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SketchupTogCode

Page history last edited by PBworks 17 years, 5 months ago

How to convert SketchUp to GCode

Written by Tom F Grade 11 Class of 2008 Spring 2007

Convert to .stl

1. To convert to stl, you will need to download the SketchUp plugin su2stl here.

2. Copy the su2stl file into you sketch up plugins folder located in C:\Program Files\Google\Google SketchUp 6\Plugins by default depending on the version you're using.

3. Open SketchUp. If it was already open, close it then reopen it.

4. Design something relatively small(1"x.5").

5. Select the parts of your design you want to be converted(don't select anything if you want it all to be converted).

5. There should be a Plugins option on the tool bar if you did steps 2 and 3 correctly. Select Convert to STL from it.

6. Save the file somewhere.

Convert to .tap

Press next until you see what I'm talking about.

1. Open MillWizard and select your .stl file.

2. Select model was in inches.

3. Cut direction is from the top.

4. Deselect generate roughing pass.

5. As follows:

Type: End Mill

Diameter: 2.5

Cutting Length: 20

Stepover%: 70(the lower it is, the finer the resolution and the longer it takes to finish)

Spindle Speed: 300

Feed Rate: depends on the material -foam >1000 -wood <50

Plunge Rate: same as feed rate.

6. Select Raster in X and Raster in Y.

7. Select Top of block as machine zero.

8. Allowance: 0

9. Safe Z height: 5

10. Border: 1 is sufficient, larger for more space around the cut.

11. Click calculate then simulate. If it errors then your part is to large and you need to either redesign it, get a larger drill bit, or do a roughing pass.

12. Select: G-Code(inch)(*.tap)

13. Save Finishing(Combined if you did a roughing pass).

14. Get it to the CNC computer(put it on the internet somehow)

Make the part

1. Download your file.

2. Open Mach2Mill and Load ~GCode from the File drop down bar. Press Reset button.

3. Zero all coordinates where you want them(use the jog tool, ctrl+j then arrow keys + pgup and pgdwn, click the zero buttons next to each of X,Y,and Z).

4. Turn on the drill and alt+r(or the button to start).