Binary STL files
Creating and exporting STL files
Some popular CAD programs allow users to create and export STL files. The most popular ones are:
Solidworks 3D modeling software: Most used by engineers and 3D modeling professionals. Provides advanced features such as built-in simulations and analysis to test designs before printing. Provides comprehensive STL export options, such as format control (ASCII or binary) and resolution.
Tinkercad : Drag-and-drop interface to make it easy to create 3D models. Suitable for beginners and teachers who have no previous design experience. Direct export to STL format.
Fusion 360: A popular tool for 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE, exchange data it is useful for product design and engineering. It offers robust modeling features, such as sculpting and parametric design.
Besides these options, several other CAD tools including FreeCAD, SketchUp, and Blender are also capable of exporting STL files.
Open Solidworks or Tinkercad, depending on your CAD application of choice.
Create the model or design using the software tools.
Save and export the design - an auto-save function makes it easy to save an STL file created by the software and export it to the computer. However, before exporting, check the uniformity of the model, holes in the parts and dimensions. Check the resolution, because in case of low resolution, triangles will appear on the surface of the model after printing. Adjust the tolerance level so that the STL files can be printed without problems.
Parameters such as chord angle and height give the distance between the 3D print and the CAD surface. Ideally, the chord height is 1/20th the size of the print surface. Chord length less than 1 micron but not too low and angular tolerance of 15 0 .
Choosing a Slicing Program - Cura is Ultimaker's most widely used open-source slicing program because it is easier and more flexible to use.
Upload the file and convert it to G-Code (printer language) using your favorite slicing software.
STL File Special Rule
1. Orientation rule
This rule defines how the direction of each triangle (facet) is influenced by its nominal vector. This vector indicates the direction the triangle is oriented and helps determine the inside and outside of the object. The normal vector points away from the surface indicating "outside", which shows the outside of the 3D printer. Misdirection of the normal changes the interpretation of features, leading to printing errors.
Creating and exporting an STL file
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