sketchup model toolpaths

[deanbaker]

I've successfully imported a relatively simple sketchup model into VCarve 8.020. However, when I try to create toolpaths, seemly ignores the simple vectors it could trace if I had created it IN Vcarve, and does the scanline/raster paths.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zjlesbzPq3kUx6Cn1

It creates weird scalloped artifacts on straight lines that are parallel to the toolpath even.

Is there any way, when importing a 3D model (from sketchup/AutoCAD) to get the toolpaths to be based on the vectors of the model, so I can get smooth lines and edges?



any suggestions/guidance/help is greatly appreciated.

-dean

[martin54]

How have you imported it? not an expert & don't use sketchup but I believe there are both vector & bitmap imports from sketchup, if what you have imported is a bitmap then there won't be any vectors, if you had imported a vector based design then you would be able to select each vector the same way you would if you had drawn it in the vectric software

[deanbaker]

I imported it as a 3D model.

[martin54]

if you imported it as a 3D model then there won't be any vectors which is why you can't select them

Looking at your photo's I would think that it would machine better & faster if done using 2D toolpathing rather than 3D

Not sure if the forum will accept sketchup format but if you could attach the original sketchup files (copyright permitting) it might be helpful for one of the board experts to give you a better answer

[Adrian]

Sketchup files work two ways in VCarve. If you import them using the Modelling tab or Model menu then you get a 3D component. If you import them using the Drawing tab or File menu then you get 2D vectors.

[deanbaker]

nope, .skp is not allowed.


so how are 3D models imported, if not as vectors defining the surfaces?

but yeah, it looks like I need to up my VCarve game and build it from there.

[Adrian]

Yes skp is allowed. Go to the File menu. Choose Import and then Import Vectors. That will import the 2D vectors from your Sketchup file.

If you import as a 3D model then it's created as a Vectric component which is a pixel based solid.

[dealguy11]

I would generally not try to import Sketchup 3d models as I have found them to be of low resolution/quality. I do import Sketchup vectors on a regular basis. The thing to watch with the vectors is that curves will generally come in as segmented lines. You can get a better import from Sketchup if you right click on the curves in Sketchup and use the "Divide" function to increase the number of segments. Once the number of segments gets beyond a certain point, Aspire interprets the import as a curve rather than a bunch of lines.