CAD to STL for 3D printing
The usual steps in producing a 3D printed object is to produce the design in a 3D CAD program and export it as a .stl file ... This is because many of the post processing programs that generate the instructions to drive the printer (g-code) can not read the native CAD files. But how do you create a .stl file? It's actually quite easy, here are a few clues to how this can be done in a some of the more frequently used programs. (note that this can vary with different versions of the software... It might be slightly different in the version you use)
Autodesk Inventor
Go to the File menu, then select the ‘Save Copy As’ option
Select STL from the Types drop-down
Click the Options button, and choose the High detail level
Click the Save Button
Catia
Select the STL command
Set Maximum Seg to 0.015mm
Select the model and > select Yes
Select Export > type File name > OK
Creo Elements (pro engineer)
File > Save copy as
Select STL as the file type and enter a new name for the file
In the pop up box Set chord height to 0. (The field will be replaced by minimum acceptable value with smaller triangles for a smoother object).
Set Angle Control to 1
OK
Google Sketchup
Install the stl export plugin http://www.guitar-list.com/download-software/convert-sketchup-skp-files-dxf-or-stl
Open model to export select "Export to DXF or STL" from the Tools menu.
Select "millimeters" as the units for export.
On the "Export to DXF," pop up select "stl."
Enter a filename for your new STL file.
Rhino
File > Save As
Select File Type to STL
Select File Name > Save
Select Binary
Select Detail Controls from Mesh Options
Max Angle = 20, Max aspect ration = 6, Min edge Length = 0.0001
OK
Solid Edge
Open Model & select File > Save As
Select File type as STL
Options > conversion tolerance to 0.015 mm
Surface Plane Angle > 45°
Select Binary type and OK
Name & Save STL file
Solid Works
File > Save As
Set Save As Type to STL
Options > Fine > OK
Save
STL settings: How to change STL settings
File > Save As
STL > Options
For a smoother STL file, change the Resolution to Custom
Change the deviation to 0.01 mm
Change the angle to 5 (Smaller angles will produce a smoother Object but bigger file)
