Convert skp file into gcode (Slicing)

[last updated: 2019-12-10]
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Convert a SketchUp skp drawing file into a gcode file that a printer can read JWID:

• Sketchup: input .skp file, output .dae
• open Sketchup with your skp file
• If the bottom surface of the part you're printing is not level, ie parallel to the x-y plane, then you must rotate it so you have a level bottom surface.
  If you don't want to do this, you'll need to select option to print 'supports' when you create your gcode file
• If the part you're printing is tall and thin, you should rotate it and print it on its side so that the base on the build plate is large
• Theoretically you can do these manipulations in MeshLab, but it's easier for me to do them in SU
• File > Export > 3D Model
  Be sure COLLADA is selected in "Save as Type", then <Export>
• It seems that only visible things get output into the .dae file. That is, if layers or drawing elements are 'hidden', they don't get output as part of the .dae 3d model.
• MeshLab: input .dae file, output .stl file
• Open MeshLab,
• File > Import mesh
• scroll to .dae file that SketchUp created, and select it, then <Open>
• in Pre-Open options, Full Scene, then <OK>
• When your model opens in MeshLab, it will be viewed top-down. This is how it will be placed onto the printer build-plate.
  if it is oriented differently when you load it into MeshLab, then you must fix it,
  either in MeshLab (never done this, don't know how, pretty sure it's possible however),
  or by going back to your drawing program (eg. Sketchup) and rotating your part and re-exporting a .dae file
• File > Export Mesh As
• in Files of Type, select .stl file, then <Save>
• in Choose Saving Options, accept defaults and <OK>
• PrusaControl: input .stl file, output .gcode file
• Open PrusaControl
• File > Import model file
• Scroll to the stl file created by MeshLab, select it, then <Open>
• Part is inserted into PrusaControl tiny, ie not full scale (almost invisible in the middle of the build plate).
  Zoom in to max to see it.
  Make it correct scale:
  Go back to the SketchUp model and measure a major dimension
  Then back in PrusaControl, click on the part to highlight it. The Object Settings box will open on the right side of the screen.
  The bottom box on the right side is "Units," and default is "%." Select "mm".
  In the Scale settings, enter the actual dimension for the axis/dimension that you measured on your SketchUp model.
  This should restore the model to actual size.
  Click the cross-hatch icon ("auto arrange") on left side of the screen to "place" your part on build plate (not sure if this is necessary).
• Select options desired:
• Default will be "Optimal," which is 0.15mm layer height. If you select "Normal," which is 0.20mm layer height, resolution/detail will be lost, but if that doesn't matter for the part you're printing, 'normal' will print faster.
• Default will be 20% infill. Selecting 15 or 10% will print faster and use less filament, at some loss of structural strength.
• Default will be no support structures, but if your model has overhanging parts (more than about 45deg from vertical in my experience with PLA), you should consider selecting support structures. Printing will take longer and use more filament, and post-processing to remove the supports will be neccessary, but it may prevent a failed print.
• Click "Generate" at the bottom right. Estimated print time will be displayed on the screen.
  Click "Save G-Code." Browse to desired location, edit filename if desired, then <Save>
• Transfer the gcode file to your SD card for loading into your printer

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PrusaSlicer: input .stl file, output .gcode file

• Open Slic3r
• File > Open STL...
• browse to desired file, then double-click
• set options as desired:
• Filament Settings:
• Select filament being used
• for the Hatchbox PETG I'm using, which is not listed in drop-down,
  I selected "Generic PET"
• Print Settings > Layers & Perimeters: Layer height
• Print Settings > Infill: Fill density
• Print Settings > Support Material:
• Print Settings > Multiple Extruders:
• Plater tab:
• click on scale icon
• drag handles to desired size, as indicated in lower right 'info' box
• place onto bed (then un-click?)
• Slice now
• Export g-code
• ...
• transfer gcode file to SD card and print
• printing PETG

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