Stl import/export

Pappy2019 · 16 May 2019, 21:16

Howdy.. I'm pretty new to Sketchup but not new to designing stuff. I downloaded Sketchup 15 about a month ago and have been learning it since then. I wanted to get to know 3D software before jumping into buying a printer right away. Just this past week (after receiving my printer last weekend) I started to down load and print files from the net (usually from yeggi's site). I opened them in Sketchup and then saved them before exporting them via the stl export option in Sketchup. I open then then in Slic3r and saved them again as a g-code file. They would come up in Slic3r and fit on the 5x5x5 work space I had predetermined as my printer work platform to make designing easy. All fine and good..

BUT.. then I got creative and started to build my own stuff in Sketchup. The first thing I did was a pVC 3-way corner for 1/2" pvc (11.9 mm inside dimension). I thought it would be neat for the grandkids to be able to use my pvc scraps to 'make stuff' like the old 'tinker toy' kits did. Finished the construction. Ran 'Cleanup3' and 'Solid Inspector2' to make sure everything was good and sent it trough the stl export in Sketchup to the Slice3r program. Slice brought up the picture but the 5x5 platform grid was not there. I had to magnify the screen to the point the grid disappeared and then the project was visible! The info shown in the lower right hand says the size is" .02 x .02 x .02! I've attached the screens I'm talking about.

Here's the design in Sketchup as I saved it and sent it out via stl export in Sketchup.

Here's the file as slic3r showed it. Notice no grid!

Slic3r showing the file and it's size information.

Here's the screen after a lot of magnification to show the file as it shows on the 5x5 work space of the printer. The printer itself doesn't even recognize the file as valid since it's so small.

I've opened the same file in Repetier (Cura) with the same results. Where did I go wrong. I've even removed/re-installed the Import/Export STL choice in Sketchup 2x's to make sure the file wasn't corrupt.

Pop Ryan

Dave R · 16 May 2019, 21:50

STL files have no units so you need to tell the slicer software what units to use when importing it. Did you do that?

On a different topic, you're giving up a bunch of model space real estate to redundant toolbars. No real need to have the individual toolbars, along with Getting Started and Large Toolset.

Pappy2019 · 17 May 2019, 03:02

Slic3r is set for mm and the template that opens up is already set for the size of my printer work area at 5x5. The information on the pvc joint was part of the saved file as far as it's sizes/measurements are concerned I would suppose ? The files I loaded from the internet all came up with the correct info and were converted to G-code without any trouble in slic3r. Maybe I'm missing something in my build information file when I save the original Sketchup file? Then when I export it as an stl to slic3r that's the problem? Being new to this is a little daunting at 72.
Pop Ryan

Dave R · 17 May 2019, 12:06

Could you upload the SKP file for your part?

You say you are using SketchUp 2015. If I remember correctly, that was a long time ago, after all, STL export was only available through a plugin. I don't remember enough of that plugin but there is probably a place to set export options.

Is there a reason you aren't using SketchUp 2017? It has a native STL exporter and there are options to set related to size and such.