topic Re: Faceted round edges when exporting model to .stl file for 3D-Printing in AutoCAD Forum

Faceted round edges when exporting model to .stl file for 3D-Printing

haan.chen — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 17:18:44 GMT

Hello,

I have a model which I want to be 3D-printed, but it bothers me when round edges becomes faceted when it is exported to .stl file.

I have already adjusted FACETRES to 10, VIEWRES to 20000, regenerated the model, but still the round edges in .stl file come out faceted (Screenshot 1).

If I only export one particular round edge into a .stl file, it looks much smoother (Screenshot 2).

I'm using AutoCAD for Mac 2020.1.2, Product Version Q.46.M.205, would appreciate any insight.

Re: Faceted round edges when exporting model to .stl file for 3D-Printing

Alfred.NESWADBA — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 03:26:18 GMT

Hi,

how big is this model and which resolution does your printer have (XY and Z)?

I ask because with standard 3D-FDM printers the FACETRES 10 is much more than the printer can print.

- alfred -

Re: Faceted round edges when exporting model to .stl file for 3D-Printing

haan.chen — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 17:12:21 GMT

Sorry for the late reply, was working on something else.

It will be printed using MJF via 3Dhubs instead of FDM, which has a higher resolution. The model size is within 150x150x100mm. I know these facets might not be visible on the final product due to the relative small size of the part, but the sample model on the 3Dhubs site seems to have smoother surfaces than mine at similar size.

Re: Faceted round edges when exporting model to .stl file for 3D-Printing

Alfred.NESWADBA — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 17:37:59 GMT

Hi,

FACETRES 10 is the highest level of smoothness. If you need it better then scale the part by a factor 10 or 100 inside AutoCAD and then in your printer software scale it down.

- alfred -

Re: Faceted round edges when exporting model to .stl file for 3D-Printing

joshU2LC3 — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:59:14 GMT

I'm having this same problem. Even when scaling up by a factor or 10 or 100, it makes no difference to the output.

Any other solutions people have found?