How to Convert
3D Models into STL Files
SOLID EDGE
Solid Edge ST6 – ST8
forward Application Button > Save As (opens dialog box)
forward From the Save As drop down menu, select STL documents (*.stl)
forward Select the Options button from the Save As dialog box
forward Adjust Conversion Tolerance and Tolerance Units (millimeters recommended)
- The lower the conversation tolerance, the finer the tessellation
forward Adjust the Surface Plane Angle (dependent your desired surface smoothness)
- The lower the surface plane angle, the greater the accuracy (noticeable in small details)
- As a rule, the finer the tessellation and the greater the accuracy, the larger the size of the STL file, and the longer it takes to generate it
forward Under Output File as: Check Binary
- Binary STL files are much smaller than STL files saved in ASCII format
forward Click OK > Save
Tip: Review the controls for exporting STL files in Solid Edge here.
Note: Solid Edge is capable of creating individual STL files from the components of an assembly, but this functionality is not built into the program. It is achieved through the application programming interface (API), using Visual Basic scripts. This solution does not enable a visual preview of the polygon mesh before saving the STL files.
Solid Edge (Older than ST6)
forward Open model and select File > Save As
forward Save As Type >STL
forward Options > Conversion Tolerance: 0.0254 mm for FDM; 0.015 mm for PolyJet
forward Set Surface Plane Angle to 45°
forward Select Binary type and OK
forward Name and Save STL file
Note: Solid Edge software from Siemens PLM (formerly USG) supports STL output at the core level, enabling you to save both parts and assemblies as STL files. However, when saving an assembly, all of its components are included in a single STL file.
