SKP Import for Inventor is a SketchUp SKP file import add-in for Inventor®. This add-in gives Inventor the ability to import geometric data from SketchUp SKP files.
SKP Import for Inventor reads polygon mesh data stored in SKP files and imports it into Inventor. A polygon mesh in a SKP file is comprised of a set of triangular and/or quad faces. SKP Import for Inventor creates trimmed planar surfaces for each triangle/quad and knits them together to create a body. If the polygon mesh is closed (i.e. it does not contain boundary edges) then SKP Import for Inventor will create a closed body feature, otherwise an open surface will be created.
SKP Import for Inventor is very easy to use. Once installed, it automatically loads itself into Inventor and adds a new menu called "SKPImport" to the Inventor menu.
The 'SKPImport' submenu consists of the following commands:
Import - Import a SKP file
Help - Display the SKP Import for Inventor help file
Register - Register your copy of SKP Import for Inventor
About - Display the SKP Import for Inventor About box
The SKP File Format
SketchUp is a 3D modeling program designed for architects, civil engineers, filmmakers, game developers, and related professions. It also includes features to facilitate the placement of models in Google Earth. It is marketed as an easy-to-use conceptual tool with a simple interface. A well known feature in the SketchUp World is the 3D Warehouse. Users can use their Google Accounts to upload models, and then browse the 3D Warehouse for many components and models. SketchUp's native file format is has a SKP extension.