Guides/SketchUp for Laser Cutting

A 2D design in SketchUp

Arduino model from the 3D warehouse

Google SketchUp is a powerful, free, easy to use 3D CAD package by Google. It is normally used for producing 3D models - a lot of which you'll find on Google Earth. It's intuitive interface had me hooked and I've created a fair few 3D models.

When I wanted to create designs for the laser I had a go with QCad but found the learning curve quite steep and was left frustrated. However, with a little research I found that it is entirely possible to use SketchUp in a 2D mode and export designs in a Laser Cutter compatible DXF format.

If you have any questions regarding SketchUp I'll do my best to answer them --Teabot

Why use Google SketchUp

• Free
• Easy to use
• Intuitive
• Gentle learning curve
• Available for Windows/Mac
• Lots of videos and tutorials available online
• Books available but rarely needed
• Some common components that you might wish to use in a laser cut enclosure are already available in the Google 3D warehouse. These can be useful for creating panel cut-outs and mounting holes.

Information

• SketchUp homepage - download from here.
• Using Google SketchUp in 2D mode - Essential for producing designs for the laser cutter.
• SketchUp DXF exporter - Free Ruby plug-in - SketchUp professional not required.

Exporting

Make sure that you have installed the DXF export plug-in.

• Go to: Tools/Export to DXF or STL
• Export units: millimeters
• Export to DXF: lines