Guides/SketchUp for Laser Cutting: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Sketchup-laser.png|300px|thumb|right|A 2D design in SketchUp]]
[[File:Sketchup-laser.png|300px|thumb|right|A 2D design in SketchUp]]
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.
[[File:SketchUp-Arduino.png|300px|thumb|right|Arduino model from the 3D warehouse]]
[http://sketchup.google.com/ Google SketchUp] is a powerful, free, easy to use 3D CAD package by Google. It is normally used for producing 3D models many 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.
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.
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* Gentle learning curve
* Gentle learning curve
* Available for [http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/download/index.html Windows/Mac]
* Available for [http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/download/index.html Windows/Mac]
* Lots of [http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html videos] and [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/cldetails?mid=36e1fa0d054a15eecc725c514c21d975&prevstart=0&hl=en&ct=lc tutorials] available online
* Lots of [http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html videos] and [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/cldetails?mid=36e1fa0d054a15eecc725c514c21d975&prevstart=0&hl=en&ct=lc tutorials] available online - see also [http://sketchupdate.blogspot.com/2011/05/personal-fabrication-with-sketchup.html Personal Fabrication with SketchUp: A Primer]
* [http://sketchup.google.com/buy/3rdparty.html#books Books available] but rarely needed
* [http://sketchup.google.com/buy/3rdparty.html#books Books available] but rarely needed
* Some common components that you might wish to use in a laser cut enclosure are already available in the [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ Google 3D warehouse]. These can  be useful for creating panel cut-outs and mounting holes.
* Can very easily progress from a 2D plan into a 3D model.


===Information===
===2D mode===
* [http://sketchup.google.com/ SketchUp homepage] - download from here.
Watch the '[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6eME_BiRFo Using Google SketchUp in 2D mode]' video and/or:
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6eME_BiRFo Using Google SketchUp in 2D mode] - Essential for producing designs for the laser cutter.
* Select a millimeter template either on start-up or in ''Preferences/Template''
* [http://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl SketchUp DXF exporter] - Free Ruby plug-in - SketchUp professional not required.
* Select: ''Camera/Parallel Projection''
* Select: ''Camera/Standard Views/Top''
* Optionally save this as a template for future laser cutter designs: ''File/Save as template''


===Exporting===
===Exporting===
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* Export units: ''millimeters''
* Export units: ''millimeters''
* Export to DXF: ''lines''
* Export to DXF: ''lines''
[[Category:Guides]]

Latest revision as of 09:07, 28 May 2011

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 many 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

2D mode

Watch the 'Using Google SketchUp in 2D mode' video and/or:

  • Select a millimeter template either on start-up or in Preferences/Template
  • Select: Camera/Parallel Projection
  • Select: Camera/Standard Views/Top
  • Optionally save this as a template for future laser cutter designs: File/Save as template

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
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