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
@czoobs wrote:export surfaces as a STL file. In Inventor I didn't manage to do this. So, is it possible?
Wojek
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.)
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
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.
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
Yes I know what STL is 😉
The way you suggested...this is not a good solution. Maybe I'll just stay with SolidWorks
@jclaidler wrote:Try creating a 'level of detail' that only has surfaces, then export as an STL.
Can you attach example files of this workflow?
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
@Anonymous wrote: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
You should have started a new thread on this, and perhaps on their user forum (what happened - couldn't anyone on that forum answer your question?
Attach your SolidWorks file here. Indicate which "surfaces" you need as stl.
I used Fusion to delete a face from a part and saved it as an STL.
It comes with Inventor 2012, or you can download it from Labs.
http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/fusion/
Yes, it is available now. http://labs.autodesk.com
You can save a surface body as stl file in Inventor Fusion.
No, you cannot save a surface body as stl file in Autodesk Inventor.
(same answer as Message #12 rephrased)
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