Skecthup curved surface

[duditz72]

Hey I was curious does anyone know how to or if there are plugins or scripts that help you create curved surfaces in Sketchup, like say a nose cone on a plane.

[sporticus]

Something I've been wondering. I believe there are plugins to assist with covered surfaces but I've not really looked yet. I know there is a tutorial on how to make a cone using the ordinary tools. Sorry, this isn't really an answer! I think most of the scripts are for making complex smooth shapes, which is all very well if you are just making 3d models, but if you want to flatten them into card models then you don't want too complicated shapes.

Hope you foray into design is going well!!

[sporticus]

and this one.... http://rhin.crai.archi.fr/rld/plugin..._cat.php?cat=3

[duditz72]

Thanks Sopticis it goes pretty well. It's amazing what Sketchup can do. I have learned alot but know its only the tip of the iceburg

[sporticus]

I know the feeling!! I find that I am still going back to the basic tuorials for each tool to imrove my understanding!

[sporticus]

hmm...lost one of my posts. I had put this link for you....Smustard(TM) - the Companion to Sketchup(TM) - Plugins and Scripts

[RyanShort]

Honestly, the best place to look for good stuff is Index page • SketchUcation Community Forums

If I had lots more time, I could turn out some decent stuff with SU. As it is, for me right now, it is an interesting diversion on the rare occasions I am in the designing mood.

Ryan

[MattCiapa]

Here is how I do it (Note thet it are no specific dimensions and cone is symmetric):
1) draw circle (here it is made with 24 edges)
2) add 2 more copies above
3) scale copies to a desired diameter
4) use Curviloft plugin to get a desired shape - note here that You can specify how many horizontal divisions you have , verticals are based on circle and here are 24. Play with different settings of curviloft to get the shape You want.
5) You can choose maneer you want to divide cone into parts, as a parts of a cones(lower model) or petals (higher model)
I have grouped faces and marked them light / dark gray for better visibility.
I use groups because it is easier to manipulate parts, and it is used in my scripts.
6)In a petal model I have unfolded one petal, and because it is symmetric it is enough. Also because every petal consist of 4 faces You can use unfold plugin from Jim ( sorry, don't remember full name), Then just make 24 copies and Your done.
In a 'cone' model I used mu autounfold script, othervise You would mannualy have to unfold 4 parts that consist of 24 faces each.



If I find some time today I willl try to show it on a video, (it should be less than 5 minutes)
Greets
Matt

[duditz72]

Matt that is awesome thanks!!! Do you have a link where to find the curviloft plugin?

[MattCiapa]

Here You go:

View topic - [Plugin Beta] Curviloft 1.2d - 13 Apr 12 (Loft & Skinning) • SketchUcation Community Forums

Matt