
STL to IFC Conversion
With our tools, changing STL to IFC is a breeze - follow these simple 3 steps:
Download & Install:
Convert your STL files to IFC format seamlessly using Autoconverter or Autoshaper - simply install and launch the software on your system.Import STL File:
Either click Open... to browse for your .stl file, or drag and drop it anywhere in the application window.Export to IFC Format:
Use Save As... to specify both location and filename (with .ifc extension) for your exported file.
Frustrated with STL to IFC conversion? These step-by-step guides simplify STL files conversion:
- Convert IFC File to Different Schema Version
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Convert SketchUp SKP Models with Component Instances to STEP
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry, to facilitate rapid prototyping and manufacturing. It is widely used in computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, and digital fabrication due to its simplicity and broad compatibility. STL files exclusively represent 3D geometry using a triangular mesh, making them lightweight and easy to process.
Key Features of STL
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.No Additional Attributes:
Unlike other 3D formats, STL files do not include details such as face colors, textures, transparency, material properties, or named groups. This means that all STL models appear colorless in their raw form.Binary vs. ASCII STL Formats:
STL files can be stored in two formats:Binary STL
- The preferred format due to its compact file size, making it more efficient for storage and processing.ASCII STL
- A human-readable text format that describes each triangle explicitly, but results in significantly larger file sizes.
Units of Measurement:
The STL format does not define a specific unit of measurement, though most applications interpret the coordinates as being in millimeters. If necessary, our STL files converter can perform automatic unit conversions to match your project’s requirements.
STL File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application are the best tools for converting STL files because they support a wide range of 3D formats, making it easy to convert STL into other file types like STEP, OBJ, or SKP. They ensure high-quality STL mesh conversion, preserving details and accuracy. With advanced automation, they can process multiple STL files at once, saving time and effort. Additionally, they offer optimization features to clean and edit STL models, making them perfect for designers, engineers, and 3D printing enthusiasts. Convert STL to STEP, OBJ, SKP and more - test our converters with a free trial today!
Industrial Foundation Classes File
It is an open, ISO-certified standard (ISO 16739) specifically designed for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As a vendor-neutral format, IFC enables seamless data exchange and interoperability between different software applications, eliminating proprietary barriers in collaborative projects.
IFC Format Capabilities
The IFC format can store comprehensive project data for AEC workflows, including but not limited to:
Geometry:
The IFC standard captures detailed 3D representations through multiple entity types including solids, surfaces, curves, and point clouds.Units:
Each model component specifies its measurement system (meters, inches, degrees, or radians) for precise interpretation.Materials:
IFC's material system controls visual properties through RGBA values (0-1 range) for accurate color and transparency settings.Instances:
Through IFC's mapping system, identical geometries can be referenced multiple times, optimizing storage and performance.Structure:
IFC organizes projects hierarchically using named components with unique identifiers, enabling complex project management.BIM:
As a BIM-native (Building Information Modeling) format, IFC stores building information like properties, constraints, and relationships alongside geometry.
IFC File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application support IFC format, allowing you to import and export IFC models seamlessly. You can edit custom properties of IFC geometries and convert them to various 3D file formats. However please note that some IFC-specific features might not be fully supported in other formats and could be lost during conversion.
STL vs. IFC Comparison
Property | STL | IFC |
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Extensions | .stl | .ifc |
Name | STereoLithography | Industry Foundation Classes |
Versions |
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Textures | ||
Colors | ||
Geometry components | ||
Readers | ||
Writers |