Sketchup

[Alan_H]

Has any stepped up to 2017?

I have stayed with 2016 as I heard a lot of negatives from folks using 2017.

I'm just wondering if they have all the bugs worked out yet.

[Alan_H]

So, 277 views, and no responses, I'm guessing no one has upgraded?

[cadstuff]

I've been working on CAD systems since 1990, (first AutoCAD ver 2.50). I gave up a long time ago chasing new versions of any package. I'n currently usint AutoCAD 2007 for 2D and Sketchup 2015 for 3D. I do have a new version available if someone has a model I'd like to look at, but until there's a new feature that I need, it's simply not worth the constant upgrade.

[QueticoBill]

I started using AutoCAD v 1.1 in 1982 and have generally upgraded as soon as possible. On subscription now. I've always found the changes worth a day of hassles, and easier than going many versions before upgrading. If you are only ever going to work on your own, and not collaborate, maybe not so important.

[pohukai]

I upgraded and haven't seen any issues. My focus, however has changed since I used it to design my teardrop. I use it now because when used with a plug-in, you can output a g-code file for 3D printing your model.

[Ge99ne]

I've been using it since it came out. No more issues for me than any other release. I tend to lose a plugin or 2 with each upgrade.

[Alan_H]

I upgraded and haven't seen any issues. My focus, however has changed since I used it to design my teardrop. I use it now because when used with a plug-in, you can output a g-code file for 3D printing your model.

Are you using SketUCam or something else for direct G-code output?

[pohukai]

I've only installed the plugin and exported. I'll be testing a actual 3D print in the next few days.

https://openbuilds.com/projectresources/sketchucam.1/

[Alan_H]

I've only installed the plugin and exported. I'll be testing a actual 3D print in the next few days.

https://openbuilds.com/projectresources/sketchucam.1/

How did your 3D printing work out?

[pohukai]

The plug-in to export the STL file works fine most of the time, but had issues in the beginning. To overcome these,

I always work in mm, since 3D slicers (CURA) work in that best.
In sketchup, I always select the portions of the model and export 'selected'.. even if I want to export the entire model
I always review the slicing model in CURA and review the layers before generating the gcode for the printer.

I have found, that sometimes, the STL file will be missing huge portions of the model when they are imported into CURA. This is a real pain, because redrawing in scketch can be time consuming, but is still better than wasting time and material on the printer. If it is wrong in cura, it will be wrong on the printer. I found this out once on the printer..... and went back to view he model in CURA and the problem was visible there, too.

I've been reviewing the fusion360, but that has a huge learning curve and wish sketchup and the plug-in were a little more reliable.

I don't see any issues with the actual print out when I've:
1) Imported an STL into sketchup
2) Modified the model in sketchup
3) Exported the changes as a new STL
4) Imported the new STL into CURA
5) Exported the STL to create the gcode.

[vedika31]

Latest version of Sketchup ?