Table of Contents
3D Printing with SketchUp: 10 Tips and Tricks 1: Set your Template to Millimeters or Inches. 2: Install the SketchUp STL Extension. 3: Avoid Paper-Thin Surfaces & Set Wall Thicknesses. 4: Make Your Model Watertight (Manifold) 5: Avoid Internal Overlapping. 6: Check if Your Model Is Solid.
Can you use SketchUp for 3D printing?
SketchUp can be very useful to introduce people to 3D printing because anyone can 3D model and print an object with the first use. We’ve designed a very simple object here, but in the making of it we’ve covered all the basic aspects of how this software works.
How do I make a SketchUp file an STL?
Exporting from Sketchup to STL: Window > Extension Warehouse. Click on the “extension warehouse” button in the top menu bar. Search STL. Once the extension warehouse window opens you can search for the plugin. Select Sketchup STL. Install. File > Export STL. Export.
Can you print with SketchUp free?
Before entering the print preview, create orthographic views of your model and save them as a SketchUp scene. Click the Print Mode drop-down menu to the right of the canvas, select Scenes, and then choose the orthographic scene you just made. Click the Print Mode drop-down menu again, and choose Print to Scale.
What is the thinnest A 3D printer can print?
So, how thin can a 3D printer print? Overall, most experts recommend sticking to 1mm thickness for your 3D printed models because most models smaller than this are incredibly delicate and fragile and can break so easily that you will hardly be able to handle them.
Is Tinkercad better than SketchUp?
SketchUp. Like Tinkercad, SketchUp is a browser-based design program but it is much more in-depth than Tinkercad. SketchUp also has a much steeper learning curve. SketchUp allows you to create designs from 2D sketches and the Pro version is great for architectural work.
How do I export from SketchUp to STL for free?
If you are using the Web App (app.sketchup.com/app), click on the folder icon, then Export, then STL. It even works in Free!Jun 22, 2020.
What apps do 3D printers use?
Best 3D Printing Apps in 2021 (Android & iOS) Mobile Making. 3D Printer Control. Printoid for OctoPrint. OctoPod. AstroPrint. GCodePrintr. 3D Modeling Apps. Shapr3D.
Does SketchUp save as STL?
SketchUp exports your model to the STL format and saves the file in the location you specified.
How do I export a 3D model in SketchUp?
Exporting a SketchUp Model as a 3D CAD file In SketchUp, select File > Export > 3D Model. Navigate to the location where you want to save your exported file. (Optional) Change the file name if you like. Select either . Click the Options button to open the Export Options dialog box, shown in the following figure.
How do I add extensions to SketchUp?
Here are the steps you need to follow: In SketchUp, select Extensions > Extension Manager. Click the Install Extension button. In the Open dialog box that appears, navigate to the . When SketchUp warns you about installing only extensions from trusted sources, click Yes to proceed and install your extension.
Is there still a free SketchUp?
Is SketchUp still free? While there are paid versions of SketchUp, there is also still a free version of SketchUp. Although Trimble has retired development of the free desktop version, called SketchUp Make, you can still download the last version of SketchUp Make 2017 here.
Did Google sell SketchUp?
3D modelling tool SketchUp is no longer a part of Google, as the company has sold the business to Trimble Navigation. The deal includes both the team members and the technology at SketchUp, which will be used to enhance Trimble’s range of navigation, surveying, and mapping equipment.
How do I print in SketchUp Pro 2021?
Tip: When you print your model, SketchUp takes your current view into account.Selecting Print Setup options Select File > Print Setup. From the Name drop-down list, select the printer you want to use. Click the Properties button to configure your printer options. From the Size drop-down menu, select a paper size.
Can you scan an object for 3D printing?
It is possible to capture existing objects into the computer so they can be modified or simply re-created using a 3D printer. Optical scanning captures only the outer shape of an object, but it is possible to use ultrasound imaging or CT scan data to create models of internal structures as well.
Is there any free CAD software?
Best Free CAD Software in 2021 Fusion 360. SketchUp Free. Vectary. Onshape. FreeCAD. Honorable Mentions. OpenSCAD. nanoCAD.
How thick do 3D printed walls need to be?
Minimum Wall Thickness by 3D Printing Process Stereolithography (SLA) Supported Wall Minimum Thickness 0.2 mm Unsupported Wall Minimum Thickness 0.2 mm Vertical Wire Diameter Minimum Diameter 0.2 mm Engraved Detail Minimum Recession 0.15 mm.
How thick should my 3D printed walls be?
Common values for printing regular, moderately strong parts include a wall thickness of 0.8-1.6 mm (3-4 wall lines) and a top and bottom thickness around 0.8-1.2 mm (4-6 layers depending on the layer height set). For most cases, your slicer’s default values will be suitable.
What is better than SketchUp?
Revit is BIM (Building Information Modeling) software that focuses on architectural design and structural engineering. It’s more technically oriented than SketchUp, suitable for managing tasks and documentation, providing a lengthy toolset in comparison.
Is Tinkercad similar to AutoCAD?
When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found Tinkercad easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers felt that AutoCAD meets the needs of their business better than Tinkercad. When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Tinkercad is the preferred option.
What is Tinkercad used for?
Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. It’s used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything!.
How do I create a STL file?
Creating an STL file is done in five steps: Choose your preferred CAD program and open TinkerCad or Sketchup. Choose Your Preferred CAD Program and Open It. Create 3D Models Using Your Software’s Tools. Save and Export Your Design to the Computer. Choosing a Slicer Software. Slicing Your File Into a G-code File.
How do I convert STL to G-code?
Converting STL Files to G-code Step 1: Download a conversion tool. Step 2: Import your . Step 3: Repair the mesh. Step 4: Convert your mesh to a shape. Step 5: Convert the shape to a solid. Step 6: Export your solid to a . Step 7: Import your file in to Fusion 360. Step 8: Generate toolpaths.
Do you have to have a computer to use a 3D printer?
No, generally you don’t need a particularly good computer for 3D printing. STL files, the common file for models to print, tend to be small files and are recommended to be below 15MB, so any computer can handle this. Most models are simple, but high-resolution models can be very large files.
Can you use your phone for a 3D printer?
You can do your 3D printing work anywhere. There are apps for 3D printing that work on Android and iOS as well as desktops and laptops, and some that you don’t even need to download. With a 3D printer app, you can view files on the go, design when you need to, convert images from 2D to 3D files, and more.
Can you run a 3D printer off a tablet?
When you just have an iPad, tablet or phone, you need to be able to download the STL file, slice it, then send the file to your 3D printer. You can easily model 3D prints through different modeling apps for iOS or Android (shapr3D), as well as export to an STL file, load the files to the printer and manage prints.
