Exporting to STL, simple question!

[countmacula]

Hi,
I'm trying to export a part model to a stl file so I can open it in MATLAB. The instructions given in the help center offer two different approaches:

1) Save a Copy:
The help center says that you can select "stl" as a file type with which to save. However 'stl' does not appear in the 'type' box of the 'save a copy' window. What gives? I see '.set', '.sat', and '.stp' but no '.stl'.

2) ProBATCH:
There also seems to be a way to export to a .stl using ProBatch. The first line of the instructions to create a new batch file is: "Type pro_batch. The Pro/BATCH dialog box opens."
Where do I type this? I'm assuming there is supposed to be a command line somewhere on my screen but I can't find it. If I just start typing while looking at my model the text appears in one of the grey bars on the bottom right hand side of the screen. However if I type 'pro_batch' and hit ‘enter’ nothing happens.

If anybody has a better way to get a surface into MATLAB I would be very appreciative to know about it.

I'm about to pull my hair out and throw this computer out the window. Please help me avoid unnecessary Propecia and HP bills by giving me any insight you may have. Thanks in advance

 

[countmacula]

Okay, so I tried making a very simple model (solid torus shape) and the file type .stl does appear in the type box of the 'save a copy' dialog box. So I guess there is something about my original model that proe does not like. It is made of 227 rounded surfaces made in 'style' mode. Any guesses?

 

[JohnAndrews]

Exporting as "stl" only works for solid models, not surface models.
It has to be solid as stereolithography produces solid prototypes.
If your surface model is fully enclosed, solidify it, then it will export as stl.
That is if you haven't already thrown your computer out of the window........... and if you've still got hair on your head........

http://www.propecia.co.uk/

 

[countmacula]

Awesome, thanks a lot. I will solidify it and try again.

I would be interesting in hearing about other ways to get a surface created in proe into matlab. I want to turn it into a collection of coordinate points that Matlab can deal with. Seems like this may be a bit trickier if it's a solid that I'm importing.

Thanks again John

 

[Guest0527211403]

I know matlab has toolboxes for FEM, so you may be able to mesh your model in Mechanica or Pro/FEM and export it to some standard mesh file format.

Depending on what you're doing with the matlab code, you may want to do this since you can refine the mesh locally.