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In some unusual workflow, I need to use Fusion 360 models in Sketchup 8 (though this likely applies to any Sketchup version). I can already export and import stl files in Sketchup using STL For Sketchup (stl4su.ru) extension.

When I export bodies in Fusion 360, I choose non-binary encoding and regardless of any quality setting used for export, Sketchup freezes when importing the file (or presumably wants to work for a very long time). Binary encoding does not seem to work with the extension.

How can I normally import Fusion 360 stl models into Sketchup?

Sašo
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1 Answers1

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With an added extra step, you can easily import models without even reducing the quality (though you probably should). I've used MeshLab, though something like MeshMixer might work as well.

  1. Using MeshLab (www.meshlab.net), open the stl file in question and then File > Export Mesh As...

  2. Optional: To reduce triangle count, go to Filters > Remeshing, Simplification and Reconstruction > Simplification: Quadric Edge Collapse Decimation. By default the entered Target number of faces is half the current amount - using that should yield good results in most cases.

  3. In the Saving Options menu, deselect Binary encoding and then save.

  4. Import the model into Sketchup. Instead of loading indefinitely, the model will be loaded near Sketchup origin in (depending on complexity) less than a second.

I have not researched why this is the case, but what I presume happens is that the Sketchup STL import extension has issues interpreting the raw Fusion 360 output, but MeshLab cleans it up nicely to some standard that the extension expects.

Sašo
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