Guide to file conversion

Here you will find a guide to file conversion to .STL format from common CAD software. It is important that the file is saved in a high resolution, as the quality of the 3D print depends on the resolution of the model.

PTC Creo Parametric

  1. File>Save As>Save A Copy
  2. Choose Stereolithography (*.stl) from Type menu
  3. Click OK
  4. Set Chord Height to 0
  5. Set Angle Control to default value
  6. OK

Autodesk Inventor 2013

  1. File>Save As>Save Copy As
  2. Choose STL files from filtype menu.
  3. Click Options and choose High under resolution.
  4. Click on OK>Save.

SolidWorks

  1. File>Save as
  2. Choose Filtype and then STL
  3. click Options and choose Fine
  4. OK
  5. click Gem 
  6. Yes

Catia

  1. Tools>Options>General>Display>Performance>3D accuracy
  2. Set Fixed=0,01
  3. Choose File>Save as
  4. Choose Filtype>STL
  5. Enter filename > OK

Siemens NX

  1. File>Export>STL
  2. Choose Output Type>Binary
  3. Set Triangle Tolerance>0.0025
  4. Set Adjacency Tolerance>0.12
  5. Set Auto Normal Gen>On
  6. Set Normal Display>Off
  7. Set Triangle Display>On
  8. OK

3D studio max

  1. Choose sample to export
  2. File>Export
  3. Choose filetype StereoLitho (*.stl) enter filename, and click Save
  4. Name file and click OK
  5. OK

 

Concept development

By being at the forefront of 3D printing technologies and professional expertise, we want to strengthen our areas of competence and continuously develop processes where the latest technology is optimally utilised so that we deliver beyond expectations.

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Technologies

There are a number of different technologies for performing 3D printing. Common to all technologies is that a part is produced directly from a 3D file in .stl format. STL files can be generated from a 3D CAD part or from a 3D scan.

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Order sample items

If you are unsure of how a 3D printed part looks and feels, we are happy to send you a sample by post. You’ll receive a few examples of 3D printed parts made in different materials and with different technologies so you can assess surface, hardness, flexibility, etc.

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