Exporting as STL Files

Overview

This section will cover exporting files as STL. Two examples below show exporting options for files using Beta CAE's ANSA package and SolidWorks.

ANSA

Select the Output tool bar from the File drop down menu
Select file output type as STL

Rename the file extension to .stl
Select Save once name and file extension are entered

Select what part is to be output, ANSA has three options
- Visible
- Model
- All
Select the file format Binary or Ascii
- Binary is preferred for its smaller file sizes.
If needed, scale the model to the desired units. If the units of the model are already correct turn of the Scale function.
Once the export options are set click OK.

SolidWorks

Select Save As and change the Save as Type to STL(*.stl)
Rename the file extension to .stl

Select the file format Binary or Ascii
- Binary is preferred for its smaller file sizes.
Select the Units of the model
If using a custom coordinate system select it from the Output coordinate system drop down menu
Set the other options as displayed to the right
- Resolution to Fine
- Check the following boxes
  - Do not translate STL output data to positive space
  - Save all components of an assembly in a single file
Once the export option are set click OK

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