#PRINT TO SCALE SKETCHUP WINDOWS HOW TO#
#PRINT TO SCALE SKETCHUP WINDOWS INSTALL#
#PRINT TO SCALE SKETCHUP WINDOWS PRO#

#PRINT TO SCALE SKETCHUP WINDOWS INSTALL#

Install this extension using the instructions on the page. There are many STL import / export programs for Sketchup: stl format, so an extension needs to be installed.

Sketchup: Make does not directly save to. It helps to choose a template with millimeters or inches to ensure the part is created at the correct scale.

#PRINT TO SCALE SKETCHUP WINDOWS HOW TO#

Take a look at the tutorials, which will give you a very good idea of how to create 3D parts using Sketchup: For example zero thickness surfaces do not print well at all, and often do not even appear in the /stl file. NOTE: not all models created using Sketchup are intended for 3D printing and there may be issues. Note that the units / scale may be entirely wrong, and the part may need to be resized.

Depending on the complexity, the part may take a few moments to load.

Left click at the intersection of the three axes

You will now need to place the chosen model within your (albeit empty) “world”.

Choose “Load this part directly into the Sketchup Model”.

Once you have found the model, either click the download button (hollow box with a down arrow) or click the part itself, then “download”.

Feel free to search for whatever model you’d like to see.

A new window will open with a search bar at the top.

Go to File at the top left of the screen, and then choose 3D Warehouse -> Get Models.

If you’re eager to see what other people have created in 3D, run the software, choose any template and click “Start Using Sketchup”.

For this article we will refer to Sketchup Make, which is compatible with Windows and MAC operating systems. Download and install Sketchup: Make (free) then choose which approach you prefer to take: either finding and printing other people's 3D models, or creating your own:Ī) I want to print other people’s models.

#PRINT TO SCALE SKETCHUP WINDOWS PRO#

Sketchup Make is free while Sketchup Pro is $695 (still a bargain when considering how much work went into its design). Often students at the university or college level have a high priced CAD software at their disposal, as well as educational discounts (or versions) should they wish to use it at home.Īs of 2017, there are two versions of Sketchup: Sketchup: Make is for personal and educational use, and Sketchup: Pro for educational and professional use. “Common” software often discussed online like SolidWorks is not free, and starts at around $5,000 USD for a license. If you have a fairly inexpensive 3D printer, you are likely not prepared to invest in a 3D CAD software, some of which can retail for $20,000 USD and more. The manufacturer of the 3D printer always either has their own slicing software for (4), or tells you which slicing software to use (always free to download). Import / open the part in a slicing software.Export the object to stereolithograph (.stl) format.Learn to use said software to create 3D objects.The common steps required in order to create a custom 3D printed part are:

Print to scale sketchup windows