I cannot take credit for these fantastic plugins. Since posting this originally I have heavily edited it to include all the great Google Sketchup plugins I’m using. 1 Without further ado they are:
- skp_to_dxf – This script will allow you to import STL and DXF. I haven’t used this one as much as the other two. I think this script was written by someone named Guitar-list.
- su2stl.rb – This script will allow you to import/export STL files. I’ve had pretty good success exporting STL files, but the importing is very hit or miss. This Ruby script appears to be encrypted, so I don’t know who wrote it and I don’t know enough Ruby to decode it. This is the best link I could find to it.
- polyreduce.rb – This script will reduce the number of polygons and faces in a Sketchup model. With really complex models (or an underpowered computer) it can take a LONG time to work. Fair warning. This great script was written by someone named Whaat.
- Update 7/11/2010: drawhelix13.rb – Script for generating a helix. Super awesome for creating screw threads. 2 This script was written by someone named Peter Brown, but I cannot find any link to his site or contact information. Sorry Peter. I did find some instructions on how to use this plugin.
- Update 7/27/2010: manifold.zip – Script for making a Sketchup object manifold. I’ve tried it a few times and found that it works slowly on my super under powered machine. I’ve gotten bored and stopped it before it has completed. That said, I’m quite confident a more patient person could get it to work no problem.
Manifold was written by someone named TIG who is a prolific creator of Sketchup plugins/Ruby scripts on the Sketchucation forums. I found this plugin thanks to the Capolight blog – there’s some amazing stuff over there – check it out.
Possibly Related Posts:
- Should I pace myself?
- A MakerBot Cart – like this!
- ADD and TLDR
- Creating models from photos
- I love the way these guys think
