Drawing a pipe in SketchUp is quite easy. For details look at this text: how to draw pipe. What about the curved pipe? In this article, you will learn how to create curved pipes in SketchUp. You can do this using native tools as well as a dedicated SketchUp plugin.
I will answer here on questions:
- How to draw a pipe middle line in 3d?
- How to create a pipe profile?
- How bend curves of a pipe?
- How to measure a pipe length?
Let's break it down into two parts:
Using native tools to draw a curved pipe
In the first step, we need to make a middle line in 3d model space. We can do it with SketchUp native Draw Edge Tool or use the incline SketchUp edge plugin. For example, let's draw it like this:
Round every middle line corner
To get a curved pipe we need to round the middle line. Using the 2 point Arc native tool we can create arcs that are tangent to edges. We need to apply them one by one or all at once when you use for it round edges plugin.
Some clean up
After we delete unneeded edges we get a rounded middle line and we can check its length. To do that select all edges and curves which are part of the middle line and look at the Entity Info Tray. The length of that edge is the length of our curved pipe.
Draw pipe profile
Using the SketchUp circle tool we need to a make pipe profile with needed dimensions. Remember to check set circle segmentation because later there will be no way to edit it. Look at this article to learn more about Circle, Arc and Curve in SketchUp.
Move profile to middle line beginning
To create a pipe from drawn pipe profile we need to place it in the right position.
Orient profile with middle line direction
Since our middle line its inclined we need to rotate the pipe profile to match the same direction. We will use the Rotate native tool to orient it. If it's inclined and rotated from XY plane we need to rotate it twice in accordingly planes.
Extrude profile
Now when we have a middle line, oriented pipe profile we can use the Follow me native tool to create the pipe!
Done
We have created curved pipe in SketchUp 3d model using only native tools!
Curved pipe made with the extension: Pipeline from edges
Step 1: Draw straight edges
As in step 1 when using native tools we need to make the same.
Step 2: Open the extension
Select edges and run this 3d piping extension.
Pipeline from edges makes it much easier and quicker.
Step 3: Set parameters and draw it
You can set their pipe diameter and decide if you need to measure it as an inner diameter or an outer diameter.
Set pipe thickness, pipe and bending segmentation. Choose a color from your model material list.
Press the "Draw" button to get all the job done!
Pipe info
At any moment we can use the native Text tool to check what pipe and how long it is.
Pipeline from edges
Check it 👉 Sketchup hose extension.
Conclusion
This article deftly guides readers through two distinct approaches, showcasing the accessibility of both methods.
By following the instructions, crafting curved pipes in SketchUp becomes an easy job. The native tool route is straightforward. But necessitates meticulous steps to yield the desired outcome. The process consists of manipulating middle lines, rounding corners, and aligning profiles.
On the other hand... the article introduces an efficient alternative via the "Pipeline from edges" extension. This solution reduces the series of clicks and spares valuable time. The extension comes with the trade-off of a certain level of automation.
In conclusion, the paths to creating curved pipes in SketchUp are approachable. Following the expert guidance presented in this article you will reach your target.
