.stl file exported is not smooth
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.stl file exported is not smooth
I use the latest FreeCAD 0.17, now I import a step file, then export stl format file.but when I open the stl file exported, I found the model surface is not smooth, I can see obvious edges and corners.
Then I use another 3D software to deal with the same step file, the stl file is very smooth.
other 3D software export file effect as follows: FreeCAD export file effect as follows: Please Help, so, what should I do to improve the surface effects, any suggestion is appreciate!!
Then I use another 3D software to deal with the same step file, the stl file is very smooth.
other 3D software export file effect as follows: FreeCAD export file effect as follows: Please Help, so, what should I do to improve the surface effects, any suggestion is appreciate!!
Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
Hi Lovesuiyuan, and welcome! You can get smoother surfaces in the .stl Export by using the pull-down menu and changing Edit > Preferences > Part Design (icon in left pane) > Shape view (tab at top of right pane) and changing the "Maximum deviation depending on..." setting from the default setting of 0.5 % to something smaller.
A lower number will make smoother surfaces when the file is Exported to .stl., but the file sizes will be larger. Objects in the 3D view will also appear smoother on your computer monitor, but it will take FreeCAD more time to display them. On complicated models this might make FreeCAD too slow, so after Exporting the .stl you might want to change that "Maximum deviation..." setting back to the default.
(edited typo)
Last edited by bejant on Fri May 18, 2018 3:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- HarryGeier
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Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
I guess.. you chosse the wrong way or the wrong mesher to create the STL..
look at the end of this video to see how i export STL and they look smooth ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgstQi9jpGc&t=280s
look at the end of this video to see how i export STL and they look smooth ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgstQi9jpGc&t=280s
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Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
If you convert a solid to a mesh in mesh workbench you will get more control over the triangulation of the resultant mesh than simply exporting as stl. Exporting as stl does so by reading the opengl display triangulation, which is why bejants suggestion works.
Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
Another tip, don't forget that stl is a lossy format that by definition is impossible to convert properly back to a cad solid format like step etc. Stl has its uses as an output format, but from a cad point of view is a garbage format.
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Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
Change the Tessellation value in the export pref's panel - that is what controls the smoothness...
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Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
For .stl .obj and .amf this is no longer true.bejant wrote: ↑Thu May 17, 2018 10:39 am Hi Lovesuiyuan, and welcome! You can get smoother surfaces in the .stl Export by using the pull-down menu and changing Edit > Preferences > Part Design (icon in left pane) > Shape view (tab at top of right pane) and changing the "Maximum deviation depending on..." setting from the default setting of 0.5 % to something smaller.
The Shape view only effects the display tessellation in FreeCAD.
The default export tessellation is controlled by Edit > Preferences > Import-Export Mesh Formats tab.
You need to activate the Mesh Design workbench first for the preference option to be available.
This was done so a coarser tessellation can be used for display to keep the FreeCAD gui responsive and to be able to export a very fine tessellation without switching the Shape view preference back and forth.
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Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
Thank you very much.I use your method, and it works, I get smoother 3D file. it solve my big problem, Thank you again!bejant wrote: ↑Thu May 17, 2018 10:39 amHi Lovesuiyuan, and welcome! You can get smoother surfaces in the .stl Export by using the pull-down menu and changing Edit > Preferences > Part Design (icon in left pane) > Shape view (tab at top of right pane) and changing the "Maximum deviation depending on..." setting from the default setting of 0.5 % to something smaller.
A lower number will make smoother surfaces when the file is Exported to .stl., but the file sizes will be larger. Objects in the 3D view will also appear smoother on your computer monitor, but it will take FreeCAD more time to display them. On complicated models this might make slow FreeCAD too slow, so after Exporting the .stl you might want to change that "Maximum deviation..." setting back to the default.
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Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
Thank you for everone, especially bejant.It can be solved by using the pull-down menu and changing Edit > Preferences > Part Design (icon in left pane) > Shape view (tab at top of right pane) and changing the "Maximum deviation depending on..." setting from the default setting of 0.5 % to something smaller.
Re: .stl file exported is not smooth
I've never tried that method, but like that it doesn't change the display....
You're welcome, and post back if you need more help.