Real World 3D Experience
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Would really like to hear from someone who models in SketchUp, and outputs their work to 3D printing.
Seems for the most part the 3D printing industry isn't too impressed with working with modelers who work within the SketchUp platform.
So I would like to learn how to overcome that perception, and continue to work in the platform I love.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
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Hy!
I am from Croatia,Osijek, before 6 years I have made a sketchup and 3d print of old town Tvrđa, old croatian,otoman and after that Austrian fortress.
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Jack, I got my start in 3D printing using Sketchup. I've taught local Sketchup classes for 3D printing, freelanced out my design work, and one of my models graces the official Sketchup 3D printing web page. I've had good success and made some very cool projects, but I'm going to admit sometimes it was at the expense of a LOT of wasted time. Sketchup is still my favorite tool for simpler models but it still pains me at times, the most recent was this weekend creating a simple, relatively low poly part for printing.
Some things make sense to use Sketchup, while others do not. You can nearly always beat Sketchup into doing something, but what is the point if there is a better tool out there already? What are you designing in Sketchup to 3D print?
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@d12dozr said:
Jack, I got my start in 3D printing using Sketchup. I've taught local Sketchup classes for 3D printing, freelanced out my design work, and one of my models graces the official Sketchup 3D printing web page. I've had good success and made some very cool projects, but I'm going to admit sometimes it was at the expense of a LOT of wasted time. Sketchup is still my favorite tool for simpler models but it still pains me at times, the most recent was this weekend creating a simple, relatively low poly part for printing.
Some things make sense to use Sketchup, while others do not. You can nearly always beat Sketchup into doing something, but what is the point if there is a better tool out there already? What are you designing in Sketchup to 3D print?
I'm working off of Baldwin Locomotive Works original drawings, which will be turned into CAD drawings. From there I will be modeling each component of the locomotive to be printed out in 3D for assembly. We will be working in 1/12 scale. This project is for a local railroad museum.
Sure would appreciate your input. Solidworks appears to be the software of choice for most 3D service providers, but the price tag is out of the question for a non profit museum. And I'm not a student to be able to realize their discount. But I believe it's only a discount for a 12 month subscription.
I an really hoping to be able to stay with SketchUp.
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Maybe you can share a sample part to have a look at...
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@cotty said:
Maybe you can share a sample part to have a look at...
Thanks Cotty. I will do that as soon as we receive the drawings, make the change over to CAD, and pull up some components.
I have attached a picture of a locomotive that was constructed from the same drawing number sheet of the locomotive we are modeling. Dates back to 1875.
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Those trains are pretty much just geometric shapes...very little organic type modeling. Because of that (and because you already are familiar with Sketchup), I think you'll do fine with Sketchup.
I've run into quite a few train enthusiasts 3D printing scale models, and while they don't all use Sketchup, at least some of them do.
You will need to change your approach to modeling (vs. geo-modeling)a little. Here are some starter tips to get going.
Edit: oh, and check out http://www.shapeways.com and https://i.materialise.com/ both for printing your models, and to see if some of the models you need are already for sale.
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Great stuff guys. Thank you all for your input.
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