|
| Topic |
|---|
| Export to STL or OBJ |
| Level |
| Beginner |
| Time to complete |
| 20 minutes |
| Author |
| r-frank |
| FreeCAD version |
| 0.16.6703 |
| Example File(s) |
Introduction
In this tutorial we will cover how to export STL/OBJ-files from FreeCAD. Since the mesh-format STL/OBJ is dimensionless, FreeCAD will assume on export that the units used in the model are in mm. If this is not the case you have to scale your model .
Sample part
You can use your own FreeCAD file, but you could also create a quick test file by
- Opening FreeCAD
- Create a new document
- Switch to part workbench
- Insert a cube by clicking on
- Insert a cone by clicking on
- Select all two objects in the tree view
- Apply a fusion by clicking on
- Save your file
Export Method 1: Using "File > Export"
- Switch to mesh workbench or complete workbench
- Choose Edit → Preferences → Import-Export → Mesh Formats from the top menu
- Here you can specify the maximum mesh deviation (0,1 mm is default) which controls how "fine" your mesh will get
- Close dialogue with OK
- Select the solid to be exported in the tree view
- Choose File → Export... and set file type to for example "STL mesh (*.stl *.ast)"
- Type in your file name and don't forget the extension, choose Save
Export Method 2: Using the mesh workbench in FreeCAD
- Switch to mesh workbench
- Select the solid to be meshed in the tree view
- Choose Meshes →
Create Mesh from shape... from the top menu - Select one of the three available meshers and specify the available options, for more info refer to this page (Mesh from Shape)
- Choose OK and the mesh object will be created in the tree view (with green mesh icon)
- Select the mesh object in the tree view and right click on mesh object in the tree view
- Choose
Export mesh to export mesh - You will be prompted to choose file name (default is the name of the mesh object) and the file type (default is "Binary STL (*.stl)")
- Choose Save and you are finished
Which Method too choose ?
- Method 2 is to be preferred. Especially when you have more than one Body to convert you can use Tools from Mesh Workbench , like fusioning Meshes before Exporting.
Links