.stl file creation with PTC Creo Student Version

[Motorbolts]

Hello-

We are trying to 3D print a part (that is a solid) on a 3D Systems Ekocycle Cube - but .stl is not a file save option (file attached). Is there a licensing issue with the student version that limits .stl files? This will be a significant issue for FIRST Robotics teams that have the combination of Ekocycle grants and Creo Student edition.

Thanks-

[dschenken]

Check http://help.ptc.com/creo_hc/creo30_pma_hc/usascii/index.html#page/pma/data_exchange/To_Export_to_an_STL_Render_OptegraVis_Xpatch_Cat.html

[Motorbolts]

Unfortunately the issue is that under "Save a Copy" and then "Type" .stl is not one of the options. Trying to figure out if it is a creo install issue on our end, or a limitation of PTC student edition.

[sm]

Save as to STL format is definintely available in the Student version of Creo.

[Motorbolts]

Thanks, Scott, for the reply. Any thoughts, then, on why .stl does not show up for us under type if it isn't a Student Version issue?

To be clear- we are exactly where you are in the screen shot you posted - only .stl does not show up as one of the options (there are 10+ other options, but not .stl). Perhaps there is something wrong with our part file, or something we did incorrectly during install?

Thank you.

[dschenken]

The only places I see that STL isn't available is when the model isn't solid.

If it really is a solid, can you export OBJ format and use Meshlab to convert it to STL?

[Motorbolts · Accepted solution]

We figured out that we were trying to print a part, not an assembly -- and only when you are in an assembly does it appear you have the option to save as an .stl. So we were able to do that, and succesfully print our first 3D part on our new Ekocycle! Thanks- Scott

Scott

[sm]

Ah-ha. You taught me something new today. If your CAD model (.prt) does not have any solid geometry, you cannot create an STL file. Try this: create a new model, create a sketch of a line and extrude. Now create a second part, create a sketch of a square and extrude. The extruded line will not offer the STL output option where the extruded square will offer the STL option.

Is is possible you are working with an imported CAD model that is not closed and solidified? Easy way to check is to change the display to wireframe. If the lines are purple, you have an open quilt and not a solidified model.

Happy to hear it works for you assembly