STL Import

[antony.barker]

HI, I've been tasked with reviewing the functionality of AutoCAD for our departments needs, I find it confusing that AutoCAD will generate an STL file, export said file, yet you can't import an STL into AutoCAD, why is that? Thanks in advance for any answers.

[pendean · Accepted solution]

AutoCAD is not a catch-all cad product: Autodesk offers Inventor (SolidWorks comparable) software for that task, or you can export another format AutOCAD is designed to actually import, or you can use a 3rd party software or website like this http://www.cadforum.cz/catalog_en/stl2dwg.asp

[antony.barker]

I half heartedly accept this solution, but why should I have to rely on a second seat of software to do AutoCAD's dirty work? it just defies logic. 

[pendean]

One more time:

AutoCAD is not a catch-all cad product.

Just like your car cannot haul 10-tons of dirt in one trip, a cruise ship cannot launch into space, and you cannot breath underwater like a fish can, AutoCAD cannot do what it is not designed to do.

No logic defied: just reality.

Happy Cadding.

[antony.barker]

I don't appreciate your belittling and childish response !!!!!!

[fastlayout]

HI any other way to import STL  file to Autocad? 

[vladimir_michl]

Here are some more ways:

http://www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/formats.asp?fmtin=14&fmtout=1

(also FormIt - creates DXF, plus some add-in on Autodesk Apps)

Vladimir Michl, www.cadstudio.cz

[dgorsman]

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@fastlayout wrote:

HI any other way to import STL  file to Autocad? 

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Thing is, most STL files are *massive* when imported into AutoCAD due to the large number of faces, to the point where they're nearly unworkable.  You usually need to simplify them (a LOT) in a better mesh-handling program like Inventor, or Fusion 360, and preferably convert them to a watertight 3D solid as well.

[andy.laugisch]

its all about the money

[pendean]

Sadly AutoCAD is not a catch-all cad product, you'll not find everything you want all the time.

[jared_nees]

AutoCAD isn't bound by physics. Just needs code to do the work 😐

[TerryDotson]

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... any other way to import STL  file to Autocad? 

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Keep in mind that the .STL format reduces all solids to a collection of 3dFaces so some smoothness of objects may not survive the round trip.  That said, DotSoft's ToolPac (running inside AutoCAD) will import STL, OBJ, DAE and PLY files and attempt to reconstruct the 3dSolid from them.

[Roiyanto]

please guiden step by step for use this link for converted stl file