Creating a good StereoLithography (STL) file with Pro/ENGINEER
- Good STL file creation is related to part accuracy and the overall physical size of the part.
- Default accuracy (0.0012) is usually satisfactory for parts that can be contained in a cube 100mm x 100mm x 100mm and which possess a smallest radii feature of R0.5 (ø1.0).
- If the part is physically larger in one dimension than 100mm and possesses small radii features, the part accuracy may have to be increased to produce a satisfactory STL file.
- It is best to do this prior or near to the start of the modelling process, when there are fewer features to regenerate.
- If this is not possible, a good STL file can still be produced but it is often a matter of trial and error, combined with experience.
Creating an STL file with Pro/ENGINEER
- Select FILE/SAVE A COPY (Select STL file as the type and press OK.)
- Use the defaults on the pop-up menu for Coordinate system, Binary format and allow negative values (ticked)
- At the Chord Height prompt type 0.01 and press Enter.
- If the Chord Height changes to a value of between:
- 0.01 & 0.02, enter 0 as the Angle Control.
- 0.02 & 0.04, enter 0.5 as the Angle Control.
- 0.04 & 0.05, enter 1 as the Angle Control.
- Click on OK.
Recommended Tolerance:
Ideally the Chord Height should be between 0.01mm and 0.02mm and the Angle Control set to 0. If the Chord Height cannot be set as low as this, a value of up to 0.05mm should be acceptable using the Angle Control values stated above. A Chord Height of more than 0.05 should be avoided as this would be outside of ARRK's tolerance.
