Trouble generating STL files

[PhilBot]

Hi

I'm an inventor Noob. I've downloaded Inventor 2008 Professional form the BirstBase ste and I've built several parts & assemblies.

I'm trying to save a part out as a STL file to see what it would cost to do a rapid prototype.

Trouble is, I can't get any file types other than .ipt to show up on the "save As" pulldown.

Things I've done:
1) I've made sure that mine is a single part, and not an assembly
2) I've verified that I'm running a "part" application.
3) I've loaded all the add-ins, including the STL translation & restarted the program.

So... how do I get .STL types to show up in the "Save As" box .
See attached image of what I see when I try.

[Nate Edwards]

I got the following information from
http://www.alphaprototypes.com/how-t...phy-files.aspx

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

Hope it helps, I know its an option on the save as menu in solidworks, but I haven't rapid prototyped from inventor before.

[PhilBot]

Originally Posted by Nate Edwards

Autodesk Inventor
1. Save Copy As
2. Select STL

That's my problem..... there is no "STL" on my save-as pulldown.

Oh wait.... you said "Save Copy As"..... well DANG... there it is.

I knew if I came to CD I'd get an answer. I've spent all day searching the online help and the Autodesk forums (which are going crazy today).

Everywhere they say.... do a "Save As"... no mention of "Save Copy As"

Here is a direct quote from the online manual...

"In the File Save As dialog box, set the file type to STL, and then click the Options button."

Thanks Nate!!