STL Export "Very High" isn't good enough

[The Hamma]

Have you ever exported an STL and are disappointed that you can see the facets in a curved surface.  That is because the Very High setting only creates 158 segments in a in cylinder per face.  This causes you to see those facets in your print if your cylinder is large.  Using a vectorscript you are able to export at higher resolutions than the menu command.  Below are STL files of the same cylinder. The first one is exported at Very High using the menu command and the second one exported using the "Export STL UI Quality" script with and input of 1500 in the attached file.  Note that the more complicated the model you may have to reduce the resolution of the export as some of the parts may not export.   

100 = Very High like the menu command

UI allows the user to enter a value

Scripts are provide without warranty and user to use at their own risk.  

The file must be saved before running the script.  The STL file will be created at the same location as the file and will be named with the active layer name. 

 

 

 

 

STL Export Ultra High Resolution.vwx

Edited February 2, 2023 by The Hamma

[CARmanDSL]

On 2/2/2023 at 7:31 AM, The Hamma said:

Have you ever exported an STL and are disappointed that you can see the facets in a curved surface.  That is because the Very High setting only creates 158 segments in a in cylinder per face.  . . . . . .

Hamma, please re attach the script file or re establish a download link.  Thank you!

[Pat Stanford]

The file in Hamma's post just worked for me. And the file opened in VW2024.  Not sure if it runs or not but the scripts did compile.

[CARmanDSL]

Pat, just figured out I need a newer version of VW.  Running 2020.  Just downloaded 2024 trial to do a quick go around, lol.

[CARmanDSL]

Pat, VW2024 will not install on my older Mac.  Can you please export from your 2024 as a 2020 VW file?

 

Many thanks!

[Pat Stanford]

2019 version attached.  I think the Vectorscript function that does this was added in VW2016 so it should work, but neither Hamma or I take any responsibility for this. 😉

 

 

STL Export Ultra High Resolution v2019.vwx

[CARmanDSL]

Works great, thanks for the save as an earlier VW file.

 

Converting to NURBS then exporting as an STL significantly increases resolution. 

Then using Hamma's Vectorscript improves the resolution on top of that.

 

For those that follow here, a bit more detailed process as follows;

This Vectorscript file is the STL conversion VW file. Open this in VW, copy and paste your VW design into this VW file, change the name in the "Navigation - Design Layer" box to the saved file name you desire, save, then click on line "STL Export UI Quality" in the "STL Export Ultra High Quality" script box, enter the desired resolution, hit return and the script will export as a STL with the resolution added to the saved name, to the same location of this VW file.

 

 

Thank you to The Hamma!