Knowledge Base Article - Instructions for Saving Your File

SolidWorks

Click on file, save as. Select the path where you wish to save the file.

1. For File Type, use the drop-down arrow, choose .stl. Click Options.
2. Options - select Binary for file type. Binary files are approximately 1/5 the size of ASCII files.
3. Options - Total Quality: Choices are Coarse, Fine, and Custom. Choosing Custom allows access to Total Quality and Detail Quality sliders and fields. In most cases, selecting Fine will produce an acceptable file, for custom try entering .001'' or .002'' for Deviation, and 10 degrees for Angle Tolerance.
4. Check the 'Show STL Info Before File Saving' or 'Preview' box to see a faceted view of the .stl file you are creating.
5. Select 'Done',.

• Simple or small CAD files create .stl files that may be around 500 KB in size.
• Complex models with best quality .stl files may range from 4-12MB in size
• Open and review the file in Solid View or similar third party viewer. Compare to the images. Save when comparable to BEST.
• Zip up files for transfer, Upload to Planet Proto.