Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
#18531
03/11/09 04:56 PM
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Ken Hume
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Hi,
When exporting a Sketchup file to AutoCAD what steps need to be taken to ensure that all components are editable inside AutoCAD ?
Regards
Ken Hume
Looking back to see the way ahead !
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: Ken Hume]
#18534
03/11/09 08:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 918
bmike
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Which version of SketchUp are you exporting from? What version of AutoCAD are you exporting to?
What are you trying to get as workable components in AutoCAD? 2D? 3D?
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: bmike]
#18536
03/11/09 10:01 PM
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Mark Davidson
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Exporting from SU7 I beleive.
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: Mark Davidson]
#18537
03/11/09 10:33 PM
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bmike
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I'd guess I need to know what you are trying to do with the components. AutoCAD turns most of SketchUp entities into 3D faces. If items are components and groups it will turn them into AutoCAD blocks. In recent versions of AutoCAD you can edit these blocks by double clicking on them, using the 'refedit' command, or exploding them.
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: bmike]
#18546
03/12/09 02:16 PM
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Mark Davidson
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The situation I'm working with is producing a basic model in sketchup with no joinery details, then sending it along to an engineer who is working in CAD for further frame design. I've been modeling with groups only in the design stage, then when I am ready to detail the connections I will convert the groups into components. After engineering I would be importing a CAD file to sketchup. One problem I've found when converting CAD to skp is that the scale jumps up by a factor of 12. Not a big deal, as the model is easy to resize, but curious if this is a common problem in going from CAD to sketchup. -btw nice website bmike.
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: Mark Davidson]
#18549
03/12/09 03:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 918
bmike
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You can change the units that SketchUp imports using the options button on the import (and I believe for the export) dialog. Why not model with components right from the get go? Easy enough to make unique, and when you have multiples they all update when you make a change...
I typically only use groups to collect items - mainly other components.
(Thanks on the website. Work in progress for sure. More work and info and some tutorials are forthcoming...)
-Mike
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: Mark Davidson]
#18550
03/12/09 03:08 PM
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bmike
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You'll also find that SketchUp exports your 'solid' timber as 3d faces in AutoCAD. A pain for sure. I found this out the hard way when hoping to 'easily' convert my SketchUp model to HSB-CAD timbers with their 'convert from 3d solids' function.
-Mike
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: bmike]
#18554
03/12/09 04:36 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Mark Davidson
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Is there a difference between groups and components when exporting a dwg? I think your suggestion on starting out with components is a good one, I will try this. I suppose I see groups having a bit more freedom at the initial design stage, but that is just my habit I have not tried components from the start of a drawing. thanks!
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: Mark Davidson]
#18557
03/12/09 05:40 PM
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bmike
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As far as I know components and groups turn into blocks in AutoCAD. Testing now... wait...
Yes, both come through as AutoCAD blocks. And both appear to carry over the name from the component or group - so if you name your timbers (the components) they should transfer to AutoCAD.
As I said earlier - I use components for any basic building block in the model - doors, windows, walls, leg of a table, timber, post, etc... and then I group these together to organize my drawing. I use the outliner to control the groups I've created (Bent 1, Wall A, Roof, etc.) and use layers to control things like dimensions, imported floor plans, people, furniture, etc.
-Mike
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Re: Sketchup export of AutoCAD file
[Re: bmike]
#18575
03/13/09 08:03 AM
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Ken Hume
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Hi Mike,
Ah yes that's the problem. The Sketchup components are being imported as blocks and as 3D faced entities which are not true 3D solids capable of Bolean operations.
Regards
Ken Hume
Looking back to see the way ahead !
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