Workflow

dieter10 · 18 Apr 2017, 16:29

I just installed the new 2017 version (was working with version 8 Pro since 2011). Set up all the toolbars, 3D mouse, razer naga mouse, plugins,...
I was wondering if there are some plugins or a better way to do my projects. Here I will describe how my way/workflow is right now. (The kind of projects that I do are metal construction/engineering).

I start making my model in a .skp file. During the design process that's the only file I work in, so I do everything in assembly (all the parts are made components). If the machine/construction is finished I make a couple of .skp files that I give the name: "partnr-partname.skp" I copy and paste the part from the assembly to the empty .skp and save it in a folder called "parts". Every part needs to have a blueprint (layout file, single page). So I make a folder "Blueprints" were a save all the .layout files (naming: "drawingnr-partname-projectname.layout"). In the titleblock I fill in date, partnr., partname,.... (I would be very happy if those mentioned could be done automatically when importing .skp into layout).

Is there a better way to do this that could me save time and less mistakes. I have seen a plugin TIG-exportlayers, but i don't know if this is a good solution or if there are better ways.

Could you give me your opinion/idea?

pbacot · 18 Apr 2017, 17:03

Only thing that comes to mind--why not save the component to a file via the contextual menu instead of copy and paste. Then if you need to update you can update the component in the Part file and more easily reload it into the assembly file.

dieter10 · 19 Apr 2017, 16:30

I found a useful plugin from TIG: http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=TIG_save_all_components . (before doing this, use the purge plugin!)
For now this works well.
And in Layout I automated the date and drawingnr., this saves me already a tiny bit of time.
Also the generate report function in Sketchup is now useful for me to make BOMs.
Is there a possibility to use the model info (. skep model) to put it in a text field in layout (such as name and description)? Or is this a wish list thing? And I always select vector rendering and background of, is it possible to set this as default Or is this still wishlist?