How to get from 3D model to 2D construction plans?

[Dave R]

Thank you. It was fun to build, too. The planks are clear pine that I resawed and planed to 1/8" thick. It's amazing how strong it is considering how thin the planks are. The worst part was planing the rolling bevels on the planks and the gains at the ends. The planks are so thin, it only took a couple of swipes with the plane to cut them. It was easy to get too much off.

[MichelC]

That's a sweet little swinging bunk!

Michel

[Dave R]

Thank you Michel.

[MattC]

Hi MichelC
I think I could help.
I am busy with creating tools to make paper scale models in Sketchup.
You can see examples how my scripts work here: http://www.screenr.com/user/SketchupPP
In fact it covers quite a lot of what you are asking for.

One thing that is missing is a nesting algorithm, but it is very complex story.
Greets
Matt

[chad3006]

I have a related question. Is there a way to export a picture from SU that would eliminate perspective distortions (parts of a model that are further away look smaller), so all visible surfaces of the model in the exported picture keep their “true” size? For my purposes the model doesn’t have to be unfolded into its various parts, just a flat picture. Does that make sense?

[Dave R]

Chad, you can set the camera to Parallel Projection. Look in the camera menu. Perhaps that will do what you want? another thing you can do is reduce the "wide angle" distortion by adjusting the field of view. Select the Zoom tool from the Camera toolbar. The measurements box will indicate either an angle of view or a focal length (degrees or mm). You can enter a low angle of view or a higher focal length to reduce the appearance of things receding into the distance.

Here's an example:

28mm focal length

85mm focal length

[chad3006]

Yes! Switching to parallel projection did the trick. Thanks!

[Dave R]

Cool!