.
SOC3D
May 21, 2016, 8:33pm
12
My export to stl box has a check box to export in mm?
Garyg
May 22, 2016, 4:58am
13
Hmmm!
The export to stl I have been using gives 2 setup things.
#1 is Export unit - mine is set for Model units.
#2 is File Format - mine is always set for Binary.
I’ve had 99% success with these settings.
However, once I finish my current project, which is quite involved,
I’ll check out the other options.
If I have something that works well, I usually don’t mess with it.
My memory, which is not always reliable says that using something other than Model units
had given me trouble in the past.
Thanks for your mention of the mm setting. I’ll try it after my current project has been completed and printed.
I always use 3d hubs to print my stuff, as I don’t as yet own a printer, but am seriously considering a
Lulzbot TAZ6 come about August of this year.
I just noticed that I’m starting to ramble, so I’ll stop here.
Thanks for your suggestion.
SOC3D
May 22, 2016, 5:58am
14
@Garyg I agree, when something works set it and forget. Which is what I’ve done with the little export to mm checkbox. Let me know if you test as I would be very interested in the results.
You should definitely have a printer! Although, you may find it odd that you’ll spend more in filament for your printer than you spend on 3D hubs. Because you’ll print everything
Hi Troy,
I have worked on software projects involving exporting data from SketchUp to different CAD programs and STL format.
I deal with SketchUp files on a daily basis. If you could share the file, I can help to fix it as well as 3D print it. Here is a link to my hub - https://www.3dhubs.com/new-york/hubs/digiphy3d .
Thank you!
-Prasad
DigiPhy3D’s Hub
Troy_9
May 24, 2016, 2:05pm
16
Thanks, Prasad. I’ve been working the past few days on getting my model solid and complete, and just when I think I’m almost there… well, the solid tool doesn’t play nice. It’s beyond frustrating. If you could take a quick look, and see if you can put the final piece into place, that would be great. If it’s going to take a lot of time to fix, I’ll just go back to the drawing board. How would you prefer I share the file with you? Troy
Sure, I will have a look and let you know. You can upload the file to my Hub ( https://www.3dhubs.com/new-york/hubs/digiphy3d ) by clicking “Get a quote from this hub” or you can email it to me directly at pjdixit ‘at’ digiphy3d "dot’ com. Don’t worry, I wont charge you if it is an easy fix.
I am looking for ward to have a look at your file.
