How do I convert STL/OBJ to STP, STEP or IGS?

Kaproco · 2017-02-09T14:52:16.000Z

You can’t just import a STL and export as a STEP in a single click in any software, you have to redraw the whole model and then save as a STEP. We can help you out with that if you want but its not always an easy job.

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T14:55:52.000Z

Thank you!

twiesner · 2017-02-09T15:04:56.000Z

I import stl files all the time into Fusion 360 and export as a step or iges. Most Cad software on the market allow that. 3d software like blender, 3ds max, maya, zbrush, etc can not as they are not Cad specific programs.

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T15:17:17.000Z

I’m just starting to experiment with Fusion 360 now. It looks pretty cool. How much does it cost to buy once the trial version has expired?

twiesner · 2017-02-09T15:21:31.000Z

depends on the subscription plan. $40 monthly or $300 for a year.

http://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/subscribe?src=OMSE&mktvar002=654912&mkwid=szK6QE0U2%7cpcrid%7c177331758407%7cpkw%7cfusion%2520360%7cpmt%7ce%7cpdv%7cc%7c&&gclid=Cj0KEQiAw_DEBRChnYiQ_562gsEBEiQA4LcsssaYV9hXuGGp5WalGZKi7I7bw8y-t6YfiClm45074JYaAgCI8P8HAQ

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T15:27:39.000Z

Ok, great.

Now, I just uploaded my model and exported it as both an STEP and IGS file. But the exported files don’t show anything in the way of thumbnail images - they’re also very small. Is that normal?

I tried to reupload them to Fusion as well, to see if they would open, but they seem to be just blank files. I’ve attached a screen grab that has the OBJ file on the right, and the IGS version on the left.

Is there something I’m doing wrong? Or are these file types just not visual?

screen_shot_2017-02-09_at_10.24.59_am.jpg780×752 54.7 KB

twiesner · 2017-02-09T15:42:18.000Z

did you change the system units to match the imported file’s units before exporting?

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T15:44:45.000Z

I did not…

Is the dialog box on the right what you’re referring to? If so, is there a different setting I should be using?

screen_shot_2017-02-09_at_10.43.56_am.jpg1714×1212 296 KB

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T19:39:28.000Z

Hey…just wanted to see if my last message came through.

You’ve been very helpful so far. I hope to continue learning from your tips!

Thank you!

-matt

twiesner · 2017-02-09T19:45:07.000Z

No didn’t get your first notification. Yes changing those units should export the design correctly. That may be the reason as to why you were not getting a thumbnail when exporting as the design was exported smaller than what it should have been.

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T19:49:28.000Z

Oh, awesome! I think that worked - I had it at mm instead of inches.

Thank you so much for your help! Would it be okay if I got in touch with you again on here in the future? You seem to know your stuff.

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T19:57:02.000Z

Actually, I spoke too soon. Apparently I exported the file as a F3D file, and THAT worked.

But then, when I tried to export as a STEP file, I got the same results - the export completed, but the file was empty when I tried to upload and open it.

Is there something I’m doing wrong? Do I need to change settings somewhere else?

twiesner · 2017-02-09T20:56:07.000Z

Try converting the file inside the program to a Brep and then export. Convert STL to BRep for Editing in Fusion 360 - YouTube

BackstreetZAFU · 2017-02-09T21:03:55.000Z

Hmm. I tried that - the video was helpful, but I guess my file is too big or something? I got this error message…

screen_shot_2017-02-09_at_4.03.09_pm.jpg1508×964 128 KB

twiesner · 2017-02-09T21:14:52.000Z

Probably doesn’t like that your mesh is high poly and not made of quads. Maybe https://www.freecadweb.org/ that @Modellus suggested can convert the higher poly designs better?

poolrod · 2017-07-25T02:14:48.000Z

Is it possible to turn a digital scanned stl model into a solid for machining?. It is full of faceted surfaces.

doug.jpg1366×725 260 KB

slugdev · 2018-08-08T01:58:56.812Z

I know this is a late in the game but I found freecad solutions and such a bit lacking. So I just wrote a direct translator:

GitHub

GitHub - slugdev/stltostp: Convert stl files to STEP brep files

Convert stl files to STEP brep files. Contribute to slugdev/stltostp development by creating an account on GitHub.

It works for my models.
-slugdev

lastfirefox · 2018-10-05T19:12:59.076Z

Hey,
I just found this website here. I tried and it and worked well for me.
They took some days to delivery the file but its ok, its for free anyway.
Hope it can help you …
cadmeshanalytics.com

augustodevesa · 2018-10-30T16:23:29.477Z

@BackstreetZAFU other thing you can do is try to simplify the mesh before import into F360 or freecad using meshlab

Mag8891 · 2018-11-10T16:24:15.201Z

hi could you write in more detail how to use this please.

In windows command line I should write stltostp <stl_file> <step_file> [ tol ]
can you show the example how to input the file names and what tolerance shall I type in? what are acceptable values?

say in I have file in C:\Users\Tata\Downloads\stl_file.stl