2D Drawings?
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Hi Brad,
I'm not sure who told you your school could not get SU Pro lab licensing, but that is untrue. Please go to http://www.google.com/sketchup/customers/edu/labs.html to learn about a lab license for SU Pro.
@unknownuser said:
We need to be able to create a variety of linetypes, notations, hatching, & all other typical 2D geometry.
Our IT department told me that Google will NOT give them an educational version of S/U Pro that can be used on our server so, is it possible to use the non-pro version of S/U for these two items, or should I have my 170 students begin using another CAD program?
Thanks,
Brad
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YES! We received our Pro license so everything is working out really great.
Thanks,
Brad
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If I where teaching 170 students any 3d program or 2d program I would only use sketchup as it would have to be the easiest for all ages to learn. When you get a chance load up layout and watch the videos from 3d basecamp. At first layout seam clunky and slow but when you get used to it it is fantastic. Most importantly keep the resolution at 75 dpi until you need to print. If you get stuck on any bugs dont waste too much time on them I find it easier to get on this forum and type in the problem, you will find there is a work around for every obsticle you encounter.
Good luck -
Dear All,
A number of 2D CAD programs have been mentioned, but has anyone used these CAD programs with Sketchup? If so, what has been your experience? For example, can one import a Sketchup 3D model into ViaCAD and then produce dimensioned first (or third) angle projections (http://www.technologystudent.com/designpro/ortho1.htm)?
This subject has been discussed several times, but without resolution. It would be good if a best SU + 2D CAD combination could be determined. I am sure this would promote the use of SU in areas such as mechanical design and engineering where well-dimensioned drawings are essential.
If anyone has found a successful combination, then could they post a few examples of their 3D SU model and the 2D drawings produced by their CAD package.
Kind regards,
Bob -
Bob,
I like you have been hunting high and low for a good useable cad system that interfaces well with SU. I have splashed out and purchased SPIRIT. I am still trying to find time to come to grips with this programme, I have never been cad literate, just pen and pencil literate from the old school. The nice thing about SPIRIT is that you can reference a SU model back in to SPIRIT including all components. You can then change the model in SU and it updates in SPIRIT where you can create either 2D plans / drawings or 3D parametric models. We use Revit in the office as well but from what I have seen ....and I am no expert as I don't use Revit either.....it is just as capable. It might not be able to handle larger more complex projects like Revit can I suspect. The work flow suits me as I enjoy working concepts up in SU and then having the ability to produce some good looking preliminary design drawings is all I need. I employ staff to do the detail design and documentation.
I would love to be able to show some drawings I have produced in SPIRIT from an SU model but I haven't got that far yet, all my spare time at the moment is taken up up pulling in work.
Stan
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Dear Stan,
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post. Hopefully, we can keep this thread going and end up with an effective working combination. I too came from the pencil/drawing board end of the design world, and it took me quite a while to get used to 3D design software.
Like you, I enjoy using Sketchup to work up initial design concepts, but then I have to switch to Inventor to produce quality drawings. This involves redrawing the parts and then re-creating the assembly, which works but is time consuming. Using Sketchup first helps a lot with the final Inventor models which are feature based (mostly constrained 2D sketches).
I look forward to seeing some the drawings produced by the SU/SPIRIT combination, as and when you have time. Good luck with getting in the work!
Kind regards,
Bob
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I came to SketchUp from the opposite perspective. I used to teach advanced Pro/E classes and clung to the idea that parametric solid modeling was "the ultimate" when designing and using CAD for mechanical-engineering production models.
I believe if you really become proficient with SketchUp, you'll be able to do 90% or more what most people do with "full featured, parametrically controlled solid CAD modeling software" and you'll be able to get your job done much quicker - perhaps even with greater accuracy as well.
Certainly, when solid geometry is required for mass properties calculations, FEA, & so forth, you'll need to convert your SU model to a solid, but there are many avenues available to take you in that direction, if necessary. The more I learn about SketchUp, the more I appreciate what it does rather than what it doesn't.
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Dear Brad,
I quite agree with you. I am always amazed what Sketchup can do, and with such ease. Interestingly, as I get more skilled I use the native SU tools more and the bespoke plugins less. Perhaps Google will buy up a CAD application to complement SU. That would be nice, and a market winner.
Kind regards,
Bob -
Brad
I use TurboCad with SU for condoc creation.
Flatten the model and export as 3d dwg.
(2d export does not work the same)
Dimensions and leaders export as Tcad default and I just select and change formating to suit.[Edit/Select by/Entity type]
Text comes in as Tcad "Multi-text" and is format/content editable too.
Not parametric but a pretty good work-around for 2d and the price is right too.
Good idea to make both a 2d and 3d version of the model concerned.
Both dimensions and text actually come across substantially OK so do check it out.dtr
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