Exporting Complex Geometry with SimLab STL Exporter for SketchUp

SimLab STL Exporter for SketchUp — Quick Guide to Exporting 3D PrintsExporting SketchUp models to STL for 3D printing can be straightforward — when you use the right tool and follow a few best practices. This guide covers installation, basic usage, common export settings, preparing your model for print, troubleshooting, and tips to get consistent, high-quality prints using the SimLab STL Exporter for SketchUp.

What is SimLab STL Exporter for SketchUp?

SimLab STL Exporter for SketchUp is a plugin that exports SketchUp geometry to the STL file format used by most 3D printers and slicing software. It preserves model scale, supports both binary and ASCII STL, and provides export options for units, mesh resolution, and orientation.

Installation and setup

1. Download the plugin from SimLab’s website or the SketchUp Extension Warehouse.
2. In SketchUp, go to Window > Extension Manager (or Window > Preferences > Extensions for older versions) and install the downloaded RBZ file if needed.
3. Restart SketchUp. The SimLab STL Exporter appears in the Extensions menu or as a toolbar/button depending on your SketchUp version.
4. Verify the plugin version and, if available, check for updates to ensure compatibility with your SketchUp release.

Preparing your SketchUp model for export

Good export starts with a properly prepared model.

• Keep your model as a single solid (manifold) group or component when possible. Non-manifold geometry causes holes or thin faces in prints.
• Remove or repair internal faces and stray edges. Use SketchUp’s Solid Tools or CleanUp³ (or other plugins) to fix issues.
• Ensure correct face orientation: normals should face outward. In SketchUp this typically means front faces outward; reverse faces if necessary.
• Apply consistent scale and units — set Model Info > Units to millimeters or inches that match your slicer.
• Reduce unnecessary detail that’s below your printer’s resolution (thin fillets, tiny text) to avoid large STL files and print failures.
• Combine multiple parts into logical grouped components if you want them exported as a single STL; otherwise export each part separately.

Export steps with SimLab STL Exporter

1. Select the object(s), group(s), or component(s) you want to export. If you export the entire model, ensure hidden geometry is considered intentionally.
2. Open the SimLab STL Exporter from the Extensions menu or toolbar.
3. Choose file format: Binary STL (recommended; smaller files) or ASCII STL (human-readable but larger).
4. Set units to match your slicer (millimeters are standard for most 3D printing workflows).
5. Choose mesh resolution or chord tolerance if the exporter provides it. Finer resolution yields smoother surfaces but larger files. Typical starting values: 0.01–0.1 mm for small precise parts; 0.2–0.5 mm for larger coarse parts.
6. Decide whether to export selected objects only or the entire model.
7. Set orientation options if you need a specific model rotation for printing. Some exporters allow exporting with the object’s current orientation or aligning to world axes.
8. Export and save the .stl file. Verify the file size and preview in a slicer.

Export settings explained

• Units: Always match your slicer; mismatched units cause prints to be the wrong size. Millimeters are standard.
• ASCII vs Binary: Binary is recommended for smaller file size and faster processing.
• Mesh resolution / chordal tolerance: Controls surface approximation. Lower tolerance = finer mesh = larger file. Balance smoothness and file size.
• Export selection only: Useful when your model contains multiple parts and you want separate STLs.
• Combine groups/components: Some workflows require exporting each part separately for assembly post-printing.

Checking and repairing exported STL

After export, always check the STL in a slicer or mesh viewer:

• Load the STL in your slicer (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Simplify3D). Look for holes, inverted faces, duplicated geometry, or unexpected scaling.
• Use the slicer’s mesh repair tools or a repair utility (Meshmixer, Netfabb, Microsoft 3D Tools) to fix non-manifold edges, flipped normals, or intersecting parts.
• If repairs are needed frequently, return to SketchUp and correct the underlying geometry (remove internal faces, ensure solids).

Common issues and fixes

• Broken prints or missing faces: model is not a solid — use Solid Inspector or CleanUp tools to find and fix problems.
• Tiny details not printing or causing errors: remove features smaller than printer nozzle/XY resolution or increase wall thickness.
• Incorrect scale: confirm units in both SketchUp and the exporter; re-export using millimeters if needed.
• Hollow parts where you expected solid: faces reversed or internal faces present — reverse faces and delete internals.
• Large STL files: increase chord tolerance or simplify geometry before export; decimate meshes if available.

Workflow tips for successful 3D prints

• Work in millimeters and design with your printer’s tolerances in mind (minimum wall thickness, overhang limits, hole sizes).
• Keep assemblies organized: name components, group logically, and export parts separately when printing multipart assemblies.
• Test-print small sections or scaled-down models before committing to large time-consuming prints.
• Use support-friendly orientations: rotate parts to minimize supports and improve surface finish.
• Document settings: keep a short notes file with the exporter settings that worked for each model type.

Example export settings (starting point)

• Units: millimeters
• Format: Binary STL
• Mesh tolerance: 0.1 mm (adjust down for higher detail)
• Export: Selection only (for individual parts)
• Orientation: Align to world axes (adjust manually in slicer if needed)

When to use other tools

SimLab STL Exporter is excellent for direct STL export from SketchUp, but consider additional tools when:

• You need advanced mesh repair or hollowing (Meshmixer, Netfabb).
• You require automated supports or advanced slicing settings — use your slicer for orientation/support optimization.
• You want to export other formats (OBJ, 3MF) that preserve color or structure better than STL.

Quick troubleshooting checklist

• Are faces oriented outward?
• Is the model a single solid (manifold)?
• Are units set to millimeters in SketchUp and exporter?
• Did you export Binary STL?
• Does the STL preview in your slicer look correct?

SimLab STL Exporter for SketchUp simplifies the path from SketchUp model to 3D print. With proper model preparation, correct export settings, and a short check in your slicer, you’ll avoid most common issues and achieve reliable prints.

If you want, I can: give step-by-step screenshots, create a checklist you can print, or tailor export settings for a specific printer model. Which would you like?