Advanced Conversion Options (STL)

Use the Advanced Conversion Options (STL) dialog box to set options when exporting part or assembly documents as Stereolithography (STL) files.

To display this dialog box:

  • When configuring a conversion task, on the Conversions Settings page of the Convert - Properties dialog box, for Output file format, select STL (*.stl) and click Conversion Options.
  • When initiating a conversion task, in the Convert dialog box, for Output file format, select STL (*.stl) and click Conversion Options.
Output as Output file format supported on the target system.

Select Binary or ASCII.

Binary files are smaller than ASCII files, but they are not supported in some other systems.

Select the Unit of measure.
Resolution Controls the tessellation of nonplanar surfaces for STL output. A lower deviation setting produces a more finely tessellated STL file. Files generated with higher accuracy settings (increased tessellation) are larger in size and slower to generate.

Select Coarse or Fine.
Do not translate STL output data to positive space Makes exported parts maintain their original position in global space, relative to the origin.
Save all components of an assembly in a single file (assemblies only)

Saves the assembly and its components in a single .stl file.
Check for interferences (assemblies only)

Performs an interference check on an assembly document prior to saving.

Export of an assembly with coincident or interfering bodies to a single .stl file produces a file that may be unsuitable for some rapid prototyping systems. It is recommended that you check for interference between the components prior to saving the assembly document.

See SOLIDWORKS Help: Interference Detection for more information.
Reset All Resets the options to factory defaults.