Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

Hello Inventor users,

I'm wondering if there is a possiblity in Inventor to export a surface model as a STL file. I use CAD programs to prepare models for simulations in other software and I would like to work with Inventor because my Depratment uses it. Till now I have been using SolidWorks and with a little trick it is possible to export surfaces as a STL file. In Inventor I didn't manage to do this. So, is it possible? 

Best regards,

Wojek

[#2]

STL is an export option for Inventor 2011.

[#3]

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czoobs wrote:

 export surfaces as a STL file. In Inventor I didn't manage to do this. So, is it possible? 

 Wojek

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I don't think it is possible to export surface bodies as stl in Inventor.
AFAIK only solid bodies are supported for stl export.
(Of course the exported stl is all surfaces as stl is a surface definition format.)

[#4]

Wojek,

It's not feasible for Inventor to export surface data as STL.

Why not use other formats instead? IGES/STEP/Parasolid?

Also if available, please share me more information about your workflow and request. We may consider the surface export in STL later.

Thanks,

Austin

[#5]

Thank you for your answers.

As I mentioned before I use CAD programs to prepare models for my simulations. To be precise, I simulate work of bulk handling machines and devices with the Discrete Element Method. In these simulations it is advisable to use simplified geometry because of the character of the calculating process. In many cases I need only one side of, for exemple chute wall, and surface is far enough. For now I can only import STL geometry and that is why I asked about this format. 

I would like to use Inventor because my department uses it and there wouldn't be any problems with data exchange.

[#6]

Buy a seat of Rhino 3D, about $1000

Export from IV to Rhino as stp

Save as stl in Rhino

JD,

FYI, stl is polygon mesh, not surfaces

[#7]

Yes I know what STL is

The way you suggested...this is not a good solution. Maybe I'll just stay with SolidWorks

[#8]

Try creating a 'level of detail' that only has surfaces, then export as an STL.

[#9]

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jclaidler wrote:

Try creating a 'level of detail' that only has surfaces, then export as an STL.

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Can you attach example files of this workflow?

[#10]

Hi,

I am having problems with saving some surfaces as STL in solidworks. Please help me with how can i save as stl in solidworks.

Thanks