STL to IFC Conversion
Below is a list of valuable resources, complete with step-by-step instructions and expert tips for converting STL files to IFC format using our converters. Examine them now to streamline your STL files conversion later.
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Convert IFC File to Different Schema Version
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Convert SketchUp SKP Models with Component Instances to STEP
STL vs IFC Comparison
| Property | STL | IFC |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .ifc |
| Name | STereoLithography | Industry Foundation Classes |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
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.
Industrial Foundation Classes File
A file format that is widely used in the AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) industry. It is supported by many software applications, such as Revit from Autodesk or SmartPlant 3D by Intergraph. IFC can store various types of information related to AEC projects, such as:
- Geometry: IFC can represent the shape and size of 3D models, using different types of entities such as solids, surfaces, curves, or points.
- Units: IFC can specify the measurement units for each 3D model, such as meters, inches, degrees, or radians.
- Materials: IFC can define the color and transparency of each geometry component, using values from 0 to 1 for red, green, blue, and alpha channels.
- Instances: IFC can reuse the same geometry component multiple times, by creating mapped items that refer to the original shape definition. This can save storage space and improve performance.
- Structure: IFC can organize the 3D models into a hierarchical structure, using names and identifiers for each component. This can help to manage complex projects and facilitate collaboration.
- BIM: IFC can include generic BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, such as properties, attributes, relationships, or constraints for each 3D model. This can enhance the functionality and interoperability of the file format.
IFC File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are compatible with IFC, and you can use them to import and export IFC models. You can also modify the custom properties of the IFC geometries, and convert them to other 3D file formats. However, please note that some features of IFC may not be supported by other file formats, and may be lost during the conversion.