Sketchup tutorial: Prepare your model for 3D Printing with Sketchup

This tutorial was created for SketchUp 3D modeling software users and will focus on its use for 3D printing.

In this tutorial, we will provide a brief overview of modeling best practices. We will show you the main pitfalls to avoid and solutions you can use to resolve them. After reading the tutorial, you will be able to:

Then, you will be able to upload your 3D file on our website and 3D print it!

Upload a design

Developed by Trimble, SketchUp is a 3D software that is suitable for everyone. It is one of the most-widely used 3D-modeling software, used both in schools and at workplaces. It is surface modeling software with which you are able to manipulate faces and edges. One of the reasons for its success is that it has simple, intuitive modeling tools, with an easy-to-use user interface. This 3D design software can be used both by people wishing to use 3D printing, by interior designers, by design modelers, for architecture design or by engineers for product design. 

You do not have to be an expert on SketchUp to take this tutorial. This tutorial is intended for both beginners and professionals alike, independently from their skill level, this tutorial will simply give you a good foundation.

We will give you some practices and quick tips for optimal 3D file creation to ensure successful 3D printable models. We will introduce you to the main design tools in Sketchup, how to deal with shapes in Sketchup, how to optimize file size in this 3D modeling program, and how to make the most of the essential Sketchup plugins to get the best user experience. You will become the next Sketchup modeling champion thanks to our essential training!

To learn about modeling with SketchUp, please refer to SketchUp’s learning center. In addition, you can consult Jean-Luc Clauss’ book, 3D Printing with SketchUp or his training video Modeling an Object for 3D Printing to start 3D printing with SketchUp on the right footYou will also find many Sketchup tutorials on Youtube.

This 3D modeling software tutorial was created based on the 2015 version of the software (Windows version). All of the operations described can also be performed on the Mac version of the software. Furthermore, you do not need Sketchup Pro, the professional and paid version of SketchUp software to create models for 3D printing. However, this version does provide you with additional tools (such as importing and exporting other documents) to optimize your modeling.

To download SketchUp, please refer to the developer’s website, you will install Sketchup in a few minutes: http://www.sketchup.com/fr/download/all.

For further information, you can also learn Sketchup with our online video tutorial. This video contains useful Sketchup tips. Getting started will be easy thanks to our introduction to the features of Sketchup, step by step. The design tools of this 3D modeling software won’t have any secrets for you any more thanks to these tips and tricks!

Summary​

1. Design a printable 3D file using Sketchup software

  • 1.1. Know the Material Used for Successful 3D Printing
  • 1.2. Prepare for Modeling
  • 1.3. Orient the Faces of Your Model Correctly
  • 1.4. Create Closed Volumes (Solids)
  • 1.5. Optimize Modeling with Plugins
  • 1.6. Color Your 3D Model

2. Manage and export valid 3D files for 3D printing from Sketchup

  • 2.1. Import a 3D File in SketchUp
  • 2.2. Analyze and Measure Your 3D Model
  • 2.3. Export Your File for 3D Printing
  • 2.4. Transfer Your File to sculpteo.com

3. Avoid mistakes that occur when designing 3D files for 3D printing on Sketchup

  • 3.1. Reduce the Size of Your 3D File
  • 3.2. Remove Intersections
  • 3.3. Clean Singular Elements from the Model
  • 3.4. Reverse the Faces
  • 3.5. Fixing Solids
  • 3.6. Apply Colors and Textures to the Front Faces
Tutorial Part #1