Can't Seem To Model These Details (DWG to SKP)

[Box]

You will always get short edges when you are working so small.
While SI2 is active, right click on the component and untick Detect Short edges. And forget about them or scale your model up to avoid tiny face issues.

[EosDawn]

Ok, next I tried a simple rectangle, after turning off “detect short edges”. Now I get this:

[Box]

Oh come on, a single rectangle can’t be a solid, the surface borders are the edges.

[EosDawn]

Duh, time to sleep. Thanks

[EosDawn]

Onto the next problem. How do I adjust the slope of the bend to match without changing the angles of the wing and front? The bend needs to meet the front at the construction line. Hard to explain, but this is the issue:

H1-81Z.skp (155.8 KB)

These images may help …

[Box]

Here’s one way, split the geometry so you can bend it.

[OldManPatterson1979]

You said you’re just establishing a workflow to convert files over, but I have a question. Is this the detail you really want on something like this, or are you just doing it for the practice? I only ask because I model my own Simpson hardware to reduce the poly count, and using a model like this would destroy one of my building models. I’m not criticizing, I just use a very different method to translate those drawings in because I’m not interested in the bend radius, just the material thickness and where the surface planes need to be.

[EosDawn]

Thanks, splitting the geometry got me further along. But, somewhere I lost the solid.

It happened after I bent the first component. Is this expected after running “Radial Bending”?

I’m guessing this is not normal …

[EosDawn]

@OldManPatterson1979

Is this the detail you really want on something like this, or are you just doing it for the practice?

Just a learning exercise. Would like to confirm that SU can be used to generate accurate geometry. And along the way improve my skills. To your comment about how you use low poly Simpson hardware, we agree. See this post for details.

Medeek Wall

I utilize Simpson Strong-Tie hardware exclusively in my projects. Simpson provides a limited set of their products in the 3D Warehouse as SU models, which is convenient. But, it comes with a price, high polygon counts (as Nathan points out). In some cases, this can weigh down the model, making it bloated and sluggish. Consider a roof where Seismic and Hurricane Ties are used, many 100s possibly. There is an alternative that saves time and reduces file sizes considerably. Greatly improving model…

[OldManPatterson1979]

That’s funny, I use the Medeek suite as well. In terms of generating this model, I’m interested in how you’re doing it. This isn’t how I would have approached it, but I really like it. Most of the time I tackle complicated bits like this with a subtractive machining mentality (big block whittled into the needed shape), but that’s because of my background. I like seeing different approached to these situations.

[TDahl]

@EosDawn

Would like to confirm that SU can be used to generate accurate geometry.

Yes, SketchUp can be used to generate accurate geometry. The following images show models of complex electrical connectors. They were made by me taking actual physical samples, measuring them with precision calipers, and modeling them in SketchUp at 1:1 scale.

[EosDawn]

Very Impressive. You are the modeler extraordinaire ! Makes my Simpson hardware example look simplistic. And answers my question completely.

[OldManPatterson1979]

I mean, it’s ok…if you like really nice, impressive models. Fine work there, sir. I’ve done a fair bit of transferring from my calipers to the screen, but nothing of that detail.

[EosDawn]

With the help of many ( especially @Box ), I managed to finish the project. I was able to refine my workflow for modeling detailed parts, which was the purpose of the exercise. I also learned a great deal about solids, especially troubleshooting with SI2. I ended with clean geometry, and a solid model. Thanks to all.