Export to STL or OBJ: Difference between revisions

From FreeCAD Documentation
(link to Import_from_STL_or_OBJ)
(Marked this version for translation)
 
(47 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
<languages/>
<translate>
<translate>

<!--T:1-->
<!--T:1-->
{{TutorialInfo
{{TutorialInfo
|Topic= Export to STL or OBJ
|Topic=Export to STL or OBJ
|Level= Beginner
|Level=Beginner
|Time= 20 minutes
|Time=20 minutes
|Author=r-frank
|Author=r-frank
|FCVersion=0.16.6703
|FCVersion=0.16.6703
|Files=
}}
}}


== Introduction == <!--T:2-->
== Introduction == <!--T:10-->
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 == <!--T:3-->
<!--T:2-->
In this tutorial we will cover how to export STL/OBJ-files from FreeCAD. 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. One way to do this is using [[Image:Draft_Scale.svg|24px]] [[Draft_Scale|Draft Scale]].
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 [[Image:Part_Box.png|32px]]
*Insert a cone by clicking on [[Image:Part_Cone.png|32px]]
*Select all two objects in the tree view
*Apply a fusion by clicking on [[Image:Part_Fuse.png|32px]]
*Save your file


==Export Method 1: Using "File > Export"== <!--T:4-->
== Sample part == <!--T:11-->
*Switch to mesh workbench or complete workbench
*Choose {{KEY| Edit}} {{KEY| Preferences}} {{KEY| Import-Export}} {{KEY| 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 {{KEY| OK}}
*Select the solid to be exported in the tree view
*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}}


<!--T:3-->
==Export Method 2: Using the mesh workbench in FreeCAD== <!--T:5-->
You can use your own FreeCAD file, but you can also create a quick test file:
*Switch to mesh workbench
# Open FreeCAD.
*Select the solid to be meshed in the tree view
# Create a new document.
*Choose {{KEY| Meshes}}{{KEY|[[Image:Mesh_Mesh_from_Shape.svg|32px]] Create Mesh from shape...}} from the top menu
# Switch to [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|24px]] [[Part_Workbench|Part Workbench]].
*Select one of the three available meshers and specify the available options, for more info refer to [[Mesh MeshFromShape|this page (Mesh from Shape)]]
# Insert a cube by clicking on [[Image:Part_Box.svg|24px]] [[Part_Box|Part Box/Cube]].
*Choose {{KEY| OK}} and the mesh object will be created in the tree view (with green mesh icon)
# Insert a cone by clicking on [[Image:Part_Cone.svg|24px]] [[Part_Cone|Part Cone]].
*Select the mesh object in the tree view and right click on mesh object in the tree view
# Select both objects in the [[Tree_view|tree view]].
*Choose {{KEY|[[Image:Mesh_ExportMesh.png|32px]] Export mesh}} to export mesh
# Apply a fusion by clicking on [[Image:Part_Fuse.svg|24px]] [[Part_Fuse|Part Fuse]].
*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)")
# Save your file.
*Choose {{KEY| Save}} and you are finished


== Export Method 1: Using "File → Export" == <!--T:12-->
==Links==

<!--T:16-->
# With the default settings, this method creates a mesh with noticeably jagged curves. To get a smoother finish when e.g. 3D printing, the mesh resolution should be configured:
## Make sure the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]] has been loaded (it is not loaded by default).
## Go to {{MenuCommand|Edit → Preferences... → Import-Export → Mesh Formats}}.
## Change {{MenuCommand|Maximum mesh deviation}}. A lower value will produce a mesh with a higher resolution.
# Select the solid to be exported in the tree view.
# Choose {{MenuCommand|File → Export...}} and set the file type to {{MenuCommand|STL mesh (*.stl *.ast)}}.
# Enter your file name. The default extension is {{FileName|.stl}}. You must include the extension {{FileName|.ast}} to produce an {{FileName|.ast}} file.
# Choose {{Button|Save}}.

