I’m trying to make a ceiling cloud (an acoustical treatment for the ceiling) that is a dynamic component, with the ability to choose the number of lights and have them populate automatically with the correct spacing. I have figured out how to do all of that. However, to get an accurate render, there must be a hole cut into the ceiling cloud where the light fixture will go. Thus, I would need to somehow be able to control how many holes were in the cloud with the dynamic component options.
You can make a ‘Glue to’ component with the property ‘Cut opening’.
Each close loop inside without a face cuts the loop area when placing the component on a face.
The loop(s) need to be at local z=0 and in the local red/green plane to cut.
if you make a cutting component of copied cutting components, then on deleting the copy or creating further copies or swapping the internal component, the extra outside cutter will extend to cover the copies / movements,
Well, once again the SketchUp forum has taken something I thought was likely impossible and given me a solution! Thanks so much, guys, this is brilliant!
Hi all, Just seen this, this will help to make a cut opening included with an object. I have 1 more question to add, Can the hole opening be done into a group or into double faces, i:e if i have a steel hollow section, how would I make it to cut all the way through not just on one face ?
Yes, group1 is the top cut with sides, group2 is the bottom, the axis can be in same direction so values copied
You can do quite complicated series of ‘holes" to make detailed rebates, multi shapes and levels. Copies of "holes’ can be created by imbedding them into another cutting parent
Always start inside the surface, then use the options to size and position via the attributes.
Best as cutters are XY with Z out or inwards, work from XY plane and then Z
A circle, push/pull vertical. offset the top. make the inner circle a group, enter this group and push/pull to bottom, delete top and bottom surfaces, select all (double click) and reverse the side faces, exit group, name it maybe “top cut”. draw the circle at base (from top or reverse Z, matching axis for connivence) make a group maybe " bottom cut" enter delete surface, exit then Make the cylinder and the two cutter groups a component.
For multiple cuts, copy a hole then make both a cutting component, delete the inner copy , then you have a cutting component with cutting group, then use the copies formula and array as required
So you would end with the parent with two cutter components each with a cutting group
Realized you would need a delivery DC, after placing, one explodes and redraws to activate the cutters on surfaces
Because DCs are an extension, they do not respond immediately. If you are serious about using DCs in your work flow, then consider using ruby as a companion to choose, place, rotate scale and update,
is an example how to choose and place using a “line tool”
please message for contact, if want discuss further
