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