Sketchup and 3D Printing Tutorials

In this lesson we discuss the problems in Sketchup when you try to create manifolds, or curved solids that intersect other curved solids, like trying to cut a round hole through the side of a cylinder or pipe. We found that you can draw these complex designs, but they end up with leaks and incomplete surfaces that make them not printable, even when using STL repair tools.

The Rotate Tool can be a little frustrating, but if you will follow these instructions, it will work very time. You have to be mindful of the steps as it is not a straightforward one or two step process. Be sure to check out our entire series of lessons on using Sketchup for design for 3D printing. http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

In this lesson we explore the design of a PVC style elbow. This is a more complex design as it has true three dimensional complexity, and is not a simple extrusion of a 2D object. To do this we learn to use the Follow Me tool. Be sure to follow this entire series of FREE tutorials and lessons on using the Sketchup CAD software for 3D printing. http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

Sketchup can be a little tricky to use if you want to change dimensions after an object is drawn. This video shows you how to quickly and simply edit the dimensions of your drawings and designs. Be sure to check out this entire series of FREE sketchup tutorials on our WEB site: http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

In this video we use sketchup to design a box with a hinge. The box has a lip on the lid, and hinge uses a pin. We then print the box on a Rasie3D N2 printer and also on the Prusa Mk2s I3 printer. Both boxes came out looking good. Be sure to check out this whole series of FREE Sketchup design lessons and tutorials on our WEB site. http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

This video discusses how to think like a mechanical designer. We go completely through a project example where we design a useful 3D object, dimension it, and then fabricate it on a 3D printer. Be sure to check out this entire series of FREE lessons and tutorials on using Sketchup for 3D printers here: http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

This lesson shows how to design a test structure for determining tolerances for slip and press fit design rules. We are using sketchup 3D CAD software and are working with the Raise 3D printer. Check our our whole series of FREE Sketchup lessons and tutorials for 3D printing at our most excellent Toptechboy WEB site. http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

It is important to not design in a vacuum. It is very easy to design things that can not be built. One of the most important things to consider when using 3D CAD software like sketchup is to understand the design rules of the fabrication infrastructure you are working with. How precisely can they manufacture something? In this lesson we explore this important concept, and then design and build some design rule test structures to allow us to understand the design rules of our 3D printer. Check out this entire series of Free Sketchup tutorials for 3D printing on our most excellent Toptechboy web site at: http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

A key part of designing in Sketchup and printing to a 3D printer is to be mindful of the tolerances and precision which you are achieving in your prints. Key to this is using digital calipers to measure critical dimensions on your final printout. This lesson shows you how to use calipers. A set that I really like can be gotten off amazon here: http://amzn.to/2u4sm3t Also check out my entire FREE series on using Sketchup for 3D printing HERE: http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

In this lesson we use sketchup to create a simple 3D object which we will print on our Raise3D printer. We are trying to show the workflow of conceptual sketch on paper, followed by CAD design in sketchup, followed by fabrication on 3D printer, followed by evaluation or measurement. Measurement will be on the next video lesson. If you are following along on these lessons you will need a nice set of digital calipers, which you can get here: http://amzn.to/2uCYVCT Also, be sure to visit our most excellent WEB site: http://www.toptechboy.com/tutorial/sketchup-tutorial-lesson-4-simple-3d-design-example-for-3d-printing/

This video shows how to print your sketchup designs on a 3D printer. We are using the Raise 3D N2 Printer. Checkout our entire series of FREE lessons on using Sketchup for 3D printing here: http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

This tutorial gives step by step instructions on creating 3D objects in sketchup. The lesson pays particular attention to correctly setting position and dimensions when an object is created. Check out our entire series of FREE Sketchup Tutorials for 3D printing HERE: http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/

This simple introduction to sketchup shows the importance of considering dimension and position of each object you create. Make sure your 2D sketches are in correct position and dimension before extruding to 3D. Dimension things when your draw them! Check out our entire series of FREE Sketchup lessons for 3D printing here: http://www.toptechboy.com/3d-printing/