Questions tagged [stl]

For questions regarding `.stl` files and the STL file format.

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8 votes
4 answers
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How can I create PNG image files from STL files?

I need to add some simple image renders of STL files to a document. I currently open the STL files in Preview or one of the slicers and grab a screen shot. Is there an easier or automatic way to ...
Mark Harrison's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
23k views

Export STL as ASCII or binary?

When go to export a model using Fusion 360 or Meshmixer, I see that there are two options. Could the final model be affected by the format chosen at the time of saving?
Pedro Miguel Pimienta Morales's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
13k views

Split/edit part in FreeCAD?

I'm trying to modify some parts on this thing. I'm kind of new to dealing with the modeling aspects of this. I am attempting to widen the part essentially 3mm. This would involve modifying the chain ...
Dave G's user avatar
  • 283
7 votes
2 answers
568 views

SVG to STL conversion to make symbols recognisable for visually impaired users

I work on communication devices for people with disabilities that prevent them from speaking. This can be anything from a board with symbols on, to a relatively sophisticated app. Some potential ...
Joe's user avatar
  • 171
6 votes
3 answers
4k views

Outputting an STL file that contains multiple objects for import into Blender

I want to print a object that looks like a flat board with a set of matchbox-like lumps on top of it. I have written a script that outputs an STL file. To keep the script simple, it creates an object ...
James Newton's user avatar
5 votes
6 answers
5k views

STL to STP CAD Conversion

Does anyone know of a good way to convert a 3D print file, like STL, to STEP - a useable file format for plastic injection molding companies? I have tried to convert the files through a couple of ...
John Paul Schreiner's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
5k views

What is the point of diminishing returns on the STL refinement level in Fusion 360 on an Ender 3?

When exporting an STL from Fusion 360, one must select an STL refinement level to use for calculating the maximum triangle count. For FDM printing (0.05mm and above layer heights), where is the ...
ifconfig's user avatar
  • 881
5 votes
2 answers
5k views

What is the difference between STL and OBJ files and which one should I use?

One of the CAD programs I use is called TinkerCAD, which lets you export your design in either STL or OBJ form. What is the difference between these two file types? And which one is better to use?
Eli TheHuman's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
2k views

Route to transform 2d image (depth map) into a curved bracelet (and STL file)?

I've got a bracelet concept that I've sketched up as a flat design. I'm trying to found a route by which I can extrude this into a 3d object (depth map?), curve it into a bracelet, then ultimately ...
NBJack's user avatar
  • 153
5 votes
1 answer
65 views

Where to get smartphone shapes from, to create a case all by myself?

I'm looking for some kind of collection of shapes of smartphones, so I can design a case that will fit certain models perfectly. STL, or any other kind of 3d file. Lots of companies produce cases for ...
Paweł Lis's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
650 views

How do I create a STL file from a 2 dimensional grid of data

Given a large set of data, I was able to create a 3D graph in Microsoft Excel. How can I create a STL file similar to this graph to create a physical model of this graph?
Eric Johnson's user avatar
  • 2,278
5 votes
1 answer
4k views

How do I compute the surface & volume of a large amount of STL files?

Please, how do I compute the surface & volume of a large amount of STL files ? I have over 3000 STL files, and I want to know their respective volumes and surfaces. I will use this data to be ...
42Z0GqNNz's user avatar
  • 166
4 votes
4 answers
14k views

Combining multiple STL files

I have a collection of STL files, each containing a separate moving part of an object I want to print. (Imagine a set of gears, or similar, that prints as a single object with multiple moving parts.) ...
N. Virgo's user avatar
  • 1,569
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

How to modify 3D model of body?

I'm relatively new in the field of 3D printing and design. By now I've created and printed some technical objects with TinkerCAD, but now I've a task, which I don't know how to solve. I have the ...
netblognet's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
6k views

File too big to open in Tinkercad. How can I shrink it?

I need to shrink an STL file below the 25 MB threshold, so I can open it in TinkerCad. I don't care about quality, I just need it shrunk. How can I do this?
Quick And Dirty's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
6k views

How to estimate the printing time of a 3D printer from an STL file?

My local library has a 3D printer (Lulzbot Mini) for patrons to use. The prints are limited to 4 hours and if I go after work I really only have two hours before the Library closes. The software at ...
Charlie Brumbaugh's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
55 views

Face where there should be no face

When importing this .stl file in Creality Slicer another face appears in the middle when viewed in layered view. This face is not visible in my 3d modeling software Blender. I tried cleaning up the ...
Patrick's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
3 answers
7k views

Convert a 3D NumPy array of voxels to an STL file

Given a 3D boolean array representing voxels, how can it be converted to a 3D-printer-ready file? The end-goal I would like to achieve is to print the 3D shape that the numpy array represents (...
Stephane Bersier's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
406 views

How to stop Fusion 360 from creating a new version on STL export

Everytime I export to STL in Fusion 360, a new Version (V1, V2, V3, V4, ...) of the file is created. But I would really like to use that feature to mark bigger changes instead of creating a new ...
JuSchu's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
1 answer
181 views

Why is this central area of the STL being filled in?

We've been doing some work automatically generating STL files using Python. We've made a ring of cubes like so: Importing it into Cura still makes it look valid, with a hole in the center: However, ...
Alexander Craggs's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
670 views

Delete only invisible parts of faces

I have an STL made out of triangular faces that intersect themselves to create very complicated patterns. It also has a very messy internal structure. I'd like to remove the parts of the faces that ...
ViHdzP's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
1 answer
116 views

.stl file is "not ready for printing"

I have this .stl file and I sent it to a company for printing, they claimed that the file is not ready for printing and is charging me more money for them to fix the error. What can I do to make the ...
Janjan's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
1 answer
225 views

Do all slicers handle multi object .STL files correctly for multi color printing?

I only have experience with PrusaSlicer, where if I have one .STL file containing multiple volumes, I can click a Split to parts button to then be able to change ...
IsawU's user avatar
  • 155
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Efficient way to create a "mold" of a solid object in Meshmixer?

Currently I have a model of a fingertip finished in my project, however, I would like to create some sort of "cap" that if printed would fit on top of that finger. Is there a good way to achieve this ...
huehuehuehuehuehuehuehuehuehue's user avatar
3 votes
4 answers
1k views

Cura messes up my print. How can I make it print what I see in Blender?

I'm using Cura and it removes my holes and deletes sections of the print and disconnects parts. In Blender it looks as it should be, as I designed it. I know there are a few mishaps inside (not ...
techset's user avatar
  • 61
3 votes
1 answer
96 views

Tool for modifing STLs?

I'm looking for a tool to modify STL files to make changes, before printing it. I know that it exists, but I don't know the name of the software. For example, I have a STL file for a ball and I want ...
Boggart's user avatar
  • 33
3 votes
2 answers
850 views

OpenSCAD 2018 Command line

First, I'm using Linux Mint 18.3 (Sylvia). Until now, I've been using OpenSCAD with the GUI and never experienced issues. Now I try to start OpenSCAD from the command line, but it always opens an ...
Hermann Gebhard's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
572 views

Cura 4.4 missing object parts

I have this image in STL But it seems cura skipped the lower panel entirely when slicing the STL. The base is thick, as you can see here, but it is still missing in Preview, and Cura seems to ...
Magician's user avatar
  • 133
3 votes
2 answers
148 views

STL exported through Blender not watertight

I created a box in Blender and exported that into an STL file and it seems to be failing to render the correct walls. The box looks like this: But when I open it in Cura, it looks like this: Is ...
Haraja's user avatar
  • 31
3 votes
1 answer
519 views

How can I upload STL files to OctoPrint?

I started playing with OctoPrint and I already have it configured for external access and management, using OctoEverywhere. I would like it to be an easy to use printer, because it is shared between ...
Diego Manzanares's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Building a program to convert LiDAR data directly to an STL or directly to G-code

Some people have figured out how to take raw LiDAR data and after going through multiple steps (using LAS tools, converting to digital elevation model (DEM), converting to an STL) getting an STL file ...
Jonathan L.'s user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
7k views

How can I convert STL files into PDF drawings?

Does anyone know of an easy and free way to convert my STL models to a PDF drawing for CAD and metal CNC machining? I've created some great designs that are all STL files and want to somehow send ...
Vbs 's user avatar
  • 41
3 votes
1 answer
874 views

How can I tell if an STL model will need supports?

How can I detect if a generated STL model will need to be printed with supports? Context: I have a pipeline which parametrically generates OpenSCAD models, generates the STL, and sends them to the ...
Mark Harrison's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

STL files and physical dimensions of a 3D printed object

I understand that an STL file contains all the coordinates of all the vertices of all triangles that a surface may be subdivided into. But it does not contain the physical dimensions of the model. ...
Brett Cooper's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

How can I decrease the thickness of a wall in an STL file?

There seem to be a lot of search results answering the question of how to increase wall thickness, but how can I decrease wall thickness? I have an STL model of a mechanical keyboard key where the ...
Chris Bloom's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
705 views

Converting .par files to STL

I am using SolidEdge to create 3D models in .par files and right now I have over 30 files and I need to create STL files to print them in 3D printer using GrabCad Is there a way to convert all those ...
superflash's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
442 views

Is there a conventional scale for 3D printing models?

Is there a convention for the scale of the 3D printing STL files that are shared online and/or expected by 3-D printers? I found a model on Thingiverse that is useful for my project, a connector that ...
lvella's user avatar
  • 123
2 votes
1 answer
814 views

3mf circles are printing as polygons

When I'm using a .3mf file from Fusion 360 the circles are coming out as polygonal shapes that are very easy to see. When using a .stl file from Fusion 360 the circles are near perfect the polygons ...
deathismyfriend's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
201 views

How can I include seperate Slicing Parameters in my 3mf file

I am trying to write a program that edits a 3mf file by defines different slicing parameters for different stls that I have previously merged into my 3mf file, but I am a little bit confused about the ...
Molecog's user avatar
  • 23
2 votes
4 answers
5k views

How to convert png to stl?

Is it possible to convert an image image to STL file format? E.g. I don't need the coloring, I need the lines.
Rodrigo Franco's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

How do I keep the .stl files from being resized while exporting?

I made a few models in Autodesk Inventor. When I tried to get them printed, the printer created a model smaller than the model I made in Inventor (270mm x 200mm). Is there a way to keep them from ...
user3482676's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
235 views

File from Blender is different in Shapeways's preview

I am trying to print a model I designed in Blender on Shapeways. The object has a hole in it: But when I upload it to Shapeways as a STL file, fixed the sizes, but the hole is filled up in the ...
MicroMachine's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
430 views

Any way to print all the layers of a 3D (STL)?

I'm looking for a way to slice up a 3D model and then get the profiles of each individual layer. I need to 2D print the different layers (with the layer height that I define) for a Styrofoam craft. ...
Pelayo PA's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Still getting "no layers detected" after repairing model in PrusaSlicer console

I tried to slice an stl file using the PrusaSlicer console and I got the ...
Brent's user avatar
  • 141
2 votes
1 answer
363 views

How to make symmetric Low-Poly objects in meshmixer?

I've made low-poly objects using Reduce function in Meshmixer. My objects are symmetric and I want to keep the symmetry in the low-poly because it's more beautiful, But the software doesn't necessary ...
2012User's user avatar
  • 549
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

What is the correct way to export SVG in order to convert to STL?

I made a simple logo using Inkscape, after saving as an svg file, but when I export that file into Fusion 360 something strange happened. Multiple times I convert some images (png, svg) to svg file. ...
Pedro Miguel Pimienta Morales's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

Black surface in Meshmixer

I was working on a model today and I need to make the black surface into a normal surface so that the ship's cockpit is solid. I am unable to select the black surface. I tried using the flip normals ...
Brendan Smith's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
325 views

Boolean operation on two objects in Blender

I'm trying to draw a strange cup, with a kind of empty handle (actually, it's not a cup, but it looks like one). I need to print this object with a 3D printer, so I exported the model to 3D printing ...
Marco's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
1k views

How can I rotate a 3D model to be parallel with the build plate?

I have an STL that has a flat surface which should contact the build place when 3D printing. The model has an unknown rotation. How can I rotate the 3D model to be flush with the build plate? I am ...
Jared Deckard's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
263 views

How to 3D view an OBJ or STL object given its URL?

I have OBJ and STL files generated by reality capture software and stored on a website. I'd like to send our users web links that will take them to a 3D object web viewer loaded with the corresponding ...
mcgregor94086's user avatar