Exporting an STL File

You can save a SOLIDWORKS part document as an STL file. The STL format is intended for transfer to rapid prototyping machines.

1. Click File > Save to This PC.
2. In the Save As dialog box, select STL (*.stl) in Save as type, then click Options to set the export options.
   The System Options dialog box appears with STL selected under the File Format.
3. Under Resolution select:
   • Fine to create a finely tessellated STL file.
   • Show STL info before file saving to display a dialog box when you save the file that contains numerical data about the STL file.
4. Click OK.
   You can experiment with the Resolution settings to determine the best settings for your own rapid prototyping machines.
5. Click Save to save the file with the default name, gasket.STL.
   A message box appears displaying the number of triangles, file size, and file format.
6. Click Yes to complete the save operation.
   If a dialog box asking if you want to export all bodies appears, click OK.