Thanks Box,

I see what you mean about the geometry. I did some testing and found that if I make sure to use the same arc radius and paste the third arc point on the tangent the surfaces line is much better.

Thanks Box!

One question though, how did you combine the bump and the disk section? The Shell function seems like it is the correct tool but I am unable to make it work. I am using the Free version so I do not have access to the Solid Tools.

-Scott

@box said:

One of the more common reasons for issue like this is size. If the faces are too small they can't be created. You may find scaling up by a factor of ten will allow it to work. Then scale down again.

Scaling up by a factor of 10 seems to have helped. The only problem is when I scale it back to normal the problems return. Is this a sketchup issue? Is the x1 STL file really ok and it's just a matter of how it is imported back into Sketchup and rendered?

I was also wondering about the structure for 3D printing, does it have to be a solid? If it is not just a shell and components exist inside the structure will it still print poperly (see third image)?

Thanks,

Scott

Aileron Trim Knob b.skp

Thanks for the reply's

I reversed the faces on the model and re-exported it with the same results, see the image below (thanks for the directions). I didn't circle all of the faults just a few examples. Mostly missing surfaces and some distortions. I did notice that the number of "facets" exported did not match the number of "polygons" imported by the STL plug-in. And when importing I get a message that it is "correction geometry".

The model is a elevator trim wheel for a P-51 Mustang (WWII Fighter Aircraft). I also want to make the Rudder and Aileron Trim knobs and a few other parts. The elevator trim wheel is 5" diameter and 1/2" thick. I plan on putting these in a simulator cockpit, the whole in the middle is to mount to the "D" shaft of a potentiometer. I've attached a picture of the Trim Console of a P-51 so you can visualize what I'm trying to do.

Since I am using the Free version of Sketchup and the 8 hour trial period has expired I do not have access to the Solid tools. Does the model need to be a solid to be exported properly to an STL file? I was using the "Shell" function and then "smoothing" it.

Thanks,

Scott

Hi all,

I am new to Sketchup and it's been a long time since I did any 3D modeling. Last time was 8 years ago using FSDS (flight sim design studio) to create 3D models for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

I am currently trying to create some objects in Sketchup (free version) to have 3D printed, probably using Shapeways. I have installed the STL plug-in to allow importing and exporting of STL files. I created the object shown below (top image) and exported it as an STL file. However when I re-import it to view the STL model there are many polygons missing and some distortion in the surfaces (bottom image).

Anybody have any suggestions on what I am doing wrong (I'm sure it's a long list ).

Dropbox - Error - Simplify your life

(www.dropbox.com)

Thanks,

Scott