Thanks for your replies.

@Dave R

@unknownuser said:

It would be better to teach them about how editing one component edits all other copies in the model

You are right, it's probably the way I should choose.

@Gaieus

@unknownuser said:

In fact, if you build up more complex components

I think the pupils are fine with "simple" components. See also the SKP-File below.

@Wo3Dan

@unknownuser said:

They can even scale them etc. But each time the try to enter them for editing, they will get a warning.

A very interessting approach. I will keep that in mind and run a test.

After I wrote the initial entry here I created a "brick builder workplane". The primitivs (groups)are placed on a "sidebar". Each group can be pulled from there 10 times.

Error 404 (Not Found)!!1

(sketchup.google.com)

@ely862me:

@unknownuser said:

Joint Push&Pull !! viewtopic.php?t=6708

That sounds good. I'll give it a try. Thanks

@andre51

@unknownuser said:

They should be able to set the "skin" or outer shell to only print a certain thickness.

Yes, that's right. I'll ask Shapeways, what they can do for me.

@unknownuser said:

We do it on our little printer and it is a very simple process.

So do we. We can define (to) many parameters.

@d12dozr:

@unknownuser said:

Print services typically operate on an automated system, and this kind of customization is too much for current systems.

Exactly! That's why I was looking for a plugin.

I did it! The fridge does not look so well designed but it works as it should.
Thanks Jim

Regards
Kurt

KuehlschrankV2.skp

Hi Jim

OK, i'll try. Thanks for your advice.

Kurt

Some time ago I created the DC "Box.skp". It was quite easy because it was built by a simple cube. No nested groups at all. The "Fridge.skp" seems to be more complicated. Finally I would like to get the option that I can set the overall width and depth and the height of the lower (fridge) and the upper section (freezer). I need a hint where i should start. Any suggestions?

Regards
Kurt

Fridge.skp

Box.skp

It looks good!

@unknownuser said:

texture them like a checker

It is not a must. I'am fine with your solution.

When I choose "LenZ = 1cm" the copies are not shown. I will figure it out when i going to spend more time to DC.

General question: Are DC often used or is that something for Geeks?

Regards
Kurt

I will try and do my very best.

@unknownuser said:

Does that make sense?

Definitly! But as I am a bloody beginner with DC I have gone the way I could handle. Changing this to geometry is perhaps a challenge when I have got more experience. By now I have no idea how to start.

Kurt

Hi Brodie

@unknownuser said:

If your end goal is rendering

No, that's not my goal. The texture may help the students to understand, how wide, long and deep the box is. Each square is (should be) a square centimeter.

Regards
Kurt

I created a dynamic component, which calculates the volume of a "paper" box. The size of the unfolded piece of paper is set to 24 by 16 cm. Depending on the height of the box (that can be choosen in the dialogbox), you get a different volume.
For educational purposes these functions are just great.

The texture unfortunatly gets scaled when the box height is altered. Is there a way to avoid that or can somebody help with a workaround?

Regards
Kurt

Schachtel.skp