Skewed stl files

SketchUp
#1

I have been using Sketchup for several years and never had this problem. I export an stl file, and it gets rotated. No matter what I do, the same thing happens again and again.

When I am done editing my model, and I’m ready to export an stl, it looks like this:

Image2
Image21913×1013 167 KB

I export the stl, then re-import it, and it looks like this:

Image3
Image31913×1013 198 KB

It remains like that when I open it in Meshcam to create my g-code.

I’ve tried everything, including rebooting my computer. I cut and paste the model into a new Sketchup window, I import the stl, edit again to straighten it, nothing works.
Its always about 2.4 degrees off on the Z axis, and .3 degrees off on Y.

#2

Can you post the model? Have you repositioned the axis?

#3

WingBottomRight.skp (286.4 KB)
I’ve been using Sketchup 2017, and tried it in the online version. Same results.

#4

And yes, I tried playing around with the axes. Nothing fixes it.

#5

In the original SU file, your axes are significantly displaced and rotated.

In that model, R-click on any axis, and choose Reset.

That will straighten things out.

After axis reset:

image
image1500×966 91 KB

Move the corner to the origin, then rotate the model to align a long edge with the red axis.

The lower front long edge is also not parallel to the red axis, either, after I rotate it round the Blue axis, and the component’s axes aren’t parallel to the edges either.
image

Here’s a fixed version saved back to v2017.
WingBottomRight fixed SU 2017.skp (239.7 KB)
WingBottomRight fixed.stl (43.6 KB)
That imports correctly oriented and on the origin.

image
image1648×796 88.6 KB

3 Likes
#6

OK thanks. That works. I’m just mystified as to why it happened in the first place, and to multiple models.

#7

Check whether the template you use to start a new file has got “Reset axes” greyed out. If it hasn’t, R-click/Reset to fix them, re-save the template, and check any existing files based on that template.

As to how it happened, maybe you accidentally R-clicked intending to change a component’s axes, but Placed the model axes instead?

2 Likes
#8

Thanks again for the help. I have that model carving on my CNC machine right now, and I got it perfect thanks to you.