Print-Ready Modeling and Scaling for Export

I have used the term print-ready a few times already in this book without really defining what it means. When I say that a model is print-ready, I am saying that it is a manifold solid, and should be recognized as printable by slicing software.

Modeling print-ready geometry is not the default method of modeling in SketchUp. Due to the open nature of SketchUp, you can model whatever you want, however you want. Modeling print-ready geometry means being consistent in your process of maintaining solid geometry as you model. Yes, you could model in a more haphazard manner, and then spend time assuring things are solid afterward, but modeling with the intention of sending your geometry out as a solid will help you streamline your modeling process.

Fortunately, this process is not difficult to master. In fact, we should be able to cover the main concepts in this chapter, and still have time to tackle a lesson on scaling your models as well...