3-D STL

STL is a standard interface for the geometry data transfer (surface model) to STereoLithography.

The drawings are transferred in the form of triangulated models here.

To export a file as STL file,

• click the ISD Button and select Save as... > 3-D formats (Step...), or
• activate the Drawing tab and select Save/Print > SaveAs > 3-D formats (Step...).

In the dialogue window, select STL (*.stl) as file type.

In the Parts to be exported field on the top right of the export dialogue window, whether you want to save the complete drawing (All), or only selected parts (Selection list).

Below this field you will find extended settings options, enabling you to specify via checkboxes whether you want One file per part to be written, or want to Export displayed parts only.

In the File format field you can choose between ASCII and Binary. It is recommended to perform the export as Binary file, as ASCII files are considerably larger.

In the Unit of length field you can choose between mm, cm, m, and inch.

Below Accuracy you can specify a Mode for polyhedron approximation:

• As in drawing: The file will be exported, calculated as a triangulated model, exactly as it is represented in HiCAD. This method is not only very accurate, but also very fast, as the calculation has already been done.
• Points per quadrant: Enter the number of polygon points per quadrant (minimum 2). Default value is 6.
• Via distance tolerance: Enter a tolerance in the Distance field. Default value is 0.1.
• Via distance tolerance with minimum number of points: Enter a tolerance in the Distance field, and the minimum value in the Polygon points for 3-D quadrant field.
• Via distance tolerance with maximum number of points: Enter a tolerance in the Distance field, and the maximum value in the Polygon points for 3-D quadrant field.

Please note:

In the Configuration Editor at Active Configuration (Base configuration) > Interfaces > STL you can specify which export options are to be activated or deactivated by default upon function call.

3-D Interfaces • Interfaces