Old Timer enjoying modern Technology - now venturing into 3D printing

Hi All,

I live in the back of beyond - the 3rd world country called South Africa.

I have a small business does engraving - using CNC Technology - to engrave on granite , glass and other very hard products.

I use the Corel Draw graphics and photo paint programs - I also have a good amount of experience using the Free Sketchup 8 program.

I have done all the drawing for my product brochure using these programs.

I now want to make models of my products using a 3D printer.

How do I use these drawing in sketch up 8 and convert them for use in a 3D printer please.

To be honest, I am no where near a computer guru, (old age I suppose - 80)

But active like a youngster - specially enjoy all the new technology.

I hope I will find assistance here to take me to the next level.

In anticipation of a long and friendly stay I greet you all from sunny south Africa.

Welcome.

I would follow some of the tutorials here http://bit.ly/1yaZFtv and from Sketchup http://bit.ly/1yb1E0P

Look on the Sketchup Extensions site for plug-ins for 3D printing http://bit.ly/1xeipKe They will help a lot.

Just remember your models cannot be just flat drawings they have to have a thickness, creating a volume that needs to be watertight. In other words if you filled the thickness of your model with water would it leak out of the walls.

Regards

Rob

PS. I'm only a youngster at 63. I'm still learning. PM me if you need any help.

Thank you for your input - going to have a look at all this and see if I can put it together.
As far as Sketch up is concerned - yes I understand that it has to an airtight container of what ever shape, and I should think that it must have a predefined wall thickness.
After me trials I'll be back here
Thank you

Welcome to Shapeways!

If I may add to JACANT's comment, the most important Sketchup Extension you need is Solid Inspector. It is a life saver when troubleshooting and trying to make your model watertight and suitable for 3D printing.

Good luck!


Steven