Hello,
I am quite new here, as I am also new to 3d printing. The company I work for recently purchased a new H2D and I have been tasked with learning how to use it.
I have been playing around with some modeling on sketchup and have made a few prints now and have been very satisfied. Recently I have tried adding our logo to the design but with much failure. When importing the file, it seems to delete the text on the model. I assume that is because it sees it as a flat surface. I have tried adding depth to the lettering in sketchup but because the wording is supposed to be at the same plane I assume it keeps erasing for the same reason as before.
I have been trying all that I know (which is very limited) to no avail.
Please help
The logo you put in the sketchup file looks like it is only visual. Aka, you are not changing the geometry of the part.
The easiest thing to do if you want that logo on there is to import it into studio as an SVG and do a multicolor print. (or you can add a negative part modifier to cut that part out)
I tried imagetostl.com to convert it. It does the same thing. I believe its just an issue with the way I have it drawn up as I don’t think even the converter is recognizing the depth. It is weird though as the text is actually dimensional at 1/16’’ deep.
Ill have to try redrawing I think.
Do you mean an SVG?
I will try downloading the extension for sketchup and see if I could do that and if it helps.
What do you mean by a negative part modifier?
If you have been tasked with learning how to use the printer, they will also probably expect you to design stuff to print. I’m not familiar with Sketchup but if you start hitting limitations you may need to go with something more capable. What you describe doing would be trivial in other design software.
Even though you say the text is 1/16" deep, is there a cavity in the main part to accept the text? Typically when I make such designs, the process requires that I use the text to subtract from, or cut the main body so that the text has a place to sit.
And then fill that space with the text. Otherwise the slicer sees a conflict and defaults to filling the space with the main body rather that the text.
To add the “GS” writing (of the correct font and dimensions) on a bmw logo, I searched for a “GS” image and I found it (even without background) then I generated the solid with the image to 3d on bb studio, then I ported it into the project an I resized it in height to match the logo’s height. I just merged them and sliced like that. Came good.
Instead of relying on a specialized “one-trick pony” software, I’d recommend getting familiar with a CAD program. Don’t let the term CAD intimidate you - modern CAD software is surprisingly easy to learn, and you’ll find a suitable tutorial on YouTube for practically anything.
A great example of an extremely user-friendly CAD program is Onshape. As long as you’re fine with your designs being publicly visible, you can use Onshape for free. It also allows you to add text to your parts very easily - either embossed or engraved. And of course, you’ll find plenty of YouTube tutorials on that as well.
