[Plugin] TIG-Split_to_plane v1.1 20130107

simon le bon

Dear Tig,

This is the 101 eme tool links I bookmark coming from you !!!!

Each are useful, some are absolutely unavoidable, the suite tools are always stunning

Thank you for this new one +++

Simon

kingsi

Thanks for the Ruby TIG

bagatelo

I see fantastic tool for this in the future. Line to cut solids.

TIG

Here's v1.1 http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=433732#p433732
Now at Point 3 an alternative <Enter> press splits vertically.
Also Context-menu if selection suitable.

cotty

@gilles said:

May I suggest to add [ProV8] to [Plugin] so free users are aware of the restriction?

+1

KE6CVH

Hi, I'm getting ready to download and try the awesome plugin but see where recommendations twice have been made to put proV8 on it so people know restrictions. Does that mean it will not work with version 8 free? If it works with free then I'll give it a try immediately for a much needed sketchup task. Thanks, Mike

TIG

As it says early on in the tool's download page notes in bold "Note: for Pro >=v.8 only..."
It uses API solids-methods only availed in Pro.
Sorry...

smicha

TIG,

Splitting removes co-planar edges. Is it possible to add extra option to prevent the plugin from deleting the edges?

Sebastian

BTW. This plugin is just a miracle Now I cannot work without it.

TIG

@Smicha

Unfortunately this tool uses the API's solid-methods, which always remove coplanar-edges from any coplanar-faces sharing a material [even when one is reversed!]: so it's an unavoidable side-effect.
If alternate coplanar-faces have different materials then their coplanar-edges are kept.
But then redrawing a few edges, or using my 'SplitSausage'/'SplitDonut' tools to reinstate the removed coplanar-edges, is done quickly enough...

smicha

Thanks TIG for reply. I just figured out the proper way of using SplitSausge and this helps a lot.

Box

I've noticed an occasional oddity with this Tig, sometimes the split produces one half and a whole.
I'll add the model in case you can see what it is about this component that makes it happen.

Split to plane.gif

Split.skp

TIG

The problem object has several small facets forming the rounded parts.
I suspect this is the issue.
If a 'solid-tools' operation [done manually or in code] fails because tiny edges don't get made and a face is missed out, then usually it bales out with an error.
It's failing to fail properly !

The way the 'split' tool works is that a copy is made on top of the original instance, then a large 'block' group is made to one side of the defined 'plane' and it is then subtracted from the original; next another large 'block' group is made to the other side of the plane and subtracted from the copy.
If all goes well you should get two solid groups abutting at the defined 'plane'.
In your case, one side fails to be made and the subtract tool bales out leaving one of the instances unchanged, sometimes it will make the other part 'solid', but oddly it doesn't always make it as a 'solid' group on the partially successful side either - try a few tests and check it in Entity Info...
The solid-tool's subtract should fail but it doesn't in this occasional odd case !!

Box

Thanks Tig, that makes sense. I know what to look for if it does it in future. It was only a random doodle in this case but I have had it happen 'rarely' when working on something specific. I took this accidental opportunity to show it to you.
Thanks again for looking and explaining.

oman3000

This is an Amazing tool! Good Job!
I just hope it can split even a non-solid groups of object or components and also regroup it into two.
perhaps it makes it better.

cazz

It would be a "10/10" slicing/splitting plugin , if it could be applied to multiple "solid" group or component at one time.

TIG

Select your groups/instances, perhaps copy them to one side, and make them into a group.
Now edit the group and select all of its contents, and Explode.
Exit the edit, and the new group should report as being 'solid' - if not, then the newly exploded geometry must interact/intersect to stop the 'solidity' - fix any issues with help of SolidInspector etc...

Now the 'Split' should work OK on this new group...

cazz

Dear TIG
Thank you for the suggestion.
May I humbly suggest that if the plugin could be coded to ....

"remember" the Groups/Components selected by the user
"remember" the splitting plane defined by 3 points by the user
then carry out by "repeating" the splitting action to the Groups/Components one by one?

I am totally ignorant in Ruby programming, hope you don't mind if I've a silly suggestion.

Regards