== Export Method 2: Using the Mesh Workbench in FreeCAD == <!--T:13-->

<!--T:5-->
# Switch to the [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|24px]] [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]].
# Select the solid to be meshed in the tree view.
# Choose {{MenuCommand|Meshes → [[Image:Mesh_FromPartShape.svg|24px]] Create Mesh from shape...}} from the main (top) menu.
# Select one of the available meshers and specify the available options. For more information refer to [[Mesh_FromPartShape|Mesh from Shape]].
# Choose {{Button|OK}}. The mesh object will be created in the tree view (with a green mesh icon [[Image:Workbench_Mesh.svg|16px]]).
# Right click the mesh object in the tree view and choose {{MenuCommand|[[Image:Mesh_Export.svg|24px]] Export mesh...}}.
# Fill in the file name, the extension is not necessary. The extension will be set based on the file type. If you include an extension which does not match the selected file type, an extension for the selected type will be added when the file is saved.
# The default file type is {{MenuCommand|Binary STL (*.stl)}}. Change the type if you wish.
# Choose {{Button|Save}}.

== Which Method to choose ? == <!--T:14-->

<!--T:7-->
* Method 1 can be used for most situations where a mesh file is needed.
* With method 2 you can verify the mesh in FreeCAD. And if you have more than one solid to convert you can use Tools from the [[Mesh_Workbench|Mesh Workbench]]. For example, you can fuse meshes before exporting.

== Links == <!--T:15-->

<!--T:6-->
* [[Import_from_STL_or_OBJ|Import from STL or OBJ]]
* [[Import_from_STL_or_OBJ|Import from STL or OBJ]]
* [[Import_Export|Import Export]]




</translate>
</translate>
{{Userdocnavi{{#translation:}}}}
{{clear}}
[[Category:File_Formats{{#translation:}}]]
<languages/>

Latest revision as of 10:06, 1 December 2023

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

Introduction

In this tutorial we will cover how to export STL/OBJ-files from FreeCAD. 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. One way to do this is using Draft Scale.

Sample part

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

  1. Open FreeCAD.
  2. Create a new document.
  3. Switch to Part Workbench.
  4. Insert a cube by clicking on Part Box/Cube.
  5. Insert a cone by clicking on Part Cone.
  6. Select both objects in the tree view.
  7. Apply a fusion by clicking on Part Fuse.
  8. Save your file.

Export Method 1: Using "File → Export"

  1. With the default settings, this method creates a mesh with noticeably jagged curves. To get a smoother finish when e.g. 3D printing, the mesh resolution should be configured:
    1. Make sure the Mesh Workbench has been loaded (it is not loaded by default).
    2. Go to Edit → Preferences... → Import-Export → Mesh Formats.
    3. Change Maximum mesh deviation. A lower value will produce a mesh with a higher resolution.
  2. Select the solid to be exported in the tree view.
  3. Choose File → Export... and set the file type to STL mesh (*.stl *.ast).
  4. Enter your file name. The default extension is .stl. You must include the extension .ast to produce an .ast file.
  5. Choose Save.

Export Method 2: Using the Mesh Workbench in FreeCAD

  1. Switch to the Mesh Workbench.
  2. Select the solid to be meshed in the tree view.
  3. Choose Meshes → Create Mesh from shape... from the main (top) menu.
  4. Select one of the available meshers and specify the available options. For more information refer to Mesh from Shape.
  5. Choose OK. The mesh object will be created in the tree view (with a green mesh icon ).
  6. Right click the mesh object in the tree view and choose Export mesh....
  7. Fill in the file name, the extension is not necessary. The extension will be set based on the file type. If you include an extension which does not match the selected file type, an extension for the selected type will be added when the file is saved.
  8. The default file type is Binary STL (*.stl). Change the type if you wish.
  9. Choose Save.

Which Method to choose ?

  • Method 1 can be used for most situations where a mesh file is needed.
  • With method 2 you can verify the mesh in FreeCAD. And if you have more than one solid to convert you can use Tools from the Mesh Workbench. For example, you can fuse meshes before exporting.

Links