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How to create an .STL file

Practical guide for Rapid Prototyping Technologies coesum.it [email protected] 2

Indice

Preface STL: structure and creation Construction rules: guidelines Closed objects: no holes in the mesh Orientation of vectors Removal of errors in the mesh How to repair an .STL file coesum.it [email protected] 3

Preface

The creation of a 3D mathematical model is the start of the life cycle of a product; from 3D files we can realize physical objects with Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing technologies.

The mathematical model can be obtained in two different ways: • An operator designs using a CAD 3D software • An automatic acquisition through reverse engineering systems

This model can be used for different reasons, from simple storage to the possibility of performing tests in digital or real environment through prototyping and rapid manufacturing processes. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design, modern 3D CAD systems include libraries with read three dimensional shapes which can be modified and enriched with free design pieces. All this makes the design process more efficient and reduces product development time.

STL is an acronym for Standard Language, this format was firstly used in 1987 for by 3D Systems corporation, pioneer in rapid prototyping technologies. The format soon became the basic model for the exchange of files for rapid prototyping processes due to its simplicity, originality and accuracy in the representation of the 3D model.

The main goal of the STL format is the transfer of CAD 3D models to Rapid Prototyping devices; currently most of the programs have the ability to save model in this format. coesum.it [email protected] 4

.STL: structure and creation

An STL file consists of a list of triangular surfaces, each edge and vertex is shared by at least two adjacent .

The triangular grid presents approximately the surfaces of the 3D model saved in STL format. The representation ignores such elements as points, lines, curves, layers and colors.

STL files are generally stored with the . extension and the file size depends on the number of triangles within the surfaces and, consequently, the precision with which they describe the geometry of the component.

Advice/Notes 1. For very simple geometries or in the presence of curved surfaces is not convenient to save the file in high resolution for the only purpose of prototyping. 2. In case of complex geometries it is useful to balance the resolution of the file based on the prototyping technology to be employed. coesum.it [email protected] 5

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Construction rules: guidelines

Generating an STL file is usually a fairly simple task thanks to new generation software which makes the operation quite intuitive and guides the technician during the process.

Attention, every software uses different terms and parameters! This does not mean you have to know all the parameters, just follow the following guidelines:

Guidelines

A triangular grid that provides good quality of .stl file, has a 1 size between 0.02 mm (0.001 ") and 0.05 mm (0.002") Choose the save indication .STL in binary format and not in 2 ASCII format In the case of a surface model, before exporting into STL format, all fields must be connected together to form a 3 unique pattern so that the surfaces do not intersect each other The minimum size (thickness) of a model from which a .stl 4 file must be generated is 0,6 mm For the purpose of creating a prototype it is advisable to 5 bring the wall thicknesses to 1 mm. In some cases it is possible to produce details down to 0.3 mm.

Here are some graphic examples to better explain these concepts coesum.it [email protected] 7

Closed Objects No holes in the mesh

For the production of a prototype should always keep in mind that the models for prototyping should be "watertight". The .stl files must be objects of a completely closed mesh: no drop of water must be allowed to escape from the object coesum.it [email protected] 8

Orientation of normal vectors

It is very important that all triangles have the normal pointing towards the outside of the object. If the model contains a normal inverted that goes in the opposite direction of the prototyping machines they are no longer able to distinguish between the inner and outer part of the object, so the producing process fails. coesum.it [email protected] 9

Removal of errors in the mesh

Often, especially for complex models, there may be duplicate elements that are not necessary for the definition of the object surface. We always have to think that the object must be a collection of triangles that are connected between them to form a closed surface. coesum.it [email protected] 10

Removal of errors in the mesh

(figura 1) (figura 2)

All the sides of the triangles of the surface must be connected to one another otherwise causes the formation of holes or of the superimposed surfaces (Figure 1)

Always check the presence of intersecting triangles between them and delete them (Figure 2) coesum.it [email protected] 11

How to repair an .STL file

Typically the most advanced software have automatic features to control the accuracy of the STL file which then will be produced using rapid prototyping machines.

Use them to be sure your file is ok, but please remember: an expert human eye can make the difference. coesum.it [email protected] 12

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Within 24 hours of your request One of our consultants will always you will receive our quote for the carry out a free preventive production of rapid prototypes. analysis of the shared project to optimize the design according to the production process. One of our technical consultants will support you to give you an This will allow you to save time, overview of the available choose the technology that best technologies and together choose suits your needs and get the right the solution closest to your needs. answers from the tests you will do on the prototype..

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Before proceeding with the shipment of your order, one of our employees will carry out a check of the details to verify the geometry and compliance with the tolerances in accordance with what was communicated in the estimate phase. coesum.it [email protected] 13

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