Export STL File dialog box

Used to write stereolithography (STL) files from MicroStation surface and solid geometry. STL files are basically lists of triangles.

Opens after you select Export > STL is chosen from the File menu, then select an element or selection set, then specify a file name.

The Export STL command triangulates input geometry using the Facet Parameters settings, then outputs the triangles to an STL file. The triangles that are exported are also displayed on the screen using the Facet Visualization symbology settings. Optionally, these triangles can be added to the DGN file.

Export STL File dialog box

Facet Visualization

These settings control the symbology and level for displaying the triangles that will be exported to the STL file.

• Permanent
— If selected, the exported triangles will be saved in the DGN file (as well as to the STL file).

• Level
— Sets the level for the displayed triangles.

• Color
— Sets the color for the displayed triangles.

• Weight
— Sets the line weight for the displayed triangles.

• Style
— Sets the line style for the displayed triangles. Currently, only system line styles are supported.

Facet Parameters

These settings control the quality of the triangulation that is computed to approximate each input element.

• Stroke Tolerance
— Defines the distance tolerance (in master units) between the input element and its triangular facets.

• Adjacent Normals
— Defines the angular tolerance (in degrees) between normals on the input element and on its triangular facets.

• Max Side Length
— Defines the maximum length (in master units) of a side of a triangular facet.

File Format

Sets the type of file format for the STL file: binary or ASCII. The binary format is much more compact, but the ASCII format is easier for a user to read.