Hello,
I am new to SketchUp and would appreciate recommendations for building a 3D model from the attached drawing (there is also side view but I will upload it later as a new user I can only upload one media). Based on the views, how should I proceed to develop the model? Should I create a new 3D file, import the drawing as a JPG, and build from there? I watched this SketchUp video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2Zxep6wuKg) and wanted your opinion before I get started.
Thank you.
Mustafa
If I were modeling it I would start by importing the image as an image into SketchUp to use as a reference. You could trace it after scaling the image if you trust the image to be accurate. Some dimensions and the angles will need to be measured off the image or guessed at. Depending on how you intend to use the model once it is created, high precision may not be required. After modeling this view you can extrude it to make it 3D to match the edge view.
Start with a rectangle (I would center it on the origin) and work from there. You really only need to model a quarter of it. You can then use Flip/Copy to make the other quarters.
Hello @DaveR Here is the side view of the antenna. I will eventually print this model in my 3D printer so that I can mount the antenna on the drone for my application.
Mustafa
After you get the X shape you can extrude it to the overall hight and make it a component. Then model volumes for to cut away what you don’t need using the Solid Tools.
There are other ways to achieve the bent shape, too. This is quick and easy.
Hello @DaveR Did you start with a 2D view?
Mustafa
What do you mean by a “2D view”?
I started with the image you shared and created a face to extrude. For the “cutter” volumes I drew the faces I showed and extruded them with Push/Pull.
As far as the template goes, it doesn’t make much difference. In Model Info>Units set Decimal Millimeters and make sure Length Snapping is turned off.
I have made my own default template and used that.
Hello Dave,
Could you please listen the attached video? Am I on the right track?
Mustafa
You are on the right track if you want to trace the drawing. You can save yourself time by drawing just the one leg of the X as I showed and then using the copy feature of the Flip tool to make the other three legs.
As I showed, I chose not to trace the imported drawing and just used it as a reference. i find in images like this the lines are generally too thick to allow for accurate modeling. I like to import the image into SketchUp so I don’t have to turn my head to look at another display when I need to look at the image, though.
Hello @DaveR Thank you so much for your help. You are a great asset to this community!. Could you please review what I have so far?
Mustafa
keon_rfid_antenna_holder.skp (19.6 KB)
Thank you.
Well, it’s a start but you haven’t drawn if flat. All the edges need to be in the same plane. If you go back and look at my first screen shot you’ll see I started with a rectangle on which to draw the edges.
This is an edge view of your model.
Hi Dave,
Is this what you mean by all edges must be on the same plane? Those red circles should all line up.
Mustafa
What I mean is that ALL of the edges must be drawn flat. Start again as I whwowed by drawing a rectangle. Then draw the edges for your bracket on that.
It sounds to me as if you really should stop working on this model and take some time to go through the SketchUp tutorials.
Hello,
You’re absolutely right — I need to go through the tutorials. I just need this done soon so my team can mount the antenna. We still don’t have the 3D printer delivered, so I’ll spend time on the tutorials in the meantime.
I started by creating a rectangle and rebuilding the model. I checked all views under Camera → Standard Views to ensure they line up. If you have time, please review the latest model.
keon_rfid_antenna_holder.skp (26.1 KB)
Thank you,
Mustafa
Thank you,
Mustafa
This latest file has all of the edges in one plane which is good. Use the Line tool to trace one of the edges of the perimeter so a face will be created.
Trace an edge segment on each of the circles also and then select and delete the faces inside the circles to leave holes.
Hi Dave,
I used Solid Inspector to inspect the faces. It is showing one surface border and 7 face holes. I think that makes sense to me.
I tried to use Pull tool to make a 3D model. Pull tool is not pulling the object. I used Option button to make sure plus sign is visible in Pull icon.
Thank you,
Mustafa
In order for a thing to be a solid in SketchUp every edge must be shared by exactly two face. No fewer and no more. A 2D shape such as what you’ve have in the file you shared, can never be a solid because there’s no volume to it. It must be 3D. You also need to collect the geometry (edges and faces) into a component.
