Tax_Engineering v10.9 [plugin update]

[Tax]

---

[free] [opensource] (SU>=17) (Win7/10/11 or Mac - 64bits)

DESCRIPTION:
Along path features, mechanical parts, color harmony pallete, SU links +other utilities.

FEATURES:
• Displacer;
• Follow Rotate Scale;
• Railway along;
• Mariner chain Along;
• Roller chain Along;
• Bicycle wheel;
• Spur gear;
• Adjustable suspension;
• Spheric spring;
• Linear spring;
• Color pallete; (color harmony tool)
• Remove materials;
• Disguise pattern;
• Agroup by loose;
• Multiple push pull;
• SU links; (SU related web links)
• Selection report;
• Vray alarm;
• Edge groups;
• Del faces;
• Remove instance names.

USAGE:
Menu path: Extensions > Tax_Engineering
Toolbar: Tax Engineering

DOCS can be found on: Help > Docs

---

Modus UI:

Follow Rotate Scale:

Color pallete: (old interface)

Railway along:

Roller chain along:

Mariner chain along:

Displacer:

All in v5:

Suspension and springs:

Chain links and spur gear:

Chain links:

Chain links and spur gears:

Change log:

---

v10.9 - Update check, settings, toolbar, sound effects.
v10.8 - Improved some terminology & allowed Mac users; (Thx to Trans-Galactic Express);
v10.7 - Added wheel presets & fixed spur gear verifications;
v10.6 - Improved spur gears maker;
v10.5 - Added more mariner chain presets;
v10.4 - Added roller chain presets;
v10.3 - Added more su links and mariner chain presets;
v10.2 - 'Remove instance names' added;
v10.1 - 'Del faces' added & bug fix;
v10.0 - Displacer added;
v9.3 - Edge groups added;
v9.2 - Scaling improvement (less viewport clipping) and documentation;
v9.1 - UI improvements;
v9.0 - Base Modus UI implemented.
v8.2 - Added rotation&scale phase offset, 3 up reference modes + UI & code improvements.
v8.1 - Added more interpolation modes on `Follow Rotate Scale` and bug fixes.
v8.0 - Added Follow Rotate Scale, selection report, vray alarm, +SU links, dev shortcuts.
v7.2 - Added follow path feature for roller chain, SU Links, Selection report & bug fixes.
v7.1 - Added follow path feature for mariner chain.
v7.0 - Added color pallete, remove materials, disguise pattern, agroup by loose & multiple push pull. (+name change)
v6.3 - Forgot a piece of code used for debugging that prints a txt file on the desktop. Sorry, fixed now.
v6.2 - Bug fixes and "bicycle wheel" feature is now stable.
v6.1.b - Bug fix where rails face wasn't generated on last section in loops.
v6.0.b - Added railway along path;
v5.0.b - Added bicycle wheel and tyre;
v4.0 - Added springs, suspension and code improvements;
v3.0 - Added spur gear and code improvements;
v2.0 - Added roller chain;
v1.0 - Mariner chain.

OBS:
Log/debug infos are printed on console.

---

Considerations:
Multiple push pull is basically a version of ThomThom's concept, but it allows agrouping and mass operation with a freeze prevention method.
`Selection report` is based on Chris Fullmer`s one.
`Follow Rotate Scale` is based on old Wikii`s feature witch works up to SU16.
Thanks to Trans-Galactic Express for his contribuition.

Similar extensions:
- Random Tools (by alexschreyer):
https://extensions.sketchup.com/extensi ... ndom-tools

---

SUPPORT TAX - (link)

QR Code.png

---

>>> DOWNLOAD <<<

[rv1974]

Any plans for randomly colored bike bell tool?

[Tax]

Any plans for randomly colored bike bell tool?

Hey! thanks for your suggestion, I appreciate it.

Currently I'm trying to keep it the more wide range, multiple cases uses & customizable as possible, so it would be more useful for everyone.

I feel like a bike bell is too specific, it could easily be a once in life use.
Also it's not much customizable on any visual matter (apart from colors).
So (in cases like this) I think it would be more practical for all of us to get a model from warehouse and change it manually.

Even that its super cool algorithm generated geometry like ThomThom's teapot:
https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=tt_teapot

For random colors you can use Chris Fullmer's Random Painter:
viewtopic.php?f=323&t=16484

---

I'm considering to make "Road along path", "Procedural buldings", "Pistons", "Metallic beams"...
Let me know if you guys have more suggestions.
Thx.

[rv1974]

It was kidding -- some good example of Poe's law.

I'm considering to make "Road along path", "Procedural buldings", "Pistons", "Metallic beams"...
Let me know if you guys have more suggestions.

Why would you burn your precious time if we already have universal Profile Builder for ages?

[Tax]

It was kidding -- some good example of Poe's law.

oh, got it
Yeah, made me question myself.

Why would you burn your precious time if we already have universal Profile Builder for ages?

