To do that, you will have to install the STL extension from their online store. Trimble SketchUp by default is unable to create STL files. The standard file extension for saving SketchUp models is “.SKP”, however, a 3D printer generally only understands “.STL” files. Just change the scaled template by clicking on Window > Preferences > Template and selecting ‘3D Printing – Millimeters’ or ‘3D Printing – Inches’. Generally setting up your template scale at millimeters or inches will do it nicely. You have to make sure that your model’s scale matches that of the printers. Supposing you are designing a house with a feet-inches scale, how do you think your 3D printer will receive it? It can’t, it doesn’t have the capacity! Besides, many 3D printers have their own measuring scales.
Set ScaleĮvery printer has a finite scale into which it can build. If the model has no base, the printer will not have anything to build the first layer upon. Because a 3D printer prints by layers, it will start at that base and go above. That is, ensure that the model is lying flat on the X-Y surface. This is why you need to make sure that your model obeys the rule of gravity. But if you want your model to be physically created directly from that very design, how can a 3D printer make the model float? Generally, when people start a 3D design, they make the model floating in space. Obey Gravityįirst and foremost, from the point, you start building your model, you have to think about this. This is why we have created some simple tips to guide you in making your model 3D-ready. It may be a little tricky for a beginner to understand exactly why a model is not coming out as designed, or why is the printer refusing it downright. It is obvious that before starting to print the designer has to make sure the 3D printer understands the model data and has valid objects to print. However, you make sure your model is compatible with printing, you need to adhere to some simple guidelines. It is relatively easy to 3D-print your models from SketchUp.