Export to STL or OBJ

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

• Import from STL or OBJ