Any Issues/Opportunities With Sketchup ''Pro'' - Offers .dwg .dxf .obj etc.

[gerryv]

Is anyone using Sketchup "PRO" version to produduce 3D files for use with Shopbot and/or Vectric software? It's said to be the easiest basic 3D program to learn and my needs are likely to remain basic.

It would be nice to be able to use such a simple program with lots of free tutorials to produce 3D files that could be used by the Shopbot.

Anyone with experience? Does it work seamlessly? Any issues?

The file formats available with the Pro version are (copied from the Google Sketchup site):

In addition to everything you can do with Google SketchUp, using Google SketchUp Pro you can:

Export in additional 2D formats:
Portable Document Format (.pdf)
Encapsulated PostScript Format (.eps)
Epix (.epx)
AutoCAD (.dwg, .dxf)
Export 3D models in additional formats:
3DS (.3ds)
AutoCAD DWG (.dwg)
AutoCAD DXF (.dxf)
FBX (.fbx).
OBJ (.obj)
XSI (.xsi)
VRML (.vrml)
Export animations and walkthroughs as MOV with the Mac version of SketchUp, or export AVI files from the Windows version of SketchUp.

[adrianm]

I've been using Sketchup Pro for years, well before Google got involved.

I used to use it a lot with my former CNC machine but once Aspire came out and I upgraded to the 'Bot I use it less and less for CNC work as it's much easier to do 99% of the stuff I do in Aspire.

I still use it a lot for mock up of new designs though as it's so easy to virtually assemble multiple parts.

[Team One Display Services]

We use Sketchup Pro almost exlusively in designing our exhibits. We lay out all the parts, export and open them in Part Wizard.

No real issues to speak of - it works great for our needs. It is a little akward to get use to the lack of vector editing tools at first but after a little practice it's not a problem.

When I get into the office on Monday I'll upload some layouts we created with Sketchup.

[bob_s]

I use Sketchup Pro for visualization of cabinets and other projects, but Aspire is the best bet for 3d (really 2 1/2d) in my opinion. I import the parts into Aspire to cut them. The Layout program that ships with sketchup is a great way to show clients what the files will look like in a very professional environment. You can easily make them look like pencil sketches to show form without being too specific - and there are great tutorials available.
A very interesting and powerful product, but it's primary design is not for CAD/CAM so I think it will take a little work to find a good work flow.

[michael_schwartz]

As far as a cad/vector program I am not a fan of sketch-up. I do use it on a regular basis to play with designs, and create simple models. Just don't expect it to do everything, and if you have to approximating things can save you allot of time and frustration. The trade off of course is that it is so easy to learn, and use, for fairly advanced models/drawings.

[Team One Display Services]

Here are a few pics of a project created in Sketch up. It is a display case made from sintra with a bamboo laminate. The first view shows the design in Sketch up, the second shows the parts laid out ready to export, the third view is from Part Wizard, and finally, a finished pic.

http://www.teamoneexhibits.com/picts/Box1.jpg

http://www.teamoneexhibits.com/picts/Box2.jpg

http://www.teamoneexhibits.com/picts/Box3.jpg

http://www.teamoneexhibits.com/picts/Box4.jpg