CAM / CNC ?

[Bertier]

@tfdesign said:

... adding a STL export option to SketchUp would be very useful for many

+1

[jbacus]

@bertier said:

@tfdesign said:

... adding a STL export option to SketchUp would be very useful for many

+1

How would you use an STL export? And have you tried any of the existing STL export options for SketchUp, like CADspan?

john
.

[driven]

so now my 2 cents worth,

a lot of the development of Sketchup for use in Cad/Cam workflows has come from the users of SU 'FREE', partly because it's their hobby, without Pro User deadlines etc...

when they took away native DXF import/export they cut off a major route to other software/hardware. So, firstly, I think that needs rectifying.

STL and X3D for 3D + SVG for 2D should also have native import/export support, with as many options as possible and/or be scriptable.

I feel these formats should be part of the free version where people have the time and inclination to really explore what can be done with SU-CAD/CAM.

I'll push the boat here and say Solid Tools should be fully functioning in 'free' to aid these pioneers...
john

[Bertier]

Hi John

indeed CADspan is in my plugin folder, but I am not going to order 3d prints from Colorado to be delivered in Brittany... think 100kgarages 3d printing !

what I am thinking is that 3D printing is the obvious result for 3d modeling, not 2D printing ...
what I draw in sketchup mainly is to build it.

therefor, I believe it would make sense that *.STL is a native export format :

as in SU8 : File --> Export --> 3D Model --> *.STL

actually, I may be mistaking, STL as a 3rd party extension maybe not the best solution :
would you / SU / Google create a SU native 3D printing file format, with the now growing market of 3d printing and the reducing cost of the equipment, that would set a standard, wouldn't it ?

Eversince I've been using 3d modeling tools, I've been thinking digital 3D --> physical 3D

unconference: https://sites.google.com/site/3dbasecamp2010/unconference-sessions/sketchup-for-3d-milling-printing-etc

Bertier

[d12dozr]

jbacus,

Have you seen this new format, AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format), developed specifically for 3D printing? It may be worth taking a look at incorporating into Sketchup, article here. Groovy features like color info and multiple materials are able to be included...great for making color 3D prints of homes textured with multiple images

[Bertier]

I was just about to mention that article...

*.amf will replace *.stl

sounds great !

all about it : http://creativemachines.cornell.edu/amf

here is some more on this topic : copyright breach and 3d print : the new issue
http://t.co/wE5Q2oO
paste the link in google translate !)

[jbacus]

@driven said:

when they took away native DXF import/export they cut off a major route to other software/hardware. So, firstly, I think that needs rectifying.

DXF export was never a feature of free SketchUp.

DXF import was removed from free SketchUp in v.8 and we focused our attention on the open COLLADA format for 3D asset exchange in the free product. I discussed that on our blog at length here.

I think AMF looks interesting, and will keep an eye on it as it evolves. I don't think that STL is a panacea in the near term.

john
.

[Bertier]

go AMF !

[piratebrian]

For 3d Carving, I am using the following process:
SketchUp Pro ---> (export as IGES using IGES plugin) ---> MasterCam. --> Thermwood CNC
For 2d Cutting with drawing based control of cutting depths and tool use:
SketchUp Pro --> (export dxf) ---> Thermwood CNC
Thermwood CNC's can accept DXF drawings where the drawing layer tells the G-code generator what to do.

I wrote a Sketchup guide for my specific Thermwood CNC. Some information is applicable to other CNC's.
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=183&t=51468
I hope it is of some help to people trying to navigate the software end of cnc machines.