topic Re: Export stl file including each entity? (Creo 4.0) in 3D Part & Assembly Design

Export stl file including each entity? (Creo 4.0)

Yu_707 — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:14:58 GMT

Hello there,

I tried to export an assembly file in stl format then I got the stl like below:

solid ABC(assembly name)

~information on location~

endsolid ABC

This one describes the assembly as a single entity that has a lot of surface.

However, I'd like to export the stl file which has each entity name and its location info as this:

solid A-1 (on of the parts)

~information on location~

endsolid A-1

solid A-2

~information on location~

endsolid A-2

solid B-1

...

Could you guys have any tips and solitions to export an stl file as above?

I've looked export configuration window in Creo 4.0 but could not find any options like that.

Thanks for your help!

Re: Export stl file including each entity? (Creo 4.0)

remy — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 06:38:40 GMT

Do you mean that you need to export an assembly as an STL that would retain the assembly organization and component locations?

Re: Export stl file including each entity? (Creo 4.0)

Yu_707 — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 07:27:46 GMT

Hi remy, thank you for taking your time.
Yes. I'd like to have a single STL file that contains individual solids. If the solids hold their original component locations, it's the best.

Re: Export stl file including each entity? (Creo 4.0)

remy — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 08:26:41 GMT

Thank you for your confirmation.

That capability is not part of Creo Parametric. This would make for a good enhancement request.

A workaround though consists in exporting each and every components to ASCII STL and because the file format is rather "open" and flexible, you can manually concatenate the stl files.

I tested with a two part assembly and it looked like it work. Needing deeper investigation.

If the test is conclusive then you may consider automating the thing.

In the end what is the purpose of such an STL data structure? Maybe we can find another way if we understand the endpoint of your request.

For example, what software that STL will be imported in?

Re: Export stl file including each entity? (Creo 4.0)

Yu_707 — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 08:20:48 GMT

Hi remy, thank you for your reply.
Okay. I hope it handles the ASCII STL containing distinct surfaces.

Unfortunately, the model that I would like to convert has more than 100 entities, so it should be processed automatically.

We would like to import the converted ASCII STL into our in-house analysis program. To set individual boundary conditions, each surface must be recognized.

Re: Export stl file including each entity? (Creo 4.0)

remy — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 08:55:38 GMT

Right.

Your project requires to create some tooling and fortunately stl file format is rather "open" / Flexible.

A third party application like Talend and some scripting tool can make it. This is out of PTC's scope though and a wholesome Tooling project.
Good luck.