Actually I didn't know about "Profile Builder". It looks awesome! thx.
https://profilebuilder4sketchup.com/

There is also "Maj Follow Me" witch may help for profile extrusions:
https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=MAJ_FollowMe

So I'll let metallic beams aside for a while.
But there's still a long path for a traffic road maker.
The main problem I see is intersections.

I read once some pros was developing a city builder, but its uncontinued as far as I know.
So it may be a good time to take a look on it, since it would be really usefull for most users.

Feel free to give a suggestion for real

[rv1974]

A decent road generator would be a super tough task to implement. The closest one is 'instant road nui', google it. Do you feel you could 'push the limits' even further?

[Tax]

Well.. instant road nui looks like a miracle itself.
The way it intersects & cuts terrain it being a face (not solid) is a mystery to me.
https://valiarchitects.com/subscription ... t-road-nui

Even so, intersections other than 90º seems to be the real challenge.

I wouldn't say a decent well finished tool, but I'd be pretty happy with a simple face doing good junctions on high inclinations.

I'm gonna try it as soon as I find out a reasonable concept idea
No promisses.

[LeoHominis]

Uau, por mais ferramentas assim no SketchUp. Parabéns mesmo. Espero que a trimble um dia se toque e de uma olhada para nós da impressão 3D e modeladores de mecânica. Nem todo mundo usa o SU para Arquitetura. Obrigado

[Tax]

Uau, por mais ferramentas assim no SketchUp. Parabéns mesmo. Espero que a trimble um dia se toque e de uma olhada para nós da impressão 3D e modeladores de mecânica. Nem todo mundo usa o SU para Arquitetura. Obrigado

Hey Leo, thanks! I appreciate it.

---

On 3d printing matter, theres the "SketchUp for 3D Printing" category:
viewforum.php?f=388

As far as I know, SU still missing advanced 3d printing features. But its worthy to keep in tune on that, theres already some functions like import/export stl and slice. May be more.

---

About mechanics.. theres some great old options
mostly for bolts/screws and gears, such as Bolt maker (by Sam D Mitch):
https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=Bolt_Maker

There is much more possibilities (like hinges, pistons & structures)

---

I'm trying to fill some of these blind spots. SU still has a great potential.
Feel free to give some suggestions.

Thanks again

[ntxdave]

How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

[Tax]

How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

Sure! I may also post a video about it.
Adding it on next updates.

Thanks.

[ntxdave]

How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

Sure! I may also post a video about it.
Adding it on next updates.

Thanks.

Looking forward to it. Showing some examples (more than just a picture) would be good. As I have looked at your pictures (I.e. the chain links and springs), I wondered how you did it (what did the tool do to accomplish the model).

[Tax]

How about some documentation with some more detailed info about the tools and how to use them.

Sure! I may also post a video about it.
Adding it on next updates.

Thanks.

Looking forward to it. Showing some examples (more than just a picture) would be good. As I have looked at your pictures (I.e. the chain links and springs), I wondered how you did it (what did the tool do to accomplish the model).

What about that?
For more complex ones I may show some examples variations.

[ntxdave]

Ok, how do you make the chain follow a path (like around an object)?

[Tax]

Ok, not all fair advertising.

For physically realistic placed chains I used 6 other extensions:

1. Convexify (by: Fredo6): viewtopic.php?f=323&t=61145
2. Curvizard (by: Fredo6): https://sketchucation.com/plugin/804-curvizard
3. BezierSpline (by: Fredo6): viewtopic.php?f=323&t=13563
4. MSPhysics (by: Anton_S): http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtop ... 23&t=56852
5. ClothWorks (by: Anton_S): https://sketchucation.com/plugin/2053-clothworks
6. JHS Powerbar (by: CadFather, R Wilson, SD Mitch & others): https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?p ... erbar_2019
Rendering/Composing: Vray + Photoshop.

---

Usage:
Mariner chains:
Step 1: Make a low poly mesh with same dimensions of final model.
Step 2: Convexify for solid slicing/decomposing, in order to allow MSPhysics to work properly.
Step 3: MSPhysics for physically realistic placing.

Roller chains:
Step 1: Make a line path.
Step 2: ClothWorks for physically realistic placing. (yes, it also works with lines)
Step 3: Curvizard for path smoothing.
Step 4: BezierSpline for equalizing path edges length, matching chain link length.
Step 5: JHS Powerbar for disposing chain link component along line path.

---

Resum:
Currently (for chains) Tax Tools only creates links mesh and displace them in line.
Maybe I add an auto "path placing" feature, but it wouldn't be as much realistic as this method.

[ntxdave]

So, if I interpret correctly, your tool just draws the basic shape. We will the need to use other tools to supply them appropriately,

Just trying to clarify.

[Tax]

Thats correct for now.
These are the current outputs for mariner and roller chains (using default values):

Untitled.png

Untitled2.png

But I'm planning for that auto follow path feature, would save a lot of time.
obs: "Railroad along" already does that by default, it needs a selected path.

Untitled3.png

[ntxdave]

I think that will make the tools far more attractive/useful.

Hope I am not being a PITA.

[Tax]

Thats great to know! thanks.
Then gonna focus on improving them.

Your being great, we all need feedback for the things we do.
Otherwise how could we learn anything

[Tax]

Mariner chain done!
Recommendation: avoid sharp turns and check last/first chain link attaching.

Tell me if you guys find anything wrong.


Coming soon:
- Roller Chain Along (improvement)
- Selection counter (simple one)
- Follow & Rotate (There`s an old one but it doesn`t work on newer SU versions)

[Tax]

"Roller chain along" done!
Also added "Selection report" and "SU links".
Enjoy.

obs: If you use it, feel free to share some images here.

"Follow and Rotate" may be comming next.

[Tax]

Base Modus UI implemented.

[TutorialsUp]

Hi, Thank you so much for this great extension.
I just stat creating a tutorial on this extension for my yt channel.
I have a few questions

- in Follow Rotate Scale what is the difference between Truncate and Always Z
and
- in Make Roller Chain it's "Roller Tickness" & "Plate Tickness" please review the names I think it should be "Thickness"?

maybe I ask some more questions hope you will answer me.

Thanks again.

[Dave R]

This is a very interesting set of tools. I could have used the roller chaiin tool some years ago for some projects.

I wonder if I could make a couple of requests.

1. It would be nice if there were no exposed back faces. In these examples the green color is my default back face color.

Screenshot - 12_16_2021 , 7_38_39 AM.png

Screenshot - 12_16_2021 , 7_39_38 AM.png

Screenshot - 12_16_2021 , 7_41_50 AM.png

Compared to the time it would take to model these things from scratch, correcting face orientations manually is fairly trivial but it could be nice to not have to worry about that.

2. Would it be possible to do something about the definition scale? As it is now, at least with objects like the adjustable sprint and bicycle wheel, the objects are scaled but the definition isn't. That means that you can get clipping and the object will disappear if you open it for editing. Perhaps creating all of the objects as components and scaling their definitions after creation would be a good option. At least in my work flow I would prefer to use components throughout because that makes later edits to things easier.

Thanks again for the tools.

[chapalee]

Hi how are you.
Thanks for your plugin, it's very good.
I wanted to ask you if you have any tutorial to create a cable.
When trying to do so, many straight sections are visible.
In what you can help me, I appreciate it.
Thank you.

[Dave R]

When trying to do so, many straight sections are visible.

You are using a Sketchy line style which makes the short segments visible. Either don't use a sketchy line style or weld all of the segments together and use a sketchy style that has long strokes or edit the style and turn off the edges altogether.

[chapalee]

When trying to do so, many straight sections are visible.

You are using a Sketchy line style which makes the short segments visible. Either don't use a sketchy line style or weld all of the segments together and use a sketchy style that has long strokes or edit the style and turn off the edges altogether.

Hello, thank you for your prompt help.
I am working with the BZ_Tools.
I don't know if I'm doing something wrong.
But it shouldn't be, because I also have to do it with straight lines and it also looks segmented.
The problem is that those segments are noticeable when rendering.
As far as you can help me, I appreciate it.
I am attaching the file where I am doing the tests.

[Dave R]

You're using way too many segments for your profiles considering that they are only about 2 mm in diameter. And as I inidicated, everything is exploded after the extrusion. What looked like a sketchy line style is in reality just the excess edges being displayed. You also have a lot of exposed back faces which will likely lead to problems when you render.

Use a reasonable number of segments for the circular profile. 12 or 16 will probably be more than enough for the tiny diameter of the strands. And after getting the extrusions done correctly, weld the geometry. Eneroth Auto Weld from the Extension Warehouse will make that an easy job.

BTW, your profile says you are using SketchUp 6. Please update that to the correct version.

[Tax]

Thx all you you guys, its great to know its usefull.

what is the difference between Truncate and Always Z
and
- in Make Roller Chain it's "Roller Tickness" & "Plate Tickness" please review the names I think it should be "Thickness"?

1. when making a face on a point in 3d space, you will need `something more`, with is the up reference for me, truncate will take the closer axis and always up wel.. always z. It can differ the method depending on what your trying to.

2. That should be tHickness for sure, sorry and thanks. english is my my secondary lang,a

[Tax]

1. It would be nice if there were no exposed back faces.

2. Would it be possible to do something about the definition scale?

Thanks YOU

1. Sadlly I dont think I`ll be able to make sure about faces normal.. Most of those cases I dont have any reference (variable) to them so I can invert ;(

2. Those details are built on like 1000x scale... Idk for now about a setting the final scale parameter.. but will be looking for it.

for now, only bad news for you, sorry :l