Importing STL files

[AnnaScura]

Quick question - is Inventor compatible with STL files (probably not as I haven't succeeded getting them in)? I've got an object scanned and need this scan data as template to rebuild the object in Inventor. If STL files can't be imported, are there any other ways how to get point clouds or meshes into Inventor (or is it just impossible)?

[JDMather]

If you search here you should find an stl object enabler.
The import is for reference - it is not geometry.

http://modthemachine.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/07/working-with-stl-and-obj-files.html

[KevinLi-Autodesk]

Hi AnnaScura,

Appreciate your report !

We had already noticed this requirement and will implement STL import translator enhancement in furture release, but this is not available in Inventor 2012 and hopefully it will be available in next release.

Regards,

Kevin Li

SQA Engineer

Autodesk, Inc.

[DEVR3856]

There is now a plug-in from CodeDog that will import .Stl (binary) files into AutoCAD as a 3D Mesh, it also imports .Ply, .Off and .Obj files including Materials/Textures from .mtl files.

http://www.CodeDog.com.au

[leej0nes]

Hi,

Do you know of anything similar for Macs?

Thanks,

Lee.

[JDMather]

Autodesk Fusion 360  and it is free for most users.

[leej0nes]

Great, thank you!!! 🙂

[leej0nes]

It only appears to support export and not import 😞

[JDMather]

I didn't realize there was any difference between the Windows version and the Mac version.

Opens just fine on my Windows install.

I thought most Fusion 360 users were running on Mac OS, I am surprised I have not heard of this as a issue before.

I recommend that you post your Fusion 360 questions over here.....

[leej0nes]

123D does it, don't know anything about the product beyond that and its in the App Store for free 🙂 Doesn't appear to report DXF or DWGs though.

[JDMather]

I am pretty sure I have imported dwg and dxf too.

You might also check out Mesh Mixer

[leej0nes]

Ha! I want to export. Depending on the pop's capabilities I might have to
use AutoCAD. I should just invest more time learning AutoCAD 3D. I'm
great with LT.

[JDMather]

What is this "AutoCAD" you speak of?

How much experience do you have with *.stl files?

[wiseowl84]

How do you open STL files in Windows using this? I am not seeing all these file options you are, only a handful via "New design from File". Am only seeing STP files, not STL. Is there an "Open file" option anywhere?

[WHolzwarth]

Try this:

- Switch to Fusion 360 and uncheck Work Offline option (if checked)

- Click on Icon shown in red circle

- Move STL file by mouse into upload window

[wiseowl84]

tyvm

[JDMather]

You should probably post your Fusion 360 questions over here.