Autodesk Fusion 360
Right-click the body or component and choose Save as Mesh. Format STL (binary), units millimetres, refinement High.
Help
How to Get an STL File
The calculator reads STL. Most CAD tools export it in one step, and STEP, IGES, OBJ or 3MF files convert in a minute. Follow the steps for your software, then come back with the file.
Export from Your CAD Software
Pick your tool. In every case: units in millimetres, binary STL, fine resolution.
SolidWorks
File, Save As, file type STL. In Options: Binary, resolution Fine, units millimetres, one file per body.
Onshape
Right-click the Part Studio tab, Export. Format STL, binary, resolution Fine, units millimetres.
FreeCAD (free)
First set the deviation to 0.01 mm in Preferences, Import-Export, Mesh formats. Then select the body, File, Export, type STL Mesh.
SketchUp
Make the model a solid group, then File, Export, 3D Model, STL, units millimetres. The free version needs the STL extension from the Extension Warehouse.
Blender
Select the object, apply modifiers, File, Export, STL. Scale 1.0 if you modelled in millimetres, selection only.
Rhino
Select, File, Export Selected, STL. Tolerance 0.01 mm, binary.
Autodesk Inventor
File, Export, CAD Format, STL. Resolution High, units millimetres.
Tinkercad
Export, .STL. Tinkercad works in millimetres by default.
Settings That Make the Estimate Accurate
- 1 Units in millimetres. A model exported in inches arrives 25 times too small or too large.
- 2 Binary STL. Smaller file, same geometry.
- 3 Resolution: deviation 0.01 mm and angle 5°, or the finest preset. Coarse exports make round parts faceted.
- 4 One body per file. For assemblies export each part separately, or note the count in the message.
- 5 Check the model is closed (watertight). Most CAD tools have a check or repair command.
Only Have a STEP, IGES, OBJ or 3MF?
Two routes. The safest is to send the file through the quote form: we convert it for free and quote by hand. If you want the instant check in the calculator, convert it yourself.
FreeCAD (free, offline)
Opens STEP and IGES, exports STL. Nothing leaves your computer.
www.freecad.orgCAD Exchanger Cloud
Online converