What is the potential of SketchUP?
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So...
I was speechless for the last hour, amazed by how incredible this software could be.
Then I found about hundred plug ins that enhance this already-incredible monster.
But I notice most of these plug-ins are for architectural designs. Is it possible for SketchUp to be used in industrial design (especially cars)or even in 3d animations?
Further, I wonder if google can create another version of SketchUP where the users can design much more complex geometries easier (As complex as 3d max or maya but as easy as current version of sketchup). -
Welcome.
Sketchup is used for a lot of 'architectural' work, but you'll find many examples in the forums here covering more areas of modeling - archeology, woodworking, landscaping, car-design, ship-building, furniture, jewelery, entourage[trees/plants/people/etc], animation etc etc. It is a very adaptable tool. The core is left quite simple but with the Pro version and several add-ons the capabilities are extended. For example tools like Artisan and TGi3d that extend it from a 'box-modeler' to an 'organic' modeler - better suited for quickly creating things like cars and motorbikes...
Have a browse - search for 'organic', 'artisan' or'tgi3d'... -
I am doing scientific engineering with SketchUp, and even if there are some features missing, I managed to acheive some complex models with the basic free version and without plugins ... Then as TIG said, you may even improve your SU experience with all the plugins available ...
one example I did with SU :
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You can get as industrial and techy as you like... realising that there is, of course, a difference between working-up an existing object from plans, and designing something from scratch, where you might need a more technically advanced system to precisely tune aerofoil surfaces to maximum mechanical advantage etc...although, I guess there's nothing to stop you exporting the SU mesh to other software to do that kind of thing. You just wouldn't get instant feedback.
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