Simplify this element

Pout · 27 Oct 2011, 06:51

Are there any command/plugins/tricks out there to simplify the attached model (comming from AutoCAD)
So that the missing parts are filled in and maybe there are less polygones?

Thx!

example.skp

thomthom · 27 Oct 2011, 07:46

As for the missing faces, did you import with the option of removing edges between coplanar faces? I found the importer often removes edges that shouldn't be removed. Try without and then use CleanUp.

Pout · 27 Oct 2011, 07:55

Hey ThomThom,

If you mean the option 'Merge Coplanar faces' yes that one was ticked.
I'll give it a shot

Thx!

Pout · 27 Oct 2011, 07:56

btw i do not only mean the missing faces but the global complexity. I suppose when you would draw this in SU directly there would be less edges and faces?

thomthom · 27 Oct 2011, 07:58

Reducing mesh density is not that easy. For best results one would need good topology. There might be one or two plugins that attempts this - but I don't know for sure. I never used it.

Jean Lemire · 27 Oct 2011, 13:03

Hi Pout, hi folks.

I examined your file and it shows what I call "Sloppy CAD".

There are many unnecessary edges. I saw what looks like one edge but in fact therer many overlapping shorter edges that compose this one.

Some face that looks flat have non needed edges and these are not coplanar.

After seing that, I stopped invetsigating.

When I am presented with such a CAD file, I ask the creator to clean it or, if this is not possible or will take too much time, I recreate the whole thing from scratch, using the CAD file as a guide.

I am sorry if these comments seem hard but I just want to give you ideas to save you time and frustration. If you need some precise pointers, I can post a copy of the file with text label showing some of the problems.

Just ideas.

wyatt · 27 Oct 2011, 14:05

I have not looked at your file, but based on Jean's comments it sounds like you might want to run Overkill on the Autocad file before importing it into Sketchup. This will remove duplicate overlapping lines. There are also a number of CAD clean-up scripts including Flatten and Remove Faces, Close Open Line Segments, Extend Close Lines, Delete Short Lines, and Make Faces. I think all of these are available at smustard.com (some are pay). ThomThom's CleanUp script might also be helpful.

Pout · 27 Oct 2011, 15:12

I don't mind the 'harsh' comments at all!
Like this i know the problem is at the side of AutoCAD and not at the side of Sketchup!!

Thx all!

Btw Thomthom, that cleanup works excellent!