3D printing advice on plugins

kellenraidfractal

I am about to take my model to print it. I need some advice on what to do before this. I have three questions:

I saw a few months past a video where you would input your model and the plugin would find the mistakes so printing would go smoother; what is the name of this software? Does anyone have any suggestions?
How do I convert my model from .skp to .stl? I saw a plugin that would do that, but again, it meant little at the time and now it is critical...I think.
I wish to tweak my solid model, just a tiny bit eg bend it or twist it. I saw some plugin that costs $150--and I am really willing to pay it--that could do this for my models more selectively than the tools SU has ie like just the right side or the distal end.
Your advice and answers are very much appreciated. Everyone who has responded in the past has saved me time and effort so that when I get more experience, in future, I hope to contribute to someone as ignorant as I, as well.

sdmitch

I am about to take my model to print it. I need some advice on what to do before this. I have three questions:

I saw a few months past a video where you would input your model and the plugin would find the mistakes so printing would go smoother; what is the name of this software? Does anyone have any suggestions?

http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=TIG_solidsolver

I wish to tweak my solid model, just a tiny bit eg bend it or twist it. I saw some plugin that costs $150--and I am really willing to pay it--that could do this for my models more selectively than the tools SU has ie like just the right side or the distal end.
Your advice and answers are very much appreciated. Everyone who has responded in the past has saved me time and effort so that when I get more experience, in future, I hope to contribute to someone as ignorant as I, as well.

http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=clf_shape_bender_v055

d12dozr

Several plugins fit the description of what you're looking for, so here a few more to add to sdmitch's list.

Thomthom's Solid Inspector 1 and 2 :http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/solid-inspector,
and http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/solid-inspector%C2%B2
Export STL's from Sketchup: http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/sketchup-stl
FredoScale will do bending and twisting a little differently than ShapeBender linked by sdmitch above, and it's free (as in send Fredo a donation if you like the plugin) http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=FredoScale

dukejazz

1. I saw a few months past a video where you would input your model and the plugin would find the mistakes so printing would go smoother; what is the name of this software? Does anyone have any suggestions?
%(#FF4000)[How to Fix and Repair Your 3D Files Using Meshlab and Netfabb
NETFABB: Measure, Check and Repair]
http://www.shapeways.com/tutorials/how_to_use_meshlab_and_netfabb

2. How do I convert my model from .skp to .stl? I saw a plugin that would do that, but again, it mean little at the time and now it is critical...I think.
there a sketchup plug-in that inport and export STL in the sketchucation download store is available for free ( mono color file converter )

STL files are the standard file type for 3D printing
How to Prep an STL File for Printing. engineering|

SOlid inspector is finding problems that I cant see
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=388%26amp;t=60347

with a slicer you can deforming layer by layer expanding the loop line is ok if you don't exceeded the 1/2 the nozzle width in displacement per layer "Usually the head moves in layers, moving in two dimensions to deposit one, small nozzle to form a thin and tacky bead of plastic that will adhere to the material at 45 or to not exceeded 45 degree to last layers but if you bend it or twist it may break a part the layers or change shape of object surface you will need to rebuild the model with a different path length.

Learn about supporting by this video Adding custom 3dprinting supports in Meshmixer. mold3d.com|

if you can cad it to one layer at a time in a single unbroken and uncross path loop
that stay at rest with gravity that is also adheres 100 % to previous layer you can make a close surface wall

by moving though the display section plans thus a check test for close loops can be completed