Convert SKP to STP or X_T?

4themasses

I am building a nationally sanctioned BMX track in our town. The USABMX track builder designed the track using this software. While I'm trying to learn to use it I'm very pressed for time. I'm a CAD designer by profession and have 26 years experience although in Unigraphics/NX.

I'm trying to find a way to convert his SKP file to something I can import and manuipulate views, dimensioning etc so I get get blueprints to the machine operator ASAP. I can import several types, most common are STP and X_T files, DXF/DWG also. I just need to retain the 3d modeling. If not I am considering redrawing it completely in NX.

Can anyone offer any converters advice?

TIG

Those first two file formats are not exportable directly from SketchUp.
However, this seems like it's a commercial project. so you fellow consultant ought to be using SketchUp Pro.
SketchUp Make is for non-commercial use only, and has limited exporters
This link shows what formats can be exported from SketchUp [shipped with the main installer]
https://help.sketchup.com/en/article/3000153
The list is a little old...
IFC format is also available, and STL format is also easy done using an extension downloaded from EWH.

KrisM

I'm not familiar with NX but assume it is a solid modeler like Solidworks etc. First try would be to export a 3D model from SU in dwg format. See what you get. Can you convert the imported objects in NX to a usable format? You may have to go into the SU model and make sure that all the groups (or components) are solids before export. You also may have to go into all the solids in SU and make sure all the edges and faces are on the groups layer (not Layer 0 which is the default SU method). Sorting your SU groups into appropriately named layers may help. I have used both Autocad and ViaCad to convert the exported objects to 3D solids in dwg format which seems to import cleanly into solid modelers. Hope this helps somewhat.

4themasses

Thanks for the replies guys. I exported the 3d solid(?) as a .dwg file and imported into NX this morning. It does shade but appears to be faceted bodies. I can work with this though!!

NX/Unigraphics is a high end CAD package typically used by GM, NASA etc. Usually runs about 25-28k per seat.

Thanks again.

sketch3d.de

@4themasses said:

...but appears to be faceted bodies.

of course, what else using a polygon modeler as SketchUp... use a NURBS modeler if NURBS faces/solids are required... the right tool for the job stuff