Export to STL or OBJ: Difference between revisions

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== Introduction ==<!--T:2-->
== Introduction ==<!--T:2-->


In this tutorial we will cover how to export STL/OBJ-Files from FreeCAD.
In this tutorial we will cover how to export STL/OBJ-files from FreeCAD.
Since the mesh-format STL/OBJ is dimensionless, FreeCAD will assume
Since the mesh-format STL/OBJ is dimensionless, FreeCAD will assume
on export that the units used in the model are mm.
on export that the units used in the model are in mm.
If this is not the case you have to scale your model .
If this is not the case you have to scale your model .


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*Close dialogue with {{KEY| OK}}
*Close dialogue with {{KEY| OK}}
*Select the solid to be exported in the tree view
*Select the solid to be exported in the tree view
*Choose {{KEY| File}} → {{KEY| Export...}} and set file type to "STL mesh (*.stl *.ast)"
*Choose {{KEY| File}} → {{KEY| Export...}} and set file type to for example "STL mesh (*.stl *.ast)"
*Type in your file name and don't forget the extension, choose {{KEY| Save}}
*Type in your file name and don't forget the extension, choose {{KEY| Save}}



Revision as of 18:58, 7 June 2016

Tutorial
Topic
Export to STL or OBJ
Level
Beginner
Time to complete
20 minutes
Authors
r-frank
FreeCAD version
0.16.6703
Example files
See also
None

Introduction

In this tutorial we will cover how to export STL/OBJ-files from FreeCAD. Since the mesh-format STL/OBJ is dimensionless, FreeCAD will assume on export that the units used in the model are in mm. If this is not the case you have to scale your model .

Sample part

You can use your own FreeCAD file, but you could also create a quick test file by

  • Opening FreeCAD
  • Create a new document
  • Switch to part workbench
  • Insert a cube by clicking on
  • Insert a cone by clicking on
  • Select all two objects in the tree view
  • Apply a fusion by clicking on
  • Save your file

Export Method 1: Using "File > Export"

  • Switch to mesh workbench or complete workbench
  • Choose Edit Preferences Import-Export Mesh Formats from the top menu
  • Here you can specify the maximum mesh deviation (0,1 mm is default) which controls how "fine" your mesh will get
  • Close dialogue with OK
  • Select the solid to be exported in the tree view
  • Choose File Export... and set file type to for example "STL mesh (*.stl *.ast)"
  • Type in your file name and don't forget the extension, choose Save

Export Method 2: Using the mesh workbench in FreeCAD

  • Switch to mesh workbench
  • Select the solid to be meshed in the tree view
  • Choose Meshes Create Mesh from shape... from the top menu
  • Select one of the three available meshers and specify the available options, for more info refer to this page (Mesh from Shape)
  • Choose OK and the mesh object will be created in the tree view (with green mesh icon)
  • Select the mesh object in the tree view and right click on mesh object in the tree view
  • Choose Export mesh to export mesh
  • You will be promted to coose file name (default is the name of the mesh object) and the file type (default is "Binary STL (*.stl)")
  • Choose Save and you are finished