IGES to STL Conversion
Our professional converter make it easy to switch IGES to STL - here's how:
Download & Install Autoconverter
Convert IGES files to STL format using Autoconverter - simply install and launch the software on your system.
Import IGES File
Click Open... to open your IGES file (.igs, .iges) or drag and drop it into the application window.
Export to STL Format
Click Save As... to export your file to the STL mesh file format (.stl).
Still tired of failed IGES to STL conversions? Our foolproof guides ensure successful IGES files conversion:
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- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
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- Batch Convert 3D Mesh Files with Autoconverter (STEP, STL, OBJ & More)
Initial Graphics Exchange File
A file format widely used in the fields of CAD (Computer-Aided Design), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), as it enables to transfer of 3D models and designs across different platforms and applications. Developed in the 1980s and standardized by ANSI and ISO, IGES remains a foundational yet legacy-neutral format for 3D data exchange.
Key Features of IGES/IGS
- Text-Based Geometry Storage: The IGES format stores all geometric data in human-readable text, enabling easy editing but potentially creating large files when exporting complex models with dense meshes.
- Color Representation: IGES maintains color information at the assembly level, preserving visual clarity in multi-component designs.
- Transparency Limitations: Unlike modern formats, IGES lacks alpha channel support, meaning transparency settings from original 3D designs won't carry through in exported files.
IGES/IGS File Conversion
Autoconverter provides full read/write capabilities for IGES files through the Open Cascade framework, ensuring compatibility with the latest specifications. The application works exclusively with triangulated mesh geometry when processing IGES files. For projects requiring native NURBS surface preservation, we recommend using Autoshaper, which maintains the original smooth surface definitions throughout conversion.
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry, to facilitate rapid prototyping and manufacturing. It is widely used in computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing, and digital fabrication due to its simplicity and broad compatibility. STL files exclusively represent 3D geometry using a triangular mesh, making them lightweight and easy to process.
Key Features of STL
- Simplicity: STL files are easy to create and read by many software applications and 3D printers, as they only contain the coordinates of the vertices and the normal vectors of the triangles.
- No Additional Attributes: Unlike other 3D formats, STL files do not include details such as face colors, textures, transparency, material properties, or named groups. This means that all STL models appear colorless in their raw form.
- Binary vs. ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be stored in two formats:
- Binary STL - The preferred format due to its compact file size, making it more efficient for storage and processing.
- ASCII STL - A human-readable text format that describes each triangle explicitly, but results in significantly larger file sizes.
- Units of Measurement: The STL format does not define a specific unit of measurement, though most applications interpret the coordinates as being in millimeters. If necessary, our STL files converter can perform automatic unit conversions to match your project’s requirements.
STL File Conversion
Autoconverter and Automesher Application are the best tools for converting STL files because they support a wide range of 3D formats, making it easy to convert STL into other file types like STEP, OBJ, or SKP. They ensure high-quality STL mesh conversion, preserving details and accuracy. With advanced automation, they can process multiple STL files at once, saving time and effort. Additionally, they offer optimization features to clean and edit STL models, making them perfect for designers, engineers, and 3D printing enthusiasts. Convert STL to STEP, OBJ, SKP and more - test our converters with a free trial today!
IGES vs. STL Comparison
| Property | IGES | STL |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .igs, .iges | .stl |
| Name | Initial Graphics Exchange Specification | STereoLithography |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components | ||
| Readers | ||
| Writers |