Hello all, I am searching the web for a solution on how to add holes into a cone walls. And I do not want to add a thousand cylinders and subtract it from my cone. There must be a better solution.
Can you please help? Thanks,
Subtract wouldn’t work anyway because your cone isn’t a solid.
You could draw the cone in a flattened or unwrapped state and fill the surface with holes. Then roll it into a cone.
What is the thing to be? How will it be used?
Thanks for your prompt reply. How can I make it a solid? Just by grouping?
Is there no extension or tool I can use? Flatten and then roll it sounds complicated
It should be like a sieve/perforated cone
If it doesn’t need the holes to be actually holes in the surface can you use a texture?
But understanding what you want to do with the model will help.
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No. First you need to make sure every edge in the geometry is shared by exactly two faes. I expect if you trace an edge at the top to close the surface it’ll work.
Making the cylinders to cut the holes is trivial with a radial array.
What are you going to do with this thing once you have it modeled. @bmike’s suggestion of a texture might be a better option.
Folding rolling it into a cone would also be trivial although not a beginner’s job.
Yes a Texture would also help. But I do not find anything suitable?
Can I make my own textures?
Does SketchUp make it a solid automatically when the condition’s mentioned above will match?
Sure. Use a .png for the texture. .jpg’s don’t support transparency.
If all edges in the selection are shared by exactly two faces a group or component will be identified as solid.
Click in sequence on the scenes tabs of this SU file for ideas.
Holes in a cone.skp (289.7 KB)
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With Components
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That looks cool! Any explanation for this?
Explanation of what? The last two posts walked step by step how to add holes…
This is very fast. And even stopping it and using the mouse to move through it. Makes it very hard to see commands
Rotate/Copy.
Start by learning how to use SketchUp: learn.sketchup.com
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The video from @mihai.s is on YouTube, you can adjust the playback speed.
Try this 
1 - Select the trapezoidal face with the small holes;
2 - Select the Rotate Tool;
3 - Press the modifier key to get multiple copies (a small + sign appears near the tool icon);
4 - Place the rotation protractor on the circle center (the center looks like it is at the axes origin, which is a good strategy). You shall get a pop-up message stating “Origin”;
5 - Click to set the center of rotation;
6 - Click on any point on the selection (a lower corner is OK);
7 - Begin the rotation and notice the angle in the Measurement Window or MW). Since your circle looks like it has 21 sides, it is difficult to specify a rotation angle. It would be 15° with 24 segments;
8 - Rotate slowly until you get a snap from the second lower corner;
9 - Let go of the mouse and type 20x in the MW to get 20 copies. If your circle is correct, the last copy shall join the original.
10 - If required, soften the edges between the flat panels.
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Thanks! I made it!
Great demo.
Does it remind anyone of a Dalek? (Maybe @TheOnlyAaron can do a Dr Who live model)
Here is another way to create the appearance of holes, for illustrative purpose and flexibility for later modifcation.
Create a 3D low poly “hole” component and give it a dark or contrasting color. Copying it along surfaces, but do not cut holes in the surface(s). When the model is viewed at reasonable distance, it appears there are holes to the geometry.
Drainage Pipe with Fake Holes.skp (96.9 KB)
Stormwater Planter With Full Lining (2013).skp (473.5 KB)
If actual physical holes are required, make a copy of the model first and then do a boolean subtraction of the 3D holes from the surface(s).
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