SketchUp Pro export file formats

[spell]

Hi, I'm researching using SketchUp as the standard CAD tool for a new project where we will be creating many designs that will be manufactured from punched sheet metal. The fabrication house can accept native Solidworks models, STEP (ISO10303) or IGES file formats. Does anyone know if SU7 can export to one of these formats or if not are there converters available.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Steven

[remus]

SU cant export to these formats and you wont be able to find a converter that will give you a working model in STEP format or IGES.

the problem is SU is a polygon modeller and IGES/STEP are both NURBS formats. Although you can convert NUBS to polygons it is impossible to go the other way.

edit: thinking about it a bit more, thats to much of a generalisation. If your models consist solely of flat surfaces you might be able to do it by exporting to .obj then importing to another CAD app and cleaning up the surfaces before exporting as IGES/STEP.

On balance i think youd be better of modelling your designs in a NURBS modeller, though. That way you will be guarenteed to have working files with minimal fuss.

If your on a budget might i recommend MoI: http://moi3d.com/ Its a very capable tool for the money.

[Gaieus]

Also, SU is not a CAD software at all and while LayOut (the "companion" of SU Pro) can be used for several things in 2D,it is "still" not CAD.

[spell]

Thanks for your responses -- the differences between polygon modeling vs. nurbs explains a lot.