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    Tax_Engineering v10.1 [plugin update]

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    • TaxT Offline
      Tax
      last edited by Tax


      [free] [opensource] (SU>=17) (Win7/10/11 or Mac - 64bits)

      DESCRIPTION:
      Along path features, mechanical parts, color harmony pallete, SU links +other utilities.

      FEATURES:
      • Displacer;
      • Follow Rotate Scale;
      • Railway along;
      • Mariner chain Along;
      • Roller chain Along;
      • Bicycle wheel;
      • Spur gear;
      • Adjustable suspension;
      • Spheric spring;
      • Linear spring;
      • Color pallete; (color harmony tool)
      • Remove materials;
      • Disguise pattern;
      • Agroup by loose;
      • Multiple push pull;
      • SU links; (SU related web links)
      • Selection report;
      • Vray alarm;
      • Edge groups;
      • Del faces;
      • Remove instance names.

      USAGE:
      Menu path: Extensions > Tax_Engineering
      Toolbar: Tax Engineering

      DOCS can be found on: Help > Docs


      Modus UI:

      https://i.imgur.com/72CS1jm.png

      Follow Rotate Scale:

      https://i.imgur.com/R69eSAc.png

      Color pallete: (old interface)

      https://i.imgur.com/bROkLIb.png

      Railway along:

      https://i.imgur.com/8wwwt5J.png

      Roller chain along:

      https://i.imgur.com/mdkBx0L.jpg

      Mariner chain along:

      https://i.imgur.com/z7yZYG6.jpg

      Displacer:

      https://i.imgur.com/ih1uQhm.jpg

      All in v5:

      https://i.imgur.com/vdMdUon.png

      Suspension and springs:

      https://i.imgur.com/HxwZoi5.png

      Chain links and spur gear:

      https://i.imgur.com/VZ336Qv.png

      Chain links:

      https://i.imgur.com/MxLnn0L.png

      Chain links and spur gears:

      https://i.imgur.com/E97fK3Z.png

      Change log:


      v10.9 - Update check, settings, toolbar, sound effects.
      v10.8 - Improved some terminology & allowed Mac users; (Thx to Trans-Galactic Express);
      v10.7 - Added wheel presets & fixed spur gear verifications;
      v10.6 - Improved spur gears maker;
      v10.5 - Added more mariner chain presets;
      v10.4 - Added roller chain presets;
      v10.3 - Added more su links and mariner chain presets;
      v10.2 - 'Remove instance names' added;
      v10.1 - 'Del faces' added & bug fix;
      v10.0 - Displacer added;
      v9.3 - Edge groups added;
      v9.2 - Scaling improvement (less viewport clipping) and documentation;
      v9.1 - UI improvements;
      v9.0 - Base Modus UI implemented.
      v8.2 - Added rotation&scale phase offset, 3 up reference modes + UI & code improvements.
      v8.1 - Added more interpolation modes on Follow Rotate Scale and bug fixes.
      v8.0 - Added Follow Rotate Scale, selection report, vray alarm, +SU links, dev shortcuts.
      v7.2 - Added follow path feature for roller chain, SU Links, Selection report & bug fixes.
      v7.1 - Added follow path feature for mariner chain.
      v7.0 - Added color pallete, remove materials, disguise pattern, agroup by loose & multiple push pull. (+name change)
      v6.3 - Forgot a piece of code used for debugging that prints a txt file on the desktop. Sorry, fixed now.
      v6.2 - Bug fixes and "bicycle wheel" feature is now stable.
      v6.1.b - Bug fix where rails face wasn't generated on last section in loops.
      v6.0.b - Added railway along path;
      v5.0.b - Added bicycle wheel and tyre;
      v4.0 - Added springs, suspension and code improvements;
      v3.0 - Added spur gear and code improvements;
      v2.0 - Added roller chain;
      v1.0 - Mariner chain.

      OBS:
      Log/debug infos are printed on console.


      Considerations:
      Multiple push pull is basically a version of ThomThom's concept, but it allows agrouping and mass operation with a freeze prevention method.
      Selection report is based on Chris Fullmers one. Follow Rotate Scale is based on old Wikiis feature witch works up to SU16.
      Thanks to Trans-Galactic Express for his contribuition.

      Similar extensions:

      • Random Tools (by alexschreyer):
        https://extensions.sketchup.com/extension/76514241-581e-4000-afdb-863e90e413b1/random-tools

      SUPPORT TAX - (link)
      QR Code.png


      >>> DOWNLOAD <<<

      "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
      "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • R Offline
        rv1974
        last edited by

        Any plans for randomly colored bike bell tool?

