Saving parts as STL files 1

[guimba]

Hello, whenever I save a part file as an STL and then try to send it to a vendor for prototyping they come back with “This file is invalid for use as the following: Certificate Trust List.” Sure enough, that's what the file type in Windows Explorer says they are. How come they don't appear as STereoLithography files like they should? The file type is properly set to SW in the Folder Options but the file type in the Explorer window still shows as Certified Trust List. I'm using SW 2010 sp 2.1 with Windows XP Pro V. 5.1 sp 3. Thanks!!

Mechanical Engineer
Field Forensics, Inc.

Engineering isn't about perfect solutions; it's about doing the best you can with limited resources. - Randy Pausch

 

[SnowCrash]

The vendor is apparently trying to open the files from Explorer, instrad of the CAD app. You can't just click on an .stl file and open it. Run the app and open from the file open menu as type "*.stl"

--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2011 SP 2.0
HP Pavillion Elite HPE
W7 Pro, Nvidia Quaddro FX580

 

[rollupswx]

I would find a different vendor - any competent vendor should have known this.

 

[Updraft]

Rollupswx is right! (A star for you!)

Besides that, I haven't dealt with a rapid prototyper yet that prefers we deliver a file in STL format over Parasolid or ACIS. All the RP guys we've used generate their own STL files from our "smoother" dumb solid.

- - -Updraft

 

[guimba]

Good point. Thanks for the inputs!

Mechanical Engineer
Field Forensics, Inc.

Engineering isn't about perfect solutions; it's about doing the best you can with limited resources. - Randy Pausch

 

[guimba]

Explorer still wants to add the 'Certified Trust List' as the file type. What sort of file type comes up for you all when you save as an STL? Thanks.

Mechanical Engineer
Field Forensics, Inc.

Engineering isn't about perfect solutions; it's about doing the best you can with limited resources. - Randy Pausch

 

[rollupswx]

Same here - doesn't matter.
We are running 6 different RP (additive manufacturing?) technologies.
Open the files with the machine software translator. Windows Explorer is irrelevant to the problem.

 

[guimba]

Makes sense. So long as the file extension is correct who cares what Explorer calls it. Thanks again.

Mechanical Engineer
Field Forensics, Inc.

Engineering isn't about perfect solutions; it's about doing the best you can with limited resources. - Randy Pausch

 

[Updraft]

You can change the program associated with the file extension. I have SolidWorks associated with *.x_t, *.x_b, *.igs and *.sat so when I d-click on them they open in SolidWorks. You can similarly associate *.stl with whatever program you want by selecting Open With, selecting the program, and checking the box to always open this file type with this program. However, the STL file format generates a solid with tiny triangular surfaces suitable only for direct use by the RP machine, whereas the Parasolid and ACIS formats generate files with smooth surfaces and all RP machines/software should be able to open these files. Unless you are dumping a file straight to an RP machine or 3D printer I suggest using the Parasolid or ACIS formats to send to the RP company. Sending them an STL file is likely to sacrifice resolution and therefore accuracy of your prototype.

- - -Updraft