STL to STEP Conversion
Here’s a list of valuable resources, complete with step-by-step guides and expert advice for converting STL files to STEP format using our converters. Examine them now to facilitate your STL files conversion later.
- Choosing the Right File Format: STL vs. SKP vs. STEP vs. OBJ
- Convert STL to STEP File with Autoconverter
- Change 3D Model Units in STEP / IGES Files
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Convert Solid Meshes to Faceted BREP in STEP File
- Revolutionizing 3D File Conversion Beyond Online Tools
STL vs. STEP Comparison
| Property | STL | STEP |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .stp, .step |
| Name | STereoLithography | STandardized Exchange of Product |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry. It is primarily used for storing 3D models and exclusively contains triangular mesh data. Some of the benefits and features of STL files are:
- 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.
- Lack of Additional Information: STL files do not include information on face color, texture, transparency, and named groups. This means that all STL models are effectively colorless in their raw form.
- STL Files Converter: While it is technically possible to assign RGB color values to individual vertices in an STL file, it’s important to note that not all software, including our Autoconverter, currently supports this extension.
- Binary and ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary format is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size compared to the ASCII format.
- Units of Measurement: The coordinates in STL files are always defined in millimeters. If necessary, our STL converter will perform the required units conversion.
STandardized Exchange of Product File
A file format used for the exchange of 3D data across various computer systems, including CAD, CAM, and CAE, in a standardized format. Some of the benefits and features of STEP files are:
- Compatibility: STEP is widely supported by many software applications and platforms, making it easy to share and collaborate on 3D models across different domains and industries.
- Accuracy: STEP preserves the exact shape and dimensions of 3D models, unlike some other mesh formats (SKP, OBJ, or STL) that may introduce errors or distortions during conversion.
- STEP Files Converter: STEP files can be very large, especially when they contain complex or high-resolution 3D models. One way to reduce the file size is to use Autoconverter software, which can utilize the faceted BREP representation, potentially saving up to one-third of the file size.
- Materials: STEP file format supports colors per assembly. However, it lacks an alpha component. This means that any transparency effects applied to 3D models will not be visible or preserved in the STEP files.