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • TaxT Offline
          Tax
          last edited by

          @rv1974 said:

          Any plans for randomly colored bike bell tool?

          Hey! thanks for your suggestion, I appreciate it.

          Currently I'm trying to keep it the more wide range, multiple cases uses & customizable as possible, so it would be more useful for everyone.

          I feel like a bike bell is too specific, it could easily be a once in life use.
          Also it's not much customizable on any visual matter (apart from colors).
          So (in cases like this) I think it would be more practical for all of us to get a model from warehouse and change it manually.

          Even that its super cool algorithm generated geometry like ThomThom's teapot:
          https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=tt_teapot

          For random colors you can use Chris Fullmer's Random Painter:
          https://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=16484


          I'm considering to make "Road along path", "Procedural buldings", "Pistons", "Metallic beams"...
          Let me know if you guys have more suggestions.
          Thx.

          "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
          "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • R Offline
            rv1974
            last edited by

            It was kidding 😄 -- some good example of Poe's law.

            @unknownuser said:

            I'm considering to make "Road along path", "Procedural buldings", "Pistons", "Metallic beams"...
            Let me know if you guys have more suggestions.

            Why would you burn your precious time if we already have universal Profile Builder for ages?

            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • TaxT Offline
              Tax
              last edited by

              @rv1974 said:

              It was kidding 😄 -- some good example of Poe's law.

              oh, got it 😆
              Yeah, made me question myself.

              @unknownuser said:

              Why would you burn your precious time if we already have universal Profile Builder for ages?

              Actually I didn't know about "Profile Builder". It looks awesome! thx.
              https://profilebuilder4sketchup.com/

              There is also "Maj Follow Me" witch may help for profile extrusions:
              https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=MAJ_FollowMe

              So I'll let metallic beams aside for a while.
              But there's still a long path for a traffic road maker.
              The main problem I see is intersections.

              I read once some pros was developing a city builder, but its uncontinued as far as I know.
              So it may be a good time to take a look on it, since it would be really usefull for most users.

              Feel free to give a suggestion for real 😛

              "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
              "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • R Offline
                rv1974
                last edited by

                A decent road generator would be a super tough task to implement. The closest one is 'instant road nui', google it. Do you feel you could 'push the limits' even further?

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • TaxT Offline
                  Tax
                  last edited by

                  Well.. instant road nui looks like a miracle itself.
                  The way it intersects & cuts terrain it being a face (not solid) is a mystery to me.
                  https://valiarchitects.com/subscription_scripts/instant-road-nui

                  Even so, intersections other than 90º seems to be the real challenge.

                  I wouldn't say a decent well finished tool, but I'd be pretty happy with a simple face doing good junctions on high inclinations.

                  I'm gonna try it as soon as I find out a reasonable concept idea 😆
                  No promisses.

                  "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                  "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • L Offline
                    LeoHominis
                    last edited by

                    Uau, por mais ferramentas assim no SketchUp. Parabéns mesmo. Espero que a trimble um dia se toque e de uma olhada para nós da impressão 3D e modeladores de mecânica. Nem todo mundo usa o SU para Arquitetura. Obrigado

                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • TaxT Offline
                      Tax
                      last edited by

                      @leohominis said:

                      Uau, por mais ferramentas assim no SketchUp. Parabéns mesmo. Espero que a trimble um dia se toque e de uma olhada para nós da impressão 3D e modeladores de mecânica. Nem todo mundo usa o SU para Arquitetura. Obrigado

                      Hey Leo, thanks! I appreciate it.


                      On 3d printing matter, theres the "SketchUp for 3D Printing" category:
                      https://sketchucation.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=388

                      As far as I know, SU still missing advanced 3d printing features. But its worthy to keep in tune on that, theres already some functions like import/export stl and slice. May be more.


                      About mechanics.. theres some great old options
                      mostly for bolts/screws and gears, such as Bolt maker (by Sam D Mitch):
                      https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=Bolt_Maker

                      There is much more possibilities (like hinges, pistons & structures)


                      I'm trying to fill some of these blind spots. SU still has a great potential.
                      Feel free to give some suggestions.

                      Thanks again 😛

                      "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                      "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • ntxdaveN Offline
                        ntxdave
                        last edited by

                        How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • TaxT Offline
                          Tax
                          last edited by

                          @ntxdave said:

                          How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

                          Sure! I may also post a video about it.
                          Adding it on next updates.

                          Thanks.

                          "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                          "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • ntxdaveN Offline
                            ntxdave
                            last edited by

                            @tax said:

                            @ntxdave said:

                            How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

                            Sure! I may also post a video about it.
                            Adding it on next updates.

                            Thanks.

                            Looking forward to it. Showing some examples (more than just a picture) would be good. As I have looked at your pictures (I.e. the chain links and springs), I wondered how you did it (what did the tool do to accomplish the model).

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • TaxT Offline
                              Tax
                              last edited by

                              @ntxdave said:

                              @tax said:

                              @ntxdave said:

                              How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

                              Sure! I may also post a video about it.
                              Adding it on next updates.

                              Thanks.

                              Looking forward to it. Showing some examples (more than just a picture) would be good. As I have looked at your pictures (I.e. the chain links and springs), I wondered how you did it (what did the tool do to accomplish the model).

                              What about that?
                              For more complex ones I may show some examples variations.


                              Documentation concept idea

                              "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                              "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • ntxdaveN Offline
                                ntxdave
                                last edited by

                                Ok, how do you make the chain follow a path (like around an object)?

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                • TaxT Offline
                                  Tax
                                  last edited by

                                  Ok, not all fair advertising.

                                  For physically realistic placed chains I used 6 other extensions:

                                  1. Convexify (by: Fredo6): https://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=61145
                                  2. Curvizard (by: Fredo6): https://sketchucation.com/plugin/804-curvizard
                                  3. BezierSpline (by: Fredo6): https://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=13563
                                  4. MSPhysics (by: Anton_S): http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=56852
                                  5. ClothWorks (by: Anton_S): https://sketchucation.com/plugin/2053-clothworks
                                  6. JHS Powerbar (by: CadFather, R Wilson, SD Mitch & others): https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=JHS_Powerbar_2019
                                  Rendering/Composing: Vray + Photoshop.


                                  Usage:
                                  Mariner chains:
                                  Step 1: Make a low poly mesh with same dimensions of final model.
                                  Step 2: Convexify for solid slicing/decomposing, in order to allow MSPhysics to work properly.
                                  Step 3: MSPhysics for physically realistic placing.

                                  Roller chains:
                                  Step 1: Make a line path.
                                  Step 2: ClothWorks for physically realistic placing. (yes, it also works with lines)
                                  Step 3: Curvizard for path smoothing.
                                  Step 4: BezierSpline for equalizing path edges length, matching chain link length.
                                  Step 5: JHS Powerbar for disposing chain link component along line path.


                                  Resum:
                                  Currently (for chains) Tax Tools only creates links mesh and displace them in line.
                                  Maybe I add an auto "path placing" feature, but it wouldn't be as much realistic as this method.

                                  "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                                  "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

                                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                  • ntxdaveN Offline
                                    ntxdave
                                    last edited by

                                    So, if I interpret correctly, your tool just draws the basic shape. We will the need to use other tools to supply them appropriately,

                                    Just trying to clarify. 😄

                                    1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                    • TaxT Offline
                                      Tax
                                      last edited by

                                      Thats correct for now.
                                      These are the current outputs for mariner and roller chains (using default values):Mariner chain output (v7.0)
                                      Roller chain output (v7.0)

                                      But I'm planning for that auto follow path feature, would save a lot of time.
                                      obs: "Railroad along" already does that by default, it needs a selected path.
                                      Railway along output (v7.0)

                                      "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                                      "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

                                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                      • ntxdaveN Offline
                                        ntxdave
                                        last edited by

                                        I think that will make the tools far more attractive/useful. 👍

                                        Hope I am not being a PITA. 😄

                                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                        • TaxT Offline
                                          Tax
                                          last edited by

                                          Thats great to know! thanks.
                                          Then gonna focus on improving them.

                                          Your being great, we all need feedback for the things we do.
                                          Otherwise how could we learn anything 💚

                                          "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                                          "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

                                          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                                          • TaxT Offline
                                            Tax
                                            last edited by

                                            Mariner chain done!
                                            Recommendation: avoid sharp turns and check last/first chain link attaching.

                                            Tell me if you guys find anything wrong.

                                            Coming soon:

                                            • Roller Chain Along (improvement)
                                            • Selection counter (simple one)
                                            • Follow & Rotate (Theres an old one but it doesnt work on newer SU versions)

                                            "Between cause and consequence, lots of connivance."
                                            "Never felt being on same level as others; just bc Ive never been."

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