Difference between revisions of "Guides/SketchUp for Laser Cutting"
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* 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 | ||
* [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. | ||
===Information=== | ===Information=== | ||
Revision as of 11:21, 13 February 2011
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