Why Convert to STL?
The STL (Standard Tessellation Language or StereoLithography) file format is the most widely used format for 3D printing.
It represents a 3D model's surface geometry using a mesh of triangles. Converting your model to STL is a crucial step before you can slice it and send it to your 3D printer.
This guide will show you how to export STL files from popular CAD and modeling software. The quality of the STL depends on settings like tessellation resolution, angle deviation, etc.
Conversion Steps for Common Software:
SolidWorks
To save your SolidWorks part or assembly as an STL file:
- Open your model file (.SLDPRT or .SLDASM).
- Go to **File > Save As**.
- In the 'Save as type' dropdown, select **STL**.
- Before saving, click the **Options** button.
- Under 'Output as', choose **Binary** (smaller file size) or **ASCII**. Binary is generally preferred.
- Adjust the **Resolution** (Deviation and Angle tolerance). Finer resolution gives better quality but larger files. Select 'Fine' or customize the sliders.
- Ensure 'Show STL info before file saving' is checked to preview.
- Click **OK**, then **Save**.
CATIA
To save your CATIA part or assembly as an STL file:
- Open your model file (.CATPart).
- Go to **File > Save As**.
- In the 'Save as type' dropdown, select **STL (\*.stl)**.
- Adjust mesh density/segmentation settings
- Click **OK**, then **Save**.
CREO
To save your CREO part or assembly as an STL file:
- Open your model file (.prt).
- Go to **File > Save a copy**.
- In the 'Save as type' dropdown, select **STL (\*.stl)**.
- Adjust mesh density/segmentation settings
- Click **OK**, then **Save**.
AutoCAD
To save your AutoCAD 3D drawing as an STL file:
- Open your model file
- Type Export
- In the 'Save as type' dropdown, select **Lithography (STL)**.
- Click **OK**, then **Save**.
Important Tips for STL Conversion
- **Check for Errors:** Before exporting, use your software's tools (like mesh analysis or geometry checks) to ensure your model is watertight (no holes) and has no errors.
- **Units:** Ensure your model is scaled correctly and exported in the correct units (usually millimeters for 3D printing). Check the export options for unit settings.
- **Binary vs. ASCII:** Binary STL files are smaller and more common. Use ASCII only if necessary for specific troubleshooting.
- **Resolution Balance:** Choose a resolution (mesh density) that balances surface smoothness with manageable file size. Overly dense meshes don't always improve print quality significantly but drastically increase slicing time.
