FUSION3 TIPS & TRICKS:
EXPORTING STL FILES FOR BEST 3D PRINTING QUALITY
UNDERSTANDING THE STL FORMAT
However, the .STL format is a bit different. It uses a series of triangles to generate a ‘mesh’ of the surface of your 3D part. .STL can perfectly replicate a 3D model made up of flat surfaces. If your model is made up of curves, the .STL file is only making an approximation of your object.
This is why the quality of the amount of detail in your exported file is important for the quality of your 3D print.
Two concentric circles, representing a CAD model of a doughnut shape, and a series of triangles approximating the doughnut, representing how STL modeling works. (Source: Wikipedia)
EXPORTING YOUR CAD FILE WITH TOO FEW POLYGONS
STL file in Fusion3 REACTOR showing too few curves when exported. Note how the rounded surface shows as a series of rectangular bevels.
EXPORTING YOUR CAD FILE WITH TOO MANY POLYGONS
As with Goldilocks and the three bears, there is a “just right” level of detail for 3D printing.
EXPORTING YOUR CAD FILE WITH THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF POLYGONS
.STL file in Fusion3 REACTOR showing sufficient number of polygons to render the curve without overwhelming the software. The rounded surface now appears smooth.
EXPORTING STL FILES FROM SOLIDWORKS FOR BEST 3D PRINTING QUALITY
Most Fusion3 customers use SolidWorks. In the past, SolidWorks’ STL export filter using the “FINE” preset would generate excellent output. However, recently (as of January, 2021), we have found the level of detail to still be inadequate and below the level of detail our 3D printers are capable of.
Here are our recommended settings for exporting an STL file from SolidWorks for 3D printing on a Fusion3 3D printer (and accompanying screen shot):
File Format: STL
Output as:
a. ASCII
b. Unit: Millimeters
Resolution:
a. Custom
b. Deviation: Tolerance 0.09584862mm
c. Angle 3.500 deg
d. Show STL info before saving
e. Define Maximum Facet Size (unchecked)
f. Preview Before Saviing File (unchecked)
Do no translate STL output data to positive space: (unchecked)
Save all components of an assembly in a single file: (unchecked)
EXPORTING STL FILES FROM AUTODESK INVENTOR FOR BEST 3D PRINTING QUALITY
2. Select “High” resolution (faceting) for your model (High, Medium, Low and Custom) and check that your units are correct. The “High” setting will produce a large file size. Autodesk Inventor allows you to save both individual parts and assemblies in STL format, at all design levels.
3. Check your modifiers have been applied before exporting:
Tools > Rebuild All (this ensures that the design data contains recent changes, and that it is not corrupt)
File > Save Copy As > STL (.stl)
Select High and click OKNote: To change the values associated with each of the resolution settings (High/Medium/Low) you need to edit the Windows registry.
Select IPro > Print > 3D Print Preview
4. Select Options and choose desired resolution and click OK.
5. Within the preview window, select Save Copy As or Send to 3D Print Service
6. Save As type to STL File (*.stl)
EXPORTING STL FILES FROM AUTODESK FUSION360 FOR BEST 3D PRINTING QUALITY
Step 1.
Right click on a body in the workspace browser.
Select the “Save As STL” Command.
Step 2
Apply your settings to the body per the settings below.
Format: Binary
Structure: One File
Preview Mesh: Checked
Number of Triangles: (Calculated)
Refinement Options: High
Surface Deviation: .004479mm
Normal Deviation: 10.00
Maximum Edge Length: 89.58237mm
Aspect Ratio: 21.50
EXPORTING STL FILES FROM ONSHAPE (PTC) FOR BEST 3D PRINTING QUALITY
STL Format: Binary
Angular Deviation: 1 Degree
Chordal Tolerance: 0.1mm (0.004″)
Minimum Facet Width: 0.1mm (0.004″)
EXPORTING STL FILES FROM NX (SIEMENS) FOR BEST 3D PRINTING QUALITY
Output File Type: Binary
Chordal Tolerance: 0.1mm (0.004″)
Angular Tolerance: 1 degree
EXPORTING STL FILES FROM CREO (PTC) FOR BEST 3D PRINTING QUALITY
Creo has a parameter called ‘Angle Control’ that doe not adjust the maximum angular deviation in degrees. Instead, this is a measure of angular deviation beyond the radius that would be created by the ‘Chord height’ (chordal tolerance) parameter.
The ‘Angle control’ parameter value can range from 0.0 to 1.0.
Here are a set of settings we suggest as a starting point:
STL Format: Binary
Chord height: 0.1 mm (0.004″)
Angle Control: 0.25
Maximum Edge Length: Default
Aspect Ratio: Default