Convert Sketchup drawings to CNC ?

**templecorran** · 03-08-2009

Originally Posted by DaveEP

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