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.stl size issue

Question asked by Karl Penson on Dec 12, 2013
Latest reply on Nov 3, 2015 by Salim Benyoucef

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This should be a very simple process.

I have a simple model and would like to print it.

I need to convert it to .stl format.

Here is what happens.

The model units are inches.

I save the model in .stl format.

I open the .stl drawing and save it as a part.

I create an assemble out of the new and the original parts.

The new part is humongous!

I delete the new files.

I open the original part, and save it as a copy and add test to the name.

I open the new test part, and change it's units to mm and save it.

I save it also save it in .stl format. I select options, and set the dimensions to mm prior to saving the file.

I open the the the .stl file and save it as a SW part.

I open the test part and create an assembly using the test part and the .stl part.

The .stl part is humongous!

What am I doing wrong?

Karl

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J. Mather Dec 12, 2013 7:24 PM
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Karl Penson wrote:

1. I save the model in .stl format.
2. I open the .stl drawing and save it as a part.

2. Why in the world are you opening then stl format to convert back to a part?
1. Don't you already have it as a native part (*.sldprt)?

Stl format changes the geometry into thousands of faceted planar trianglular surfaces (not smooth).
Please explain why you are what sounds to me like going around in circles for no benefit?
I feel like I must be missing something in your problem description.
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- Karl Penson @ J. Mather on Dec 13, 2013 10:21 AM
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  2. Why in the world are you opening then stl format to convert back to a part?
  It is the best way to verify the item is the correct size.
  For some reason I can't measure the item after it is converted to a .stl format.
  
  KP
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  - J. Mather @ Karl Penson on Dec 13, 2013 10:47 AM
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    I am still lost.
    You can verify that it is the correct size by creating it the correct size as native geometry. Are you getting geometry from someone else?
    
    Maybe what you are trying to tell me is that you are using this method to verify that the stl output was the same size as the native geometry. Is that correct?
    If so, once you have verified - why do you need it then (the verification file)? Why save imported stl file?
    
    What do you mean, "For some reason I can't measure the item after it is converted to a *.stl file format."
    3. Where are you trying to measure it?
    4. Why are you trying to measure it?
    
    We make thousands upon thousands of stl files here, and I'm having trouble understanding your design intent.
    
    Oh wait a minute.
    I think I get it now.
    In the original post I thought you were referring to the file size in bits/bytes.
    
    Now I think you are referring to the geometry size as "humongous" . Is that correct?
    
    Click Options when saving the stl and make sure the output units match the part units.
    
    No, I went back and read the problem description, and I still don't get it.
    
    If still a problem - create a simple cube and attach the *.sldprt and *.stl files that exhibit the behavior you are seeing.
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    - Karl Penson @ J. Mather on Dec 17, 2013 1:24 PM
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      The original issue was I was attempting to printing a part.
      That is why I needed it in the .STL format.
      To date I have saved items in inches, and in mm.
      On options for the .stl I match the units used on the model.
      I convert the .stl file to a model to verify it's dimensions.
      This model can not be measured with the measuring tool.
      The simple way to verify it measurement is to create an assembly with the original model.
      At this point it is clear that the .stl item is much larger than the original.
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    - Karl Penson @ J. Mather on Dec 17, 2013 1:40 PM
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      It looks like my option is to attach pic, or video only, not files.
      How would I attach a file?
      see pic below
      
      Karl
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      - Anna Wood @ Karl Penson on Dec 17, 2013 2:25 PM
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        Karl,
        
        Use the Advanced Editor link in the upper right of the dialog box to attach files.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Anna
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    - Karl Penson @ J. Mather on Dec 17, 2013 2:31 PM
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      Here are some files.
      These are all in inches.
      
      Karl
      Attachments
      5_8 clamp.SLDPRT.zip115.9 KB
      5_8 clamp.STL.zip6.0 KB
      5_8 clamp stl inches.SLDPRT.zip47.0 KB
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      - Anna Wood @ Karl Penson on Dec 17, 2013 3:04 PM
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        What are your Document Setting for Units in your native sldprt file?
        
        What are the Options you are setting when you re-open the file in SolidWorks?
        
        What are your template settings and default template settings in SolidWorks System Options?
        
        Are you using an inch or mm template when you re-open the STL file? You need to be sure you are using the appropriate template when re-opening the file.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Anna
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        Karl Penson @ Anna Wood on Dec 17, 2013 4:28 PM
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        OK
        We are making some progress now!
        I had not notice that you can set the options whne importing an .stl file.
        See the attached.
        Attachments
        import stl.JPG105.8 KB
        warning.JPG60.9 KB
        save part.JPG93.1 KB
        stl setup.JPG92.5 KB
        Units.JPG100.1 KB
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        Salim Benyoucef @ Anna Wood on Nov 3, 2015 6:47 AM
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        Hello,
        
        Thank you for your support, I got the same problem.
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      - Anna Wood @ Karl Penson on Dec 17, 2013 3:06 PM
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        Here is your sldprt file saved out as an inch and mm stl file and then re-imported back into SolidWorks.
        
        You need to keep a close eye on all your unit settings exporting and re-importing, using the correct template file.
        
        Before saving out the metric clamp as an STL I changed its units to Metric under Document Properties, then made sure the units were designated as metric on export and import. Same process for the inch part. I used the appropriate inch or metric template.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Anna
        Attachments
        Clamp.zip1.5 MB
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        Karl Penson @ Anna Wood on Dec 17, 2013 4:39 PM
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        I did get the expected results this time, but my templates are not set.
        The problem was the import settings were not set. This did not seem to work the first time that I tried it, so I will give it another shot.
        Thanks for the help.
        What should I do abou the template setting?
        
        Karl
        Attachments
        ASSEMBLY.JPG28.6 KB
        Document templatesJPG.JPG67.4 KB
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        Anna Wood @ Karl Penson on Dec 17, 2013 5:09 PM
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        Notice there are two panels in System Options that I referenced in my images.
        
        Look at the Default Templates tab along with the File Locations tab. You will likely want the toggle the radio button that I have an arrow pointing to, to "Prompt User To Select Document Template" This will allow you to select the appropriate template.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Anna
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  - J. Mather @ Karl Penson on Dec 16, 2013 9:24 AM
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    Notice that only one person has replied to your question (me).
    That is often an indication that the problem hasn't been well defined.
    
    Can you attach files here that illustrate the problem description?
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    - Karl Penson @ J. Mather on Dec 17, 2013 1:36 PM
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      See below
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    - Karl Penson @ J. Mather on Dec 17, 2013 2:35 PM
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      Here is the same a set of parts which was done in mm.
      Attachments
      5_8 clamp mm.STL.zip6.0 KB
      5_8 clamp mm.SLDPRT.zip44.6 KB
      5_8 clamp.SLDPRT.zip115.8 KB
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Greg McArthur Dec 17, 2013 1:14 PM
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Before you comit to save the part, click "options" and make sure the units are inches...
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- Karl Penson @ Greg McArthur on Dec 17, 2013 1:25 PM
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  I have done that.
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Karl Penson Dec 17, 2013 1:35 PM
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Here is an example.
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.stl size issue

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