A way to get McMaster 3D models into Sketchup?

[niglch]

Does anyone know of a way to import the 3D models available on McMaster.com into google sketchup? The formats available are solidworks (.sldprt), .step, .iges, .sat, and .edw. Sketchup doesn't import any of these so I was wondering if there was some other way.

[dewey-1]

I would suggest downloading a 30 day free trial of a 3D CAD program that is capable of those formats. Then you can import or open in sketchup.

I have spent countless hours converting files from McMaster to sketchup.

Any thing in particular you need?
Check here;

http://www.spudfiles.com/forums/sketchu ... 17755.html

Or just click on my signature.

[niglch]

Brass ball valves would be nice. So would the elbows (i think you just have the tees and crosses). I might see if I can just model some of them approximately myself using the 2d DWG files. I really wish they had the 3d dwg though....

[dewey-1]

Get the part numbers and descriptions posted and I will see what I can do for you.

I did not get to doing brass elbows because I did not see much response from what was already created.

Edit: Brass Ball Valves done.
1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2, 3 and 4 inch sizes. All are female x female NPT.

So click on my signature now.

[niglch]

Thats a HUGE help dewey, thanks a bunch. I'll put any other requests on your model library post. It's just unfortunate how difficult it is to get the McMaster models into sketchup. Too bad they don't have an option to download 3D DWG/DXF files or any other format that plays nice with sketchup. Just out of curiosity, what software are you using for the conversions? I just found out that because I'm a college student I can get a copy of AutoCAD Inventor 2010 for free. However, I don't think it's worth the learning curve for modeling spud guns...

If I end up creating any useful models, I'll send them your way so you can add them to the sketchup collection.

[dewey-1]

niglch;

You are welcome!
I will be getting to the brass elbows very soon.

Hey, if can get it free, by all means do it.
If I could, I would be happy to have Inventor 10.

I import sat files, use an old r14 program and import dwg files into sketchup. I go through several conversion steps to get it done.
sat vers? to sat3 to dwg to sketchup.

There are other formats you mentioned that could be used if you have the CAD software to do so.

I am sure Inventor could easily handle it.

All decent 3D CAD software will have a little learning curve to them.

[Moonbogg]

I just found out that because I'm a college student I can get a copy of Autodesk Inventor 2010 for free. However, I don't think it's worth the learning curve for modeling spud guns...

Not worth learning for modeling spudguns!! I am so offended! jk...
Not sure if you care, but I used inventor for about 5 years before switching to solidworks. The learning curve is like not a big deal, seriously. Its easier than you might think. I am willing to help you learn it if you get a copy or at least answer your questions....oh...the help menus are excellent! Really, they are absolutely fantastic with their simple tutorials. They play videos and let you follow along and make the part as the video shows you how. Plus, with Inventor you could make some really awesome renderings of your cannons, and i'm sure you wouldn't mind that.

[niglch]

Ok you convinced me
Downloading ....