Thread: STL files
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Unread 17-03-2005, 10:45
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Re: STL files

Quote:
Originally Posted by sanddrag
I know Inventor can export STL files. But I have no way of checking to make sure they are correct. When I try to open them, it doesn't do anything.

I need to make an ipt part in inventor then get it into a 3D stl or dxf part. I need 3d for sure. Is exporting the stl all I need to do? I'm just curious, how do I make a 3d DXF (like wireframe)? Maybe somehow AutoCAD can assist? I need to start with an ipt though.
If you Save As .stl you should get a usable file. I have used Inventor to produce SLS (Selective Laser Sintering, a rapid prototyping method) parts for our robot. It worked pretty well, come by our pit in LA and we'll show you the results

Solid Concepts has a program called Solid View. The Lite version at least used to be free and enables you to view .stl files. The copy I have is from 2004 so I assume they are still making it available. It won't "fix" any problems in the file like gaps or flipped triangles but you can at least see what Inventor has produced.

If you are just doing animation those problems might not be issues anyway.
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