i was wondering if any one has used COLLADA based files to print from, i noticed that the free version of sketchup from good will export in that format. though i am not sure if that file is supported but the software that reprap uses.


any thoughts on this please

i think i have the right area to post this in

Yes, I use it all the time. MeshLab imports these and exports STL. You can also do any simple rotation/scaling/translation at that time.

My workflow:
Brain -> Sketchup -> *.dae
*.dae -> Meshlab -> *.stl
*.stl -> Skeinforge -> *.gcode
*.gcode -> ReplicatorG -> MakerBot

Works very nicely. As with any 3D software, it is important to keep objects clean. Make sure you don't have any extra geometry around (show hidden geometry in Sketchup ), make sure edges meet etc.

-Geert

thank you, for that, i have been hoping that i could use sketch up allot, i find it to be the most friendly to use. thank you