Using Sketchup as CAD
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So I've been using Sketchup for a long time now, but I'm starting a new project that requires pretty precise measurements and use of CAD (creating an airplane). I would prefer to keep my workflow as artistic as possible (which means using art-centric programs like Modo and Sketchup)...I can learn a new program if necessary, but I would like to avoid doing it.
So, my workflow at the moment is 2D drawing in Sketchup -> Modo for 3D creation -> Back into Sketchup for placement and measurement of internal components -> Illustrator for vectorizing the resulting artwork (using SU5). My question is, how unsuitable is Sketchup for this? I figure that since I'm going to turn any lineart/construction drawings I make into vectors, I'll overcome the biggest flaw of Sketchup (IMO), which is it's lack of NURBs and high poly support.Any help is appreciated, thank you.
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It doesnt sound like you should have too many problems, especially if you make use of the .dwg export, which is a vector format. Could simplify your workflow on occasion. Its probably also worth bearing in mind the export->section slice thing as well. Good luck
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Ok, thanks...now, second question; if there aren't any problems with it, what's stopping a more widespread use as an easy to use CAD-drafter?
EDIT: Running into problems - I was hoping it would be easier to create the outline and then smooth it out, unfortunately Illustrator is having none of it and all the lines come out faceted...tips?
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I use Sketchup to model welding habitats. After making sure the model is correct and will do the job, I import to a ACAD file. I have been using TuboCAD 15, which will import Sketchup files. I have tried ViaCad. Didn’t like the interface.
Note, the problems with Exporting to a DWG file are circles and arcs. They must be redrawn in the cad program to get the correct measurements. Redrawing is not the problem, it is getting rid of the original circle or arc that is made up of poly lines.
Ken
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There is a reason the the SU tutorials say it is not a CAD program. The difference is Dimension tools. Sketchup sucks for dimensioning because that is not what it was designed for. I find it almost impossible to use for real construction dimensioning information.
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RE Turbocad.
If one exports a [flattened] model as a 3d dwg both the dimensions and text will export and be editable in Tcad.
Text edits as [multi-line]
Just select entity type [multi-line] & [dimen] to change global properties of each.I just save a copy as file_name_flat.skp so as to keep the SU 3d file as is.
All SU "layers" also export.
I still use Tcad 12.5 for this 2d work.
dtr
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Dear All,
Nick Johnson of Cadsoft Solutions (http://www.cadsoftsolutions.co.uk/) recently sent me this video and message regarding the use of ViaCAD as a 2d drafting aid for Sketchup:
Although ViaCAD can import 3D models from SketchUp, owing to the polygon nature of Sketchup files these files are not much good for making automated 2D drawings as all of the polygon edges are displayed. However, if you export your SketchUp model as .DWG then these can be imported into ViaCAD without issue and can be fully dimensioned and placed in scaled drawing layouts. I have knocked up a quick movie which illustrates these 2 approaches for you...
You will need Apple's QuickTime Video Player to watch the movie which can be downloaded at no charge from the following URL:
I hope you find this useful.
Kind regards,
Bob
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