Hi All-
I work primarily in metal and wood- furniture and millwork. Usually I will build a model in Sketchup for the client, then rework that same model for the shop. If I am building with plywood one of the last steps inevitably involves nesting all of the individual elements of the carcase into 4' x 8' sheets, adding dimensions, and using the printouts as cut lists for the shop. This is especially useful when working with a directional plywood ie. sliced walnut, etc., b/c it retains a holistic sense of grain orientation for the saw operator.
So, lets say the whole model is a group of groups, which groups are comprised of components. Usually I will create the model to within 90% completion, then make a copy of said model within the same document, then rearrange that model into a 2D array of sheets, boards, etc. Using this method, last minute changes to the original model are mirrored in my cut list. This is essential part of my Sketchup process as a designer / builder whos clients sometimes like to change their mind right as the wood is going through the saw.
With that process in mind, now to my question(s):
-Is there a script / plugin that will 'flatten' a 3D composition of components into a pseudo 2D arrangement? I'm not concerned about nesting them into given dimensions at this point, though that would be nice as well.
-Is there a plugin that will label components as per the outliners description, and / or with their dimensions along a given plane / face?
- Is there a way to create a secondary group, such that, in the example above, components could be grouped per 4' x 8' sheet ras well as per carcase. This would require the ability for component to have two states I would imagine.
Any and all pointers greatly appreciated.