Difference in appearance after import using SIMLAB

I have been using the excellent SIMLAB import extension for years, to model with things drawn in SolidWorks.

After updating both SU and SIMLAB recently, things look quite different. This is fairly disappointing given the amount spent. But I don’t know this is a fault of extension or SU.

Compare two identical parts in same layout in SU2024, obviously having same style applied:

The difference is acceptable, but for use in “IKEA Style” line drawing, the new updated import makes edges disappear completely. In SU2017 every edge is crystal clear.

I did try switching off new graphics engine, same result.

in Solidworks eDrawing (wireframe) the part should looks like this:

So what should I do ? Just accept that now, line drawing import is not possible because several edges go soft / missing ? Or is some part of the chain broken ? Would hate having wasted the money on a license only to find things were better in 2017.

I did not try SU2025 yet, will soon.

It would be helpful if you shared a .skp file that shows this. Probably it’s just a case of adjusting the style or softening/smoothing angle but those are only guesses.

FWIW, it wouldn’t be appropriate to be using SketchUp 2017 Make if this isn’t a hobby.

As nothing in the way SketchUp displays edges and profiles has basically changed in the 22 years I have used it, I would attribute the change to the hiding/smoothing algorithm used by the SimLab importer application. I wonder if it has user settings that could be changed to restore the previous version behaviour. Have you asked SImLab support?

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Good to know about the edges and profiles.

I have asked the guys over at SimLab if they can tell the difference.
No settings except “up” axis setting and scale.

That looks like a slight difference in soften/smoothing angles between the 2 files.
Perhaps the newer graphics engine renders with minutely different logic for it.

If you can share an example I’m sure someone can delve into it.

Simlab throws the ball back into the SU corner :slight_smile: That rendering of rough edges has changed in recent versions.
Anyone to confirm possible changes ?

Post a sample file. Have you tried adjusting the smoothing settings?

I wonder if SKIMP or Transmuter would show different results.

And remember that if you are doing commercial work you need to use a Pro license.