Using AutoCAD ONLY To Produce The STL 3D Printing File

[omorah]

Hello folks, I am just reading all about 3D Printing technology and am planning on acquiring a 3D printer.

About the software, I found out that Fusion 360 is recommended for producing a 3D printing file/model/object.

My question is, if AutoCAD can produce a STL file for the printer, can I solely use AutoCAD to produce my solid models exported 3D printing files? I am already experienced in AutoCAD 3D Modeling, so I won't have to learn the use of Fusion 360.

Cheers

[seth.madore]

AutoCAD is not Fusion 360, they are different software packages. Fusion 360 is a very solid tool for creating prismatic solid models, and somewhat capable of free-flowing "artsy" type stuff. If you're wanting to produce artistic/organic elements such as animals, flowers mythical beasts, video game armor/weapons, you'd likely be better served by Blender or other similar design software.

Of course, there will likely be other bits of advice from other more experienced users, and I would certainly defer to their expertise.

[omorah]

Thank you for your reply.
Nope, I don't plan on producing artistic/organic models.
Yes, I know "AutoCAD is not Fusion 360". I had asked if I "can I solely use AutoCAD" for the STL (final) file. I am proficient in AutoCAD 3D modeling which produces models and exports to STL file.

I have not purchased the printer yet, just getting myself ready.
Cheers

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Current slicers work with STL and currently increasingly with 3MF.
If you can create one of these formats in ACAD it should work.

günther

[omorah]

Yes, I created a simple 3D model in AutoCAD, exported it in STL format, then imported it into Slicer software; it looked ok just like when I produced it in AutoCAD.
Thanks for the reply.
Cheers

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@omorah wrote:

My question is, if AutoCAD can produce a STL file for the printer, can I solely use AutoCAD to produce my solid models exported 3D printing files? I am already experienced in AutoCAD 3D Modeling, so I won't have to learn the use of Fusion 360.

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@omorah 

Yes.  Geometry is geometry.

You can use AutoCAD or any CAD program to create your geometry.

In AutoCAD set facetres=2000 for high resolution (and there is another setting).

Run the command stlout...

[omorah]

Thank you for the information!

[omorah]

Thank you for the information!