Converting Lines to a shape
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Hi, I'm using SketchUp to produce CNC cutting files, the raw information comes in from another software package, 3rd Planit, and arrives in Sketchup as a line or curve made up of lines. For example, here it is in 3d Planit:
In Skechup it comes in like this:
I there a plug-in or tool that means I can select all the lines and curves and convert them into a solid object, such 9mm ply. Basically, a rectangle that followed the line/curve. I know about the Follow Me tool but there are hundreds of lines.
Something that could easily give me this.
I'm using Sketchup Pro 2020.
Many thanks, James.
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Hi James,
This might be a late response but I was looking for the same thing and came across a plugin called JHS Powerbar. I think it does exactly what you need.
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@memir JHS Powerbar sounds interesting, will have to give it a try. Does it have a lot of tools to make it easier to work in SketchUp?
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@jamesn320 what version of SketchUp are you using? What file type are you exporting from 3D Planit? I expect that the file exported from 3D Planit is only showing the centerlines of the track. Other track planning software does the same.
As for the curves, SketchUp represents curves with short edge segments. There no way around that. Depending on what you need you might want to redraw the track centerlines using larger numbers of segments for the curves.
How much detail are you expecting to show in your SketchUp model? If you want to show the track bed, you can use the centerlines as paths for Follow Me. I did that for the N-scale Timesaver T-track module.
@GrimReap said in Converting Lines to a shape:
Does it have a lot of tools to make it easier to work in SketchUp?
The thing that's going to make it easier to work in SketchUp is learning how to use the tools. Extensions can simplify some things but you still need to understand the basic functions of the native tools.
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@memir Hi, thanks for the pointer, I've had a look and there are some good tools but I still suffer from the same problem as the lines have imported rise, fall and rotate the extended shape twists, I need it to stay flat. Extrude Along Parth is the closest so far from that set.
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@Dave-R Currely I have a paid version of 2020. I export from 3rd Planit in DWG. Some of the layouts are very complex, but the DWG line is true. The issue I have is that the line rises and falls as the height changes and as it curves extruded shapes role. Follow me does this and is there for no good. I need an extrude tool that keeps the top flat and square but rises and curves.
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@jamesn320 said in Converting Lines to a shape:
I need it to stay flat.
Try Eneroth Upright Extruder from the Extension Warehouse.
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