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Thread: Sketchup to Gcode- what does it take?

  1. #1
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    Sketchup to Gcode- what does it take?

    I have been an AutoCAD user for many years and recently started using Sketchup. I'm not a CNC expert in any way but have designed many parts for CNC manufacture in the past. All of my CNC operators have easily taken either a drawing file or .dxf file from AutoCAD to make parts.

    What does it take to get to CNC parts from a sketchup model? Is it as easy as supplying the CNC guys with the .dxf files or is there more to it?

  2. #2
    There are a couple of options:

    - provide a suitable DXF (or SVG: http://code.google.com/p/sketchup-svg-outline-plugin/ )
    - export an STL and use a 3D CAM tool such as MeshCAM (this reduces the part to a triangular mesh/polygons and may result in faceting, depending on settings) --- https://github.com/SketchUp/sketchup-stl

    For those also see: http://www.guitar-list.com/download-...les-dxf-or-stl

    - use a specialty CAM tool intended for use w/ SketchUp such as https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/PhlatScript or http://sketchucam.jimdo.com/

    Other potentially useful links include: http://sketchucation.com/forums/view...?f=180&t=13563 and http://www.cerebralmeltdown.com/cncs...rt/default.htm

  3. #3
    A lot now will also depend on what version of SU you are using. If you havent you should download the desktop version of sketchup make (free) that is still available as they have gone to a web based solution for the free version from this point on.

    Also it depends on how complex your models will be. There are super simple options to go straight to Gcode within Sketchup with simple plugins like Sketchucam. The dxf and stl options will likely still require some work on the part of whoever you ship the file out to but if your parts are pretty much 2D or 2.5D you can often times come up with a lot of workarounds with Sketchucam. I used it quite a bit early on but now output from sketchup to VcarvePro but neither (SUpro or VCpro) are free nor cheap.

    Regardless of what your able to output I would venture to guess very few, if anyone, who owns a machine and will do work for others would ever allow anyone to generate code and directly run it on their machine. I would think at the very best you would supply them with the best file you can and (unless they are a friend) expect a bit of a charge for them to get it into the code they are willing to output to their machine.

  4. #4
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    I would also look at Autodesk’s Fusion 360. Free for hobbyist or commercial use (until you make over $100k). Much more powerful than SketchUp, CAM function is built in (as is dxf import/export). You can model and generate g-code all in one program.
    Colorado Woodworkers Guild
    Colorado CNC User Group

  5. #5
    I may be missing something but Fusion360 has a standard and ultimate package after the free trial? The standard is 300 a year Ultimate is 1500 a year. I have never really looked but I have never seen a current release of Fusion360 that is free to any buisiness or personal income level? Is it 100k a year at your day job? 100K a year in revenue? 100k a year in GP? and how do they qualify that information?

  6. #6
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    Go here:
    https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/free-trial
    and follow the rules for “hobbyist or startup”. The trial and version for students hobbyists or startups is the “ultimate” version.

  7. #7
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    Thanks for the good responses. Exporting .dxf files form Sketchup requires the pro version. Even on sale it's bit pricey for a hobbyist. Fusion 360 may be a good option, especially if it has a similar look & feel to AutoCAD. I'll take a closer look at that option.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Robert Cherry View Post
    Fusion 360 may be a good option, especially if it has a similar look & feel to AutoCAD. I'll take a closer look at that option.
    I will guarantee that it will look and feel different than Autocad. It’s much more modern, solid modeling first, not as drawing oriented (although it can easily do 2d drawings as well). I highly recommend watching YouTube tutorials by Lars Christensen for Fusion 360, before you get frustrated. I’ve used a number of CAD systems over the past 35 years, Autocad and SketchUp have been my least favorites. I do like Fusion 360.
    Colorado Woodworkers Guild
    Colorado CNC User Group

  9. #9
    "What does it take to get to CNC parts from a sketchup model?"

    It depends on the import options of the cam software used to design toolpaths for the router and what kinds of shapes you want to produce. As Mark said, if you are designing parts for others to cut they will want to do the toolpathing themselves depending on their specific machinery. Dxf is the most common format but there are many others. Vectric products like VCarve or Aspire can import .skp files directly. Fusion 360 is quite capable, but still a work in progress and a very different beast from AutoCAD. Is AutoCAD LT not a good option for you? The opportunity cost of learning a new program has to be considered as well as the out of pocket $.

  10. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Robert Cherry View Post
    Thanks for the good responses. Exporting .dxf files form Sketchup requires the pro version. Even on sale it's bit pricey for a hobbyist. Fusion 360 may be a good option, especially if it has a similar look & feel to AutoCAD. I'll take a closer look at that option.
    There is a plugin at sketchucation for dxf export. Not sure of its abilities or limitations.

    https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=dxf_export

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Jenness View Post
    "What does it take to get to CNC parts from a sketchup model

    Is AutoCAD LT not a good option for you? The opportunity cost of learning a new program has to be considered as well as the out of pocket $.
    AutoCAD LT would be the perfect option if it were less expensive. I can't justify $50/month for something I willl only use a few times per year. I really dislike that Autodesk has taken that package to a subscription model. It would be great if they offered the same 'hobbyist' free license that they are offering with Fusion 360, or even some reduced licensing fee.

    Fusion 360 looks like quite a nice package from the marketing videos. I imagine the learning curve is somewhat steep.

    I will investigate the .dxf plug in for Sketchup, that might be the easiest solution if it produces an acceptable file. One of my concerns with Sketchup is that circles are not really circles, they are faceted.

  12. #12
    One frequent suggestion for a 2D AutoCAD clone is Draftsight:

    http://www.3ds.com/products-services...oad-draftsight

    for Siemens Free2D: http://www.plm.automation.siemens.co...idedge/free2d/

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Robert Cherry View Post
    One of my concerns with Sketchup is that circles are not really circles, they are faceted.
    Whoever runs your parts will more than likely run it through a post that will run curves and not facets. We output from sketchup almost daily at times and its not an issue.

  14. #14
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    Thanks to everyone that responded. I have a number of good options to investigate.

  15. #15
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    So what is your end result going to be, wood or metal CNC or 3D printing? I used AutoCAD for many years but the 3D is a whole new deal. Never did get SketchUp because I learned on CAD and SketchUp is a drawing program, as sketching. All the CAD drawing in the world will not help. Used Fusion 360 for a Long time for my 3D printer projects, but got tired of the constant updates and its so s l o w on a DSL line. I now use, and laugh if you want but its from Punch Software Via CAD 2D3D it was under $200 to purchase and it works fine. If you used ACAD you will feel right at home. They have Trial versions to download.
    Retired Guy- Central Iowa.HVAC/R , Cloudray Galvo Fiber , -Windows 10

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