SimLab IGES Importer for SketchUp — Features, Compatibility & Workflow

How to Use SimLab IGES Importer to Bring IGES Files into SketchUp

1. Install the SimLab IGES Importer

• Download the SimLab IGES Importer plugin compatible with your SketchUp version from SimLab’s website.
• Close SketchUp, run the installer (or place the .rbz/.rb file in SketchUp’s Plugins folder), then reopen SketchUp.
• Confirm installation via SketchUp’s Extensions/Plugins menu.

2. Prepare the IGES file

• Ensure the IGES (.igs/.iges) file is complete and not corrupted; open it in a CAD viewer if unsure.
• If the model is very large or highly detailed, consider exporting a simplified version from the original CAD package (reduce assemblies, suppress small features).

3. Import the IGES file into SketchUp

1. In SketchUp, go to Extensions (or Plugins) > SimLab IGES Importer > Import IGES (menu labels may vary).
2. In the file dialog, select the .igs/.iges file and click Open.
3. Choose import options in the dialog that appears:
   • Scale: confirm units (mm, cm, inches) to match SketchUp’s model units.
   • Tessellation / Faceting: set quality (coarser = faster, finer = smoother geometry).
   • Import As: single group/component vs. multiple components (select multiple for editable parts).
   • Heal/Repair options: enable if the IGES file has surface gaps.

4. Post-import cleanup and organization

• Use Outliner to inspect imported components/groups; rename and organize into logical groups.
• Run Solid Inspector (or similar) to find and fix non-manifold edges or open faces if you need solids for plugins like Solid Tools.
• Reduce polygon count where needed: select dense faces and use Simplify or QuadFace tools to optimize performance.
• Apply materials: imported geometry may lack SketchUp materials—use Paint Bucket to assign as needed.

5. Troubleshooting common issues

• No import option visible: ensure the plugin is enabled in Extensions > Extension Manager and restart SketchUp.
• Huge file or slow performance: re-import with coarser tessellation or split the model and import parts separately.
• Mis-scaled model: confirm units during import; if wrong, scale uniformly (Tools > Scale) using known dimensions.
• Missing faces or gaps: enable healing/repair during import or fix manually with the Line and Push/Pull tools.
• Geometry exploded into many loose edges: re-import as components or run the Cleanup plugin to merge edges and faces.

6. Best practices

• Work in a copy of the imported model to preserve the original.
• Set SketchUp units to match the source CAD units before importing.
• Start with lower tessellation for checking fit/placement, then re-import with higher quality for final visuals.
• Organize parts into components to keep file size manageable and enable easy edits.

7. Quick step-by-step (summary)

1. Install plugin and restart SketchUp.
2. Prepare/simplify IGES file if needed.
3. Extensions > SimLab IGES Importer > Import IGES.
4. Set units, tessellation, and component options.
5. Import and organize components.
6. Clean up topology, apply materials, and optimize polygons.

If you want, I can provide recommended import settings (units, tessellation level) for a typical mechanical IGES model based on your target use (editing vs. rendering).