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Post by uptrainfan89 on Feb 7, 2013 17:30:49 GMT -9
Thought I would start this thread to see if anyone had any tips, tricks, or just general advice on using Google Sketchup (or I guess any software) to create 3D models, or just creating 3D models, shapes, sandwich folds, scaling, and everything else in general, to eventually become paper models. I've been slowly learning bits about 3D design with Google Sketchup. For some reason I caught on to PhotoShop quick, but 3D modeling has definitely presented its self to be a learning curve, lol.
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Post by bravesirkevin on Feb 7, 2013 23:47:55 GMT -9
I tend to work with Blender for my 3d stuff, so I'll leave the Google SketchUp tips to those who are slightly more informed on the topic. Happy to share what I know about Blender with anyone who has any questions there though!
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Post by cowboyleland on Feb 8, 2013 4:44:13 GMT -9
I tried sketch up for a little while. I found the learning curve too steep for me. I applaud you for sticking with it.
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Post by old squirmydad on Feb 8, 2013 10:03:04 GMT -9
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Post by cherno on Feb 8, 2013 15:02:13 GMT -9
There's this nifty program called Pepakura Designer, it is not free but the shareware version can at least be tried out without hte option to save. It lets you import a model plus texture from a 3D program and then you can mark the edges that are cut and folded and it will automatically lay out everything flat, and then you can chanve flap sizes, mountain and valley folds, and so on. I used it for quite a number of custom models and once you get started you will crank out your own models in no-time
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Post by grendelsmother64 on Feb 8, 2013 15:34:30 GMT -9
If you go through the sketchup videos on Youtube, you'll find that for most stuff, sketchup is really easy to use. There's a couple of paper modelling "unfolding" plugins for sketchup out there. The most useful one is "flattery"....you can add tabs right in sketchup.
Another useful sketchup plugin is svg exporter. Then you can use your drawing in inkscape or other vector graphic program.
GM64
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Post by echelon on Feb 9, 2013 3:39:20 GMT -9
It's helpful to keep in mind how your model's going to built as you make it. For example, if you've got a piece that's particularly complex, consider splitting into two simpler pieces, which will make the model easier to assemble and much more stable. I wouldn't bother adding sandwich folds and other flat parts to your 3D model, make a mental note of where you want them to be, and do them in your image editor after you've unfolded the model.
Sketchup is a bit iffy because it uses real world measurements, rather than arbitrary units. So it's best to make your model the size it should be when it's built, it'll be a lot of zooming in (since it's designed primarily for architecture, and most brick and mortar buildings are much larger than their paper equivalents!), but it'll save you a lot of trouble when you get to unfolding.
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Post by uptrainfan89 on Feb 9, 2013 4:57:13 GMT -9
Wow these are some great tips, I'm definitely going to have to try and keep most of this in mind. I must ask is there a better or easier to use free 3D design program?
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Post by grendelsmother64 on Feb 9, 2013 5:58:31 GMT -9
You can get a "grid" for sketchup. If you set it for inches or cm, then you can make your model to the right scale from the start. Then when you export to inkscape, everything stays in scale....
Gm64
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Post by stevelortz on Feb 9, 2013 16:08:29 GMT -9
The only tip I'm qualified to make anymore is "practice! practice! practice!"
That's what it took to sculpt with epoxy... that's what it will take to sculpt with Zbrush!
Have fun! Steve
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Post by grendelsmother64 on Feb 9, 2013 17:05:24 GMT -9
Definitely search Youtube for sketup. There's at least half a dozen tutorial series by different authors. Pick one and follow it through.... Within a week you'll be a pro.
One other tip. I've got a bamboo graphics tablet. I use it with a scroll mouse in my left hand (taped over the led sensor so it won't move the cursor). Then I can change view and zoom and R/L click easier. Makes things go much faster.
GM64
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