DWG to STL Conversion
The following list contains valuable resources, packed with detailed guides and expert tips for converting DWG drawings to STL format using our converters. Look into them now to ease your DWG drawings conversion later.
- Working with STL Files in AutoCAD
- Exporting STL Files for 3D Printing Using Automesher
- Export OBJ, STL, 3DM, SKP, PLY, and Other 3D Files in AutoCAD
- Batch Converting of DWG Files for AutoCAD, BricsCAD, and ZWCAD
- Convert Polyface Mesh to Solid in AutoCAD
DWG vs STL Comparison
| Property | DWG | STL |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .dwg | .stl |
| Name | AutoCAD DWG Drawing | STereoLithography |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
2D/3D CAD Drawing
A binary file format that stores CAD drawings and models, created by Autodesk for AutoCAD. Some of the benefits and features of DWG files are:
- Compatibility: DWG files are compatible with other software packages, such as ZWCAD, BricsCAD, and IntelliCAD, which also support the DWG format. This makes DWG files the industry standard in CAD.
- Rich Design of High Precision Data: DWG files store vector-based data, 2D drawings, and 3D models, along with metadata, making them highly versatile. Ideal for technical drawings and designs requiring extreme accuracy, such as engineering blueprints and architectural plans.
- Support for Blocks and Reusable Components: DWG files support for "blocks", which are reusable design elements like symbols or templates, which help improve efficiency, maintain consistency across designs, and reduce file size by reusing common components without duplicating data.
DWG Drawing Converters: DWG drawings can be easily converted into various 3D and GIS file formats, such as OBJ, STL, DXF, KML, and KMZ, using our add-ons, Automesher Application and Automapki Application. This enables you to share your AutoCAD designs with different platforms and applications.
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry. It is primarily used for storing 3D models and exclusively contains triangular mesh data. Some of the benefits and features of STL files are:
- Simplicity: STL files are easy to create and read by many software applications and 3D printers, as they only contain the coordinates of the vertices and the normal vectors of the triangles.
- Lack of Additional Information: STL files do not include information on face color, texture, transparency, and named groups. This means that all STL models are effectively colorless in their raw form.
- Binary and ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary format is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size compared to the ASCII format.
- Units of Measurement: The coordinates in STL files are always defined in millimeters. If necessary, our STL converter will perform the required units conversion.
STL Files Converter: While it is technically possible to assign RGB color values to individual vertices in an STL file, it’s important to note that not all software, including our Autoconverter, currently supports this extension.