How do I open a .stl file?

[no1special]

A client has sent me some CAD files but they are in .stl format, and it states them as 'certificate trust list'.

Does anyone know which software I can use to open these?

Mods: sorry if this should be in computers section, but needed an answer asap and thought there may be a bugger audience in here.

Thanks all

[nonplussed]

No thanks, sodomy isn't really my thing.

Oh, and this might help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format)

Edited by nonplussed on Friday 17th September 09:04

[GTIR]

Oh you kinky bugger!

[tribbles]

STL is a fairly basic format for representing the surface of objects. I've used it in LightWave (there should be a free trial for that, but STL needs a [free] plugin installed, and it's not for the faint-hearted), and I've written my own viewer (although it's written for Mac OS, and is only designed to create GCode for my CNC machine).

[no1special]

tribbles said:

STL is a fairly basic format for representing the surface of objects. I've used it in LightWave (there should be a free trial for that, but STL needs a [free] plugin installed, and it's not for the faint-hearted), and I've written my own viewer (although it's written for Mac OS, and is only designed to create GCode for my CNC machine).

Hi tribbles.
I need to transfer one stl file to enable me to import it into either NX12 or CATIA, iges, etc.
Any idea where I may be able to get this done?
I'm looking at purchasing geomagic or similar in the near future but want to transfer this file rather quickly.
Any help or advice much appreciated.
Cheers
N1S

[tribbles]

no1special said:

tribbles said:

STL is a fairly basic format for representing the surface of objects. I've used it in LightWave (there should be a free trial for that, but STL needs a [free] plugin installed, and it's not for the faint-hearted), and I've written my own viewer (although it's written for Mac OS, and is only designed to create GCode for my CNC machine).

Hi tribbles.
I need to transfer one stl file to enable me to import it into either NX12 or CATIA, iges, etc.
Any idea where I may be able to get this done?
I'm looking at purchasing geomagic or similar in the near future but want to transfer this file rather quickly.
Any help or advice much appreciated.
Cheers
N1S

I'm afraid I've not worked in any of those (other) formats, so I can't say whether it would be something that Lightwave can do (or which plugins can do it).

Doing a Google search for "STL to IGES" shows a fair number of links, but they all seem to involve non-free software (although you may get lucky and find there's a free trial available).

[no1special]

tribbles said:

no1special said:

tribbles said:

STL is a fairly basic format for representing the surface of objects. I've used it in LightWave (there should be a free trial for that, but STL needs a [free] plugin installed, and it's not for the faint-hearted), and I've written my own viewer (although it's written for Mac OS, and is only designed to create GCode for my CNC machine).

Hi tribbles.
I need to transfer one stl file to enable me to import it into either NX12 or CATIA, iges, etc.
Any idea where I may be able to get this done?
I'm looking at purchasing geomagic or similar in the near future but want to transfer this file rather quickly.
Any help or advice much appreciated.
Cheers
N1S

I'm afraid I've not worked in any of those (other) formats, so I can't say whether it would be something that Lightwave can do (or which plugins can do it).

Doing a Google search for "STL to IGES" shows a fair number of links, but they all seem to involve non-free software (although you may get lucky and find there's a free trial available).

Thanks mate, I'll see if I can find a free one.
Cheers
N1S

[driver67]

Solidworks Edrawings Viewer (free) will open your stl file.

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/edrawings/e2_...

[no1special]

driver67 said:

Solidworks Edrawings Viewer (free) will open your stl file.

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/edrawings/e2_...

Excellent!
Cheers mate, I owe you one!

[no1special]

erm, now I need to export the .stl file to either iges or step file??

[driver67]

If you send me the file I can do it for you using Solidworks.

[AlexS]

NX should be able to read an STL file, unless you are lacking licenses. Though I am impressed that you appear to have a version 5 newer than the current production release.

Other alternatives would be CADfix though again licenses would be required.

The issue will be that the STL file doesn't have surfaces, instead it consists of a tri mesh to represent the geometry. If you need real geometry then there is quite a bit of work required to do this.

[no1special]

AlexS said:

NX should be able to read an STL file, unless you are lacking licenses. Though I am impressed that you appear to have a version 5 newer than the current production release.

Other alternatives would be CADfix though again licenses would be required.

The issue will be that the STL file doesn't have surfaces, instead it consists of a tri mesh to represent the geometry. If you need real geometry then there is quite a bit of work required to do this.

I cant see an option in NX to allow me to read .stl files?!?

V5 r19 inst the latest production release, really?

Cheers
N1S

[no1special]

driver67 said:

If you send me the file I can do it for you using Solidworks.

Thanks driver, YHM!

[AlexS]

If you are using NX then you need to open a fresh blank part and then

File >> Import >> STL (though this may be licensed).

I was confused by your reference to NX12 in the opening post.

[oniznorb]

no1special said:

Hi tribbles.
I need to transfer one stl file to enable me to import it into either NX12 or CATIA, iges, etc.
Any idea where I may be able to get this done?
I'm looking at purchasing geomagic or similar in the near future but want to transfer this file rather quickly.
Any help or advice much appreciated.
Cheers
N1S

stl files are a triangulated representation, so you won't be able to do much useful with them in any cad modelling system.
Depending on your catia licences ( Needs DMU ), you may be able to view the stl file by adding it as new component into a CATProduct.
You can enable all functionality ( but prohibit saving ) by using demo mode ( Tools options licensing )

pm me and I can make you a v5 part from it.

[kenbitcher]

no1special said:

AlexS said:

NX should be able to read an STL file, unless you are lacking licenses. Though I am impressed that you appear to have a version 5 newer than the current production release.

Other alternatives would be CADfix though again licenses would be required.

The issue will be that the STL file doesn't have surfaces, instead it consists of a tri mesh to represent the geometry. If you need real geometry then there is quite a bit of work required to do this.

I cant see an option in NX to allow me to read .stl files?!?

V5 r19 inst the latest production release, really?

Cheers
N1S

V5R20 is latest I have