STEP to STL Conversion
Below is a list of valuable resources, complete with step-by-step instructions and expert tips for converting STEP files to STL format using our converters. Examine them now to streamline your STEP files conversion later.
- STEP to STL File Conversion
- Revolutionizing 3D File Conversion Beyond Online Tools
- Autoconverter for Batch Conversion of 3D Files
- Convert Solid Meshes to Faceted BREP in STEP File
- Convert 3D Mesh Files from the Command Line
STEP vs STL Comparison
| Property | STEP | STL |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stp, .step | .stl |
| Name | STandardized Exchange of Product | STereoLithography |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
STandardized Exchange of Product File
A file format used for the exchange of 3D data across various computer systems, including CAD, CAM, and CAE, in a standardized format. Some of the benefits and features of STEP files are:
- Compatibility: STEP is widely supported by many software applications and platforms, making it easy to share and collaborate on 3D models across different domains and industries.
- Accuracy: STEP preserves the exact shape and dimensions of 3D models, unlike some other mesh formats (SKP, OBJ, or STL) that may introduce errors or distortions during conversion.
- Materials: STEP file format supports colors per assembly. However, it lacks an alpha component. This means that any transparency effects applied to 3D models will not be visible or preserved in the STEP files.
STEP Files Converter: STEP files can be very large, especially when they contain complex or high-resolution 3D models. One way to reduce the file size is to use Autoconverter software, which can utilize the faceted BREP representation, potentially saving up to one-third of the file size. It uses the Open Cascade framework, ensuring compatibility with the latest STEP standards.
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.