Plugins for managing different scales

[bigstick]

Are there any plugins to manage components created at different scales?

I have had a look at the plugins index, and the only thing I saw there was Matt's plugin which quickly allows you to change the unit scale.
What I was actually looking for was a plugin which allows one to convert components created in metric, to convert them to US (architectural) units - and vice-versa.

For example, if you model in metric, and use one of these templates, if you import models created in the architectural format, they don't insert at the correct scale. You need to work out what the original units were, and then scale the component accordingly.

Is there a blindingly obvious answer that I have been missing all these years, or is this something that everyone has overlooked, and no-one finds a problem?

[mitcorb]

Hi:
I am not aware of any plugin that does this, unless one of the "builder" plugins has a feature like this.
If I understand what you are saying, the plugin would have to convert all of the elements in the component to US/Imperial units and size conventions. In the US, masonry, e.g., is based on nominal 8". Standard wood wall studs are 2x4 nominal, or 2x6 nominal and are typically spaced at 16". A plugin would have to make these conversions, if Metric construction conventions might be different. Plywood, in the US, even though produced on "metric" equipment, is 48" x 96"(4'x8'), or x 108".
Otherwise, using the 1" = 25.4mm, or some other magic factor, may not automatically scale and space elements.
Perhaps I missed your point?

[jolran]

@unknownuser said:

Otherwise, using the 1" = 25.4mm, or some other magic factor, may not automatically scale and space elements.
Perhaps I missed your point?

I see a problem in a plugin like that too. (Yes, I'm a negative fellow )

If you would apply a global scale(everythings is inside a component) everything would be OK(I think).

But If you would scale each component from for ex center of bounds things can become very unaligned and intersect with each other.

Imagine a tabletop and 4 legs. Scale each component from the center and the legs would grow into the top and vice versa.

To fix that the plugin would then have to determin which direction to scale, and that could be difficult to be made automatic.

But problems are there to be solved, maybe some good hacker can do this sort of thing..

Maybe I missed the point as well?

[driven]

@bigstick said:

if you import models created in the architectural format, they don't insert at the correct scale. You need to work out what the original units were, and then scale the component accordingly.

hi,
I'm a bit confused what your doing here, unless the imported model was saved at the 'different' scale to what your working in, it will be the correct scaleregardless of the displayed units.

If it is a different scale you can switch units to what you suspect it to be, then inside the component, select any line tore-scale using the 'tape measure tool'

If your 'import' was modeled in different units to your model you might need to turn up the precision [decimal points] to avoid the [~] which is the approximation symbol i.e. 6' = ~1829mm or 6' = 1828.80mm as that can lead to minor issues.
If going the other way decimal feet and inches with a precision of 4 will give less approximation then architectural, when switching to mm, cm, m.

If you are talking about conversion to different local sizing, then that is a different kettle of fish, and I'd recommend downloading as a skp, converting as much as possible to component, groups and layers, then convert and copy paste to the other drawing.

otherwise, can you post a couple of example skp's or links in the warehouse of what you mean...

john

[mac1]

one additional comment:
If I scale an entity in a drawing , copy and past into a different target model it comes in at that scale and the units are consistent with the template used in the target drawing. I do have the option in this target drawing to context click on that entity if it was a component to reset the scale without using the tape tool. If it was saved and I then import to the target drawing then that option is not available , but reported units are still consistent at the scaled value.
This is for skp to skp model but form other programs then you may have to use the options avaiable when importing or have some type of truth.

[GISdude]

how do u scale a 3d model that you've imported into your drawing?

[Chris Fullmer]

You don't need any plugin or anything to change the scale of a drawing. If for some reason your model comes in at a different scale, I'd try re-importing changing the scale option. If that's not what went wrong, then the way to do it is (surprisingly) with the tape measure tool. Find something you know the length/width/size of and measure it. A sidewalk width for example. The tape measure tool will show some length. Type in the length you want and hit enter. So if it showed 120' wide and you know its only 8' wide, just type in 8' and hit enter. SU will ask if you want to re-scale the model. Click yes. And it will re-scale everything based on that scale factor.

Hopefully that helps,

Chris

[GISdude]

Chris,

Thanks for the help. I think if I'm on a FREE version then I DON'T have the option to change the import scale. I tried a couple of times.

There are a TON of towers in the 3D model warehouse, so I just picked one that "fits".

Just curious, I MAY get PRO after the new year, is there a plug in for paper space and creating sheets sets?

[Chris Fullmer]

If you're just trying to scale an object within the model, like a tower, you use the scale tool. S is the shortcut key.

And if your inserting something from the 3d warehouse, its not an import really. I was imagining you were importing an autocad dwg file or something.

So just use the scale tool.

For paper layouts, SketchUp pro comes with a page layout utility called "layout" which does a good job of this. You might try the free pro trial once you get more familiar with the software.