How to Convert 3D Models into STL Files in PRO/ENGINEER
Introduction
PRO/ENGINEER (now known as PTC Creo) allows you to export model designs as STL files for 3D printing. This guide covers the steps to save both individual parts and assemblies as STL files, ensuring your models are suitable for printing.
Saving a Pro/Engineer Part as an STL File
- Check Model Continuity:
- Ensure that the model design is continuous and “watertight.” This is crucial, especially for designs imported from neutral formats (e.g., IGES, STEP). Non-continuous bodies can result in defective prints.
- View the Model with Hidden Lines:
- From the View menu, select Display Setting > Scheme > PreWildfire.
- The model surfaces will be displayed in magenta. Continuous contour lines appear white, while gaps show as yellow lines.
- Fix any issues with the model design to ensure continuity.
- Export the Model:
- From the File menu, select Save a Copy.
- In the Save a Copy dialog box, choose STL from the Type pull-down menu.
- The Export STL dialog box will appear.
- Set Deviation Control:
- Chord Height: Set this to 0. It will be replaced by the minimum acceptable value. This setting controls the maximum distance between the original design surface and the tessellated STL surface.
- Angle Control: Set this to 1. This regulates additional tessellation along surfaces with small radii. A smaller value results in smoother surfaces.
- Save the STL File:
- Click Apply and OK to create the STL file.
Saving a Pro/Engineer Assembly as an STL File
- Check Model Continuity:
- As with parts, ensure the assembly design is continuous and “watertight.”
- View the model with hidden lines using Display Setting > Scheme > PreWildfire to identify and fix any gaps.
- Export the Assembly:
- From the File menu, select Save a Copy.
- In the Save a Copy dialog box, choose STL from the Type pull-down menu.
- The Export STL dialog box will appear.
- Specify Assembly Parts:
- In the Export STL dialog box, you can specify which parts of the assembly to include or exclude from the STL file. This is useful if you do not need all parts to be printed.
- For example, you might exclude a tire and only export the hub and main wheel.
- Set Deviation Control:
- Chord Height: Set this to 0. It will be replaced by the minimum acceptable value.
- Angle Control: Set this to 1 for smoother surfaces.
- Save the STL File:
Click Apply and OK to create the STL file.
Additional Information
- Deviation Control Settings:
- Chord Height (Chordal Tolerance): Controls the degree of tessellation. Smaller values result in finer details but larger file sizes.
- Angle Control: Regulates tessellation on surfaces with small radii. Values between 0 and 1 are used, with 0 recommended for smoother surfaces unless higher accuracy is needed.
- Fixing Model Issues:
- Always ensure models are checked for continuity and watertight integrity before exporting to avoid printing defects.
- Assembly Exports:
- When exporting assemblies, take advantage of the ability to include or exclude specific parts to streamline the printing process and focus on essential components.
By following these steps, you can effectively convert your 3D models in PRO/ENGINEER into STL files, ready for 3D printing with high accuracy and quality.