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  1. #1
    DaveEP's Avatar
    Location unknown. DaveEP Last Activity: Has a total post count of n/a. Referred 6117 members to the community.
    What workflow are you using to convert your Sketchup drawings to CNC ?

  2. #2
    Quote Originally Posted by DaveEP View Post
    What workflow are you using to convert your Sketchup drawings to CNC ?
    In truth that's a big problem:exclaim:
    There are some .skp to stl converters in the open source, but they are worth what you pay for them! not a lot.
    I have tried CadSpan who were contracted by Google to write a stl export tool. It does work, but you need to be online to use it. The job is sent to their server where it is processed and a while later you get to retrieve the finished stl files in a zip format. It works, but I'd rather have an off line solution. BTW the basic tool is free, they have a 30 day free trial for the pro version, after that you pay something like $32 per month:cry:


    There is another method I have used, this was to export the stl files to a rapid prototype 3D printer. It needs the geometry to be correct down to microns. :surprised: So this method is not recommended for that type of process.

    Method: Requires MeshLAB, it's free open source.
    1. Export 3D model, (it creates a .KMZ file) (this is a google zip format file)
    2. rename extension to .zip
    3. extract the .DAE file from the model subfolder in the model.zip file
    4. Open the .DAE file in MeshLAB
    5. SaveAS in .STL format.
    6. Open the .stl in a suitable CAM tool.
    Make chips

    I wanted to stress that Sketchup is a wonderful Proof of Concept tool. Not recommended for model manufacture.
    If you have other CAM tools, then use those. I have access to ArtCAM, SolidEdge, MasterCAM, and Alpha Licam. Not all of these will open the .stl format.

    hth
    John
    Templecorran
    Where the Light was kept during the Dark Ages

  3. #3
    All,

    I must stress that I have not used Sketchup for models to be milled or routed.

    The only real world model that was made was made on a 3D printer here at college. The 3D printer driver is very unforgiving of small errors, or of faces that appear to be adjacent, but which prove to be not touching when you get in really close. Make full use of the transparent button in the Face Style toolbar. That way you get to see if a pillar is not touching the base (for example)

    I can try one of my tree coin designs an see what happens. It's getting from the .skp or .kmz to .stl or .dxf to port into a CAM that's the challenge.
    Drawing the model is the easy part!!

    more to come I'm sure :exclaim::exclaim:
    Templecorran
    Where the Light was kept during the Dark Ages

  4. #4
    I have come up with a challenge :exclaim:

    to model one of the shaft supports on the Marchant Dice site. (hope he dony mind!) His'll be cheaper than our efforts lol

    OK Attached are the dimensions and a photo of the Shaft Support.
    Challenge is to model this in Sketchup and produce G Code for Mach3 to machine it. Lets do a 16mm version
    There is no prize, just some

    To make this fair, post a 2D export of the model from Sketchup, and the G Code. How you get from the model to G Code is the real challenge. No Cheating :nope:
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	697   challenge SHF1.pdf  
    Templecorran
    Where the Light was kept during the Dark Ages

  5. #5
    Yes ,,, well ,,,, :whistling:

    I can get the model, but I can't get it imported into any of the CAM tools I have available!:sad:

    So ... aahmmm

    Challenge off :clap:
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version. 

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    Templecorran
    Where the Light was kept during the Dark Ages

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Hemsworthlad View Post
    I have come up with a challenge as well:whistling:
    You have to sketch up all the plans for my gantry end plates and Z axis plates, produce the Gcode and provide me with all the Ali plates cut and ready to go.!!. . . . . . No rush so long as there ready for friday.:rofl:

    How you get it to me is up too you.. . . lmao
    All that detail you ask for I supplied already!
    Templecorran
    Where the Light was kept during the Dark Ages

  7. #7
    Just ordered some proper cutters for ali from cutwel - http://www.cutweltools.co.uk/,

    6mm 2 flute ali power cutters - £7.00 each
    3mm 2 flute ali power cutters - £7.00 each

    6mm Ali power ripper cutter - £18.62 each

    Stocked up on WD40 as well (easier than making my own!)

    Asked them about the K2 coated carbide throw away's and they are still doing them at £2.50 (up to 7.9mm dia) so ordered some of those as well.

    Will let you know tomorrow how i get on.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by DaveEP View Post
    Since Sketchup Pro can export AutoCad files, would that solve the problem of importing in to CAM programs ?
    Yes, I'm sure it does. The thing is, most of us are allergic to spending money. Exporting .DXF files is only the start of the trouble.
    It's the import of that into the CAM engine to generate the G Code.
    All the tools I tried, got tangled up in knots.

    admittedly I really don't know how to drive MasterCAM. ArtCam took in the dxf and flattened it! It doesn't import STL files.

    I know that I can model it in such a way for the likes of ACE converter Or G-Scriber to make. I hoped there was a tool available to me that could take the 3D model and dump out G Code.


    NOTE to Moderator: This thread has gone way off topic. Could one of you put it some place more suitable? Please?
    Templecorran
    Where the Light was kept during the Dark Ages

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by DaveEP View Post
    What workflow are you using to convert your Sketchup drawings to CNC ?
    Dave, please re-read the first post. I used Sketchup to model the conceptual designs and copied it over to AutoCAD to be machined. At no time have I suggested that sketchup files can be machined (with mills or routers) into models.

    Yes, I have said that I used Sketchup to create a model; but that was for a rapid prototype 3D printer.

    The workflow as listed in post #3 was for the 3D printer.

    So to answer your question in post #6: Forget sketchup for model making.
    Templecorran
    Where the Light was kept during the Dark Ages

  10. #10
    * Moved to CAD/CAM section, OP left in DIY section.
    .Me

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