We require a 3D CAD file in STL format to produce a physical part. Details below describe how to export your file in this format from various CAD systems. If you require 3D CAD work for your Idea or Design, please contact us as we are happy to refer you to one of our preferred CAD consultants.

In some cases, larger parts may be required to be split in to sections. If this is the case we require your CAD file in IGES or STEP format to maintain accuracy.

AutoCAD (Versions R14-2000i)
1. Make sure the model is in positive space
2. At the command prompt type FACETRES
3. Set FACETRES between 1 & 10 (1=low resolution for STL triangles)
4. At the command prompt type STLOUT
5. Select objects
6. Choose "Y" for Binary
7. Choose filename

Alibre
1. File
2. Export
3. Save As > STL
4. Enter File Name
5. Save

CADKey
1. Choose Stereolithography from Export options
2. Enter the filename
3. Click OK

I-DEAS
1. File > Export > Rapid Prototype File > OK
2. Select the part to be Prototyped
3. Select Prototype Device > SLA500.dat > OK
4. Set absolute facet deviation to 0.000395
5. Select Binary > OK

Inventor
1. Save Copy As
2. Select STL
3. Choose Options > Set to High
4. Enter File Name
5. Save

IronCAD
1. File
2. Export
3. Part properties > Rendering
4. Set Facet Surface Smoothing to 150
5. File > Export
6. Choose .STL

Mechanical Desktop
Use the AMSTLOUT command to export your STL file > OK
2. The following command line options affect the quality of the STL and should be adjusted to produce an acceptable file
3. Angular Tolerance - This command limits the angle between the normals of adjacent triangle. The default setting is 15 degrees. Reducing the angle will increase the resolution of the STL file
4. Aspect Ratio - This setting controls the Height/Width ratio of the facets. A setting of 1 would mean the height of a facet is no greater than its width. The default setting is 0, ignored
5. Surface Tolerance - This setting controls the greatest distance between the edge of a facet and the actual geometry. A setting of 0.0000 causes this option to be ignored
6. Vertex Spacing - This option controls the length of the edge of a facet. The default setting is 0.0000, ignored

ProEningeer Wildfire
1. File > Save a Copy > Model
2. Select File Type > STL (*.stl)
3. Set Chord Height to 0 (The field will be replaced by the minimum acceptable value)
4. Set Angle Control to 1
5. Ok

Rhino 3D
1. File > Save As
2. Select File Type > STL
3. Enter a name for the STLFfile
4. Save
5. Select Binary STL Files

SolidDesigner (Version 8.x)
1. File > Save
2. Select File Type > STL
3. Select Data
4. OK

SolidEdge
1. File > Save As
2. Select File Type > STL
3. Options
4. Set Conversion Tolernace to0.0254mm
5. Set Surface Plane Angle to 45.00
6. Save

SolidWorks
1. File > Save As
2. Select File Type > STL
3. Options >Resolution > Fine > Ok
4. Save

Think3
1. File > Save As
2. Select Save As File Type to STL
3. Save

Unigraphics
1. File > Export > Rapid Prototyping
2. Set Output Type to Binary
3. Set Triangle Tolerance to 0.0025
4. Set Adjacent Tolerance to 0.12
5. Set Auto Normal Gen to On
6. Set Normal Display to Off
7. Set Triangle Display to On
8. Save

For more information, please contact the team at info@plasticink.com.au