Help Regarding STL File

[CnCustoms]

So I have a 3d model from sketchup exported from the program as a stl file.However when loaded into another program that reads stl files the model is either incomplete or has holes and gaps in it.Is there any way to fix this???Or is my best bet to just get a model that was made in stl format to begin with??Also if thats the case what is the best program out there for stl file creation and so on.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[txcncman]

Fix it how? In some CAM programs, you can tell it to ignore/skip gaps of certain sizes. In a CAD or CAD/CAM program, you should be able to "repair" any gaps.

I have seen other problems with Google Sketchup files also.

[CnCustoms]

I dont have a modeling background at all.I was simply converting from one format to another for my own personal use.I dont have access to higher end programs or know enough to fix or make repairs.

[subnoize]

However when loaded into another program that reads stl files the model is either incomplete or has holes and gaps in it.Is there any way to fix this???

SketchUp Pro does not support the STL format correctly. It also does not support DXF correctly. I would export to 3DS first and use a convertor and you will get better results. Just be prepared to do a lot of clean up.

In the future, avoid SketchUp altogether. Yes, it is very easy to use. Yes it has some really cool features like guides and inferencing other points. BUT, its a toy. The people who write it don't have a well defined roadmap for their product. Since they have been bought by Google they've become arrogant and condescending. There is absolutely no technical support. Their forums are filled with trolls. Need I go on?

I use SketchUp Pro on a daily basis as its very good for doing 2D transfers of old blueprints. I build from the z axis looking down, I build in 2D and when I'm done I export via DXF with nothing but lines into AutoCAD or Rhino depending on the next processes.

I never use SketchUp for 3D. Once you go that route the models are unsuitable for anything but the simplest of CNC operations. The conversion to other formats is actually the least of your problems!

In the world of Personal Fabrication, SketchUp gets a big fat "F" on many levels. Its sad too, when you consider what they could have brought to the table.

Like I said, I use it every day. I use it only for what its good at and then its turned off and the big boys come out and finish the job!


snz

[subnoize]

I dont have access to higher end programs or know enough to fix or make repairs.

I say this as a safety issue, not as a biased jerk!! Not trying to be mean or nasty. When you go missing fingers or injure somebody else its gonna suck worse than learning what you are doing first!

I would get rid of sketchup, get a CAD program that is listed as a topic on this forum (notice no sketchup?) and learn to crawl first.


snz