smarttrade Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Got a question to all modellers out there. We would like to print our constructions on a 3D printer. Is this possible with Version 10 or 11? What are the necessary steps to take? Quote Link to comment
tom kyler_dup1 Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Yes, it is possible by exporting models with the STL export option. STL stands for 'stereo lithography' and is the most common file format used by 3D printers. There are a few others like VRML and PLY, but STL would be the way to go from Vectorworks. When you export a model via STL in Vectorworks, you'll get a dialog box with a slider that affects the number of polygons your model has at export time. In general, the more polygons the model, the finer detail you can get in your "print". But if you have mostly flat surfaces, then this isn't a problem and a low-polygon model will be adequate and save on file size. If; however, you have curved surfaces, then a high polygon count would be desired. A good way to check your export is to use a STL viewer. You can download them for free from the internet. For Macintosh, try the following: http://www.ripplon.com/StLviewer.html This will basically be how your model will be printed and if there's any problems, you can usually find them at this point. For Windows, just try a google search on "STL viewer" and there will be plenty. In addition, try the following site for more info: http://www.xpress3d.com/ Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.