[Plugin] Shape Bender Beta

TIG · 23 Apr 2012, 08:55

Please post a simple example SKP.

Are you absolutely sure you have installed the required files properly as set out in the download page [including progressbar.rb] ??

Try it with the Window > Ruby Console to see if there are any error messages...

The process is this:-

Place the Group.
Add/locate/size a Line parallel to the X/red-axis
Add/locate/size a Curve to bend around.
Select the Group.
Run the Tool.
Pick the Line.
Pick the Curve.
A bent version [as a component] is added to the SKP...

zunkian · 23 Apr 2012, 09:26

Hi Tig,

I did what you suggest applying the ruby while the ruby console is open.
It started with an error message then suddenly the script runs down the
console until it completed it's task! The shape bender worked with no
bug splat!
Thanks!!!

zunkian

TIG · 23 Apr 2012, 09:54

@zunkian said:

Hi Tig,

I did what you suggest applying the ruby while the ruby console is open.
It started with an error message then suddenly the script runs down the
console until it completed it's task! The shape bender worked with no
bug splat!
Thanks!!!

zunkian
What was this 'message' ?
Perhaps about 'make_unique' being 'deprecated' ?
It's kind to share this kind of thing, so that we can help others with related issues...

GK65 · 26 Apr 2012, 17:01

I had the same problem. The plugin works great when I bend a simple shape, but when I try to bend a more complex shape I get the following error code:
Error: #<NoMethodError: undefined method all_connected' for nil:NilClass> C:/Program Files (x86)/Google/Google SketchUp 8/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:364:in curve_picker'
C:/Program Files (x86)/Google/Google SketchUp
8/Plugins/clf_shape_bender/clf_shape_bender.rb:242:in `onLButtonUp'

The error comes up after I select the straight line. Then when I select the curved line it goes to 15% then splat!

I love the plugin, hope I can get it working.
Thanks!
GK

Wlado87 · 2 May 2012, 14:30

I have a problem with Shape Bender. The object is incomplete.
see:

What is wrong.
skp is in attachment.

Untitled.skp

Dave R · 3 May 2012, 09:15

What is wrong is that your original is only 1/4 of a centimeter long. Too small for SketchUp. It works perfectly if you scale it up to a reasonable size, first.

shape bend.skp

Wlado87 · 3 May 2012, 17:06

I had the same problem when I was doing with the larger size. But the problem was gone when i removed the SketchyPhysics plugin.
I have new problem (in picture). The green grid is out of way.

Thanks for first answer.

Struna1.skp

Dave R · 3 May 2012, 20:43

I don't know what you mean by "out of way" but it seems to me that you would benefit from learning more about the basics of using SketchUp before you get to trying stuff like this. What you're asking SketchUp to do is create a huge number of edges and faces which is going to cause it to bog down at best. You could create this shape much more easily if you made only a single revolution of the helix and copied it enough times to make up the length you need.

And work at a larger scale to give SketchUp half a chance to do what you want.

Shirin2u · 7 May 2012, 04:44

Hi,
I have a problem with using this plugin. Im new to sketchup, I downloaded the file and the processor but I dont know how to make it work lol anyone can help me here please?
when I click on the file its like I cant open or install anything.

Burkhard · 7 May 2012, 07:44

There are some threads here, which explains how to install Plugins. Here is one:
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=35746

winnersky · 8 May 2012, 08:06

thank you

hlferrell · 9 May 2012, 00:30

This tool looks incredible! I haven't gotten it to work yet, though. I have created a ramp and an arc and a line that stretches the length of the ramp - the line is on the red axis as the instructions indicate. I select the component (the ramp), then I select the shape bender tool and then try to select the single line. It doesn't seem to recognize the line - or anything once I've selected the shape bender tool.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Dave R · 9 May 2012, 09:01

There are a number of things that it could be. Could you post at least a screen shot of the setup?

TIG · 9 May 2012, 09:42

Also try doing it it with the Ruby Console open and post us any error messages - this might help us see what's wrong.
The picked line and then picked curve can't touch each other, or any other 'raw' geometry.
We can but hope that you have correctly extracted and then installed the tool's subfolder with all of its cursor/toolbar image files etc intact, and that you have also installed 'progressbar.rb' from Smustard.com, all as advised on the download tool's page.
These are the two "most popular" screw-ups

cizqa · 27 May 2012, 01:03

Hello guys, please help me

This is my first time using this plugin and I am having error
ERROR: skpHelperClasses.rb:updateSkpMaterial, curMat is nil

It shows continuously after I click on the Shape Bender icon, it stops when I click on the red-axis line, and it starts to show again after I click the curve. I get to the screenshot I attached, but when I click enter to finalize the bending --> bugsplat!

Anybody knows what's wrong? Thank you very much.

Siska

TIG · 27 May 2012, 08:34

This is a V-ray related error and sometimes appears in other tools when it's not working properly.
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=327671#p327671
If you disable V-ray and restart Sketchup does the error stop ?
Thomthom also has a script that disables V-ray's load until you need it, which also speeds up startups...
Also check on the latest V-ray version etc as he advises in the link above...

cizqa · 27 May 2012, 23:20

I have disabled Vray from the preferences. Error message doesn't show anymore, but still, I got bugsplat whenever I try to hit Enter (finalize the bending). Thanks in advance

thomthom · 28 May 2012, 09:19

@cizqa said:

I have disabled Vray from the preferences. Error message doesn't show anymore, but still, I got bugsplat whenever I try to hit Enter (finalize the bending). Thanks in advance

What version of SketchUp are you using? The latest SU8M3 fixed even more bugsplats.

TIG · 28 May 2012, 10:04

Can you post the simple SKP - group/line/curve - that you are trying to use...

rob-m · 29 May 2012, 19:37

@hlferrell said:

This tool looks incredible! I haven't gotten it to work yet, though. I have created a ramp and an arc and a line that stretches the length of the ramp - the line is on the red axis as the instructions indicate. I select the component (the ramp), then I select the shape bender tool and then try to select the single line. It doesn't seem to recognize the line - or anything once I've selected the shape bender tool.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I have the same issue. I have an object(in this case some simple 3d text). I have a curve. I have a line on the red axis.
I select the object, hit the bend button, and cannot do anything else. It won't let me click a line or otherwise.
With the ruby console open, I get this message repeating on mouse move or clicks:
Error: #<TypeError: can't convert nil into String>

I am using the free version of SU8.0.14346
I get the same issue on SU7