Sketchup already (and only) renders in polygons, no true curves. It can 'hide' them, but they are there.

Also, Sketchup files are typically created out of surfaces, they are not a solid.

You need to create the model so that it has a thickness and is closed (all vertices line up). Otherwise it is infinitely thin and therefore cannot be printed.

Additionally, if you've rendered curves those are a PITA to translate out of Sketchup into CAD. It took me hours to attempt to figure out automatic smoothing parameters, and eventually left it raw polygonal.

I've used one of those exporters, but I still needed to spend quite a bit of time to get the CAD software to recognize it as a solid rather than a collection of faces. Took forever. I wrote it down somewhere I think, may have lost it.

SketchUp is not really great if printing or STL is an end goal. It's doable, but there are better choices IMO. If you have any kind of curve I wouldn't use Sketchup.

It's worth noting that you should be wary if making small parts in Sketchup. Maybe they've fixed it in updates, but older versions of Sketchup had a built-in tolerance of ~1/32". As you approach those dimensions, the software would start tripping out (creating weird lines and shapes everywhere).

 

Finally got around to printing my own from the STLs MuffinMan graciously provided. Thanks! Feels real sturdy. "Cold" and rainy today in Miami so I wasn't too motivated to try a full test drive but I'm looking forward to running it with Harry's LapTimer next weekend at the PCA AX at Sebring.

 

This is awesome work.. I wish I had one to tinker with stuff.

For the folks that were talking about the need for a tow hook. Why can't you use the red line tow hook with the gopro mount they make.
www.rennline.com/newssection.asp?dept=982

 

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...l#post13624618

 

How strong is the, um, printout?

 

The part feels pretty solid to me, and not any more pliable than the plastic parts that you get from GoPro. Certainly feels strong enough to keep the camera snugly attached at the front of the car. Gives me more peace of mind than having a suction cup attachment would. Not an engineer so these opinions are subjective and may be completely unfounded. The spec sheet of the material I used (VeroWhitePlus) is attached for those who know how to interpret it.

 

The great thing about the GoPro style mount is there isn't a lot of force on any particular part. With the finger configuration, the two components are interlaced and the thumb screw holds them together without any specific fatigue from material bending. The main fatigue will be the weight of the camera on the 3 fingers from the mount, and they are relatively meaty. That being said, there is a huge variation in material properties across 3D printing materials, but the VeroWhitePlus that JCGMS is using is pretty stout. Just keep checking the fingers for any hairline cracks, and if there's any question, then just print another one. The threaded rod is solid and very thick, so the chances of that cracking are quite thin, in my opinion. Like I said, just keep an eye on it.