Printing from SketchUp

Below are two ways you can print using SketchUp. Follow the instructions below and you’ll be printing your files in no time.

Method 1

  1. After installing SketchUp and designing your print, open the “Extension Warehouse” under the Window MenuScreen Shot 2014-12-04 at 1.58.53 PM
  2. Search for “SketchUp STL”Screen Shot 2014-12-04 at 1.59.59 PM
  3. After clicking on the Link, click Install.Screen Shot 2014-12-04 at 2.00.10 PM
  4. After doing that, there will be a new option under the File Menu called “Export STL…”Screen Shot 2014-12-04 at 2.02.56 PM
    After saving a project, export your file as an STL.  MakerWare will open it and then you can print it! Easy!

Method 2

  1. Once you have created a file that’s ready for printing, go to: File, Export, and click 3D Model Screen Shot 2014-10-22 at 10.56.00 AM
  2. Save your file, choose where to store it, and format the file to OBJ File (*.obj) Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.37.12 AM
  3. Click Export to store on computerScreen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.25.51 AM
  4. Open MakerWare and make sure that the program is set up for your printer (device).Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.26.04 AM
  5. If you’re unsure as to which device your software is currently using look in the lower right corner of the program. The device will be displayed there. Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.26.17 AM
  6. Open the OBJ by clicking Add FileScreen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.26.29 AM
  7. Move to platform                             Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.26.41 AM
  8. Change the Print Settings
    1. Supports: Color-Matched
    2. Advanced Options:
      1. Temperature: Heat Build Plate (if working with ABS)Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.27.20 AM
    3. If the settings you are trying to change in the Print Settings window are not available check to make sure that the software is connected to the correct device. The picture below
  9. Orient your object on the build plate to how you want it to print outScreen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.55.01 AM
  10. Click Export to create a printable file                                     Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.28.08 AM                                                                                                      The file will verify and create the Print-to-file                               Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.28.25 AM Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.28.36 AM
  11. Create X3G file and save the file                             Screen Shot 2014-10-23 at 10.29.02 AM
  12. The file is ready to go to print