Thanks Josh. If I may add a point, while scaling up and scaling back down works, you have to make sure you get the component back in the right location. By working with a copy of the component instead, the original instance stays where it is which saves you work and reduces the chance of errors.
I have made many models where small geometry is a problem. If I think that this is going to be a problem, I start the model at 1000x scale, use measurements units as metres but actually use mm as the real measurements. Then, scaling down by .001 makes everything correct. This also works if you are importing stl files, just tell the importer that the units of measurement are metres and everything comes in 1000x bigger without small triangle issues.
If I'm modeling something small, for 3D printing for example, I just scale the whole scene X10, then scale it back when I'm done. Working in Metric makes this easier.
Mark, when I model for 3D printing, I also work in metric. Instead of scaling up and back down or even using the method Josh demonstrated, I set Units to meters but think in millimeters If I want to model something that in reality is 10 mm long, it gets drawn as 10 meters long. I don't bother to scale those models down, though. STL files are unitless so it doesn't matter. When I import the STL file into the slicer software, I tell the slicer the units are millimeters and it's all good.
Take a moment to consult with an application developer or software engineer for an explanation on why this problem exists and how the workaround explained here is the best, most affordable solution.
I use sketchup exclusivy for 3d printing. I draw everything in meters. Ie, if a part is 3 inch wide, i draw in 3 meter wide. Then when im finished, i use tape measure tool to measure line, and i type in 3", hit enter. It asks "do you want to resize model?" Hit yes and then it scales it down with no issue.
Great tip -- I've used this method for years. I always scale up by 10 then back down by .1 - easy to remember and works every time.
Thanks Josh. If I may add a point, while scaling up and scaling back down works, you have to make sure you get the component back in the right location. By working with a copy of the component instead, the original instance stays where it is which saves you work and reduces the chance of errors.
Pairs nicely with the previous Quick Win: ruclips.net/video/aK99bpqOMYQ/видео.html
Nice vid, Josh, and just can't thank Dave enough for his help to me over the years!
I have made many models where small geometry is a problem. If I think that this is going to be a problem, I start the model at 1000x scale, use measurements units as metres but actually use mm as the real measurements. Then, scaling down by .001 makes everything correct. This also works if you are importing stl files, just tell the importer that the units of measurement are metres and everything comes in 1000x bigger without small triangle issues.
this bug shouldn't be happening, its cool that we have a workaround meanwhile, but it definitely needs to be fixed
Dave Richards is Sketchup’s MOST valuable “Plug In!”
Almost wonder if Dave is Steam Power machine shop Dave?
@@phooesnax nope. Not the same guy. I hope to meet him this summer, though.
If I'm modeling something small, for 3D printing for example, I just scale the whole scene X10, then scale it back when I'm done.
Working in Metric makes this easier.
Mark, when I model for 3D printing, I also work in metric. Instead of scaling up and back down or even using the method Josh demonstrated, I set Units to meters but think in millimeters If I want to model something that in reality is 10 mm long, it gets drawn as 10 meters long. I don't bother to scale those models down, though. STL files are unitless so it doesn't matter. When I import the STL file into the slicer software, I tell the slicer the units are millimeters and it's all good.
Good tip. Although you might think that Sketchup [Trimble] should fix that bug as it is as you say is an old known issue.
Wow! another great tip.
VERY handy, thank you
Why does SketchUp struggle with small geometry??
Not 100% sure, but i wonder if it has something to do with not being a parametric modeler
Oh yes, the "dave method" i use it all the time.
Very nice...
this never happened to me
Good
Instead of this workaround, maybe is better to fix the problem in the 1st place
Take a moment to consult with an application developer or software engineer for an explanation on why this problem exists and how the workaround explained here is the best, most affordable solution.
yep it's an old trick. basically better to scale up to 10, and if need scale back to 0.1, nice video, just keep going!
Whatever it is that causes is why I can't use sketchup for 3d printing stl
Certainly you should be able to use SketchUp for 3D printing.
I use sketchup exclusivy for 3d printing. I draw everything in meters. Ie, if a part is 3 inch wide, i draw in 3 meter wide. Then when im finished, i use tape measure tool to measure line, and i type in 3", hit enter. It asks "do you want to resize model?" Hit yes and then it scales it down with no issue.
@@LT72884 of course there's no reason to scale it down if you are exporting an STL file for 3D printing. Just tell the slicer your model is in inches.
@@daver425 yes, that is true. Great point. My old proprietary slicer could not do this, but my new printer and slicer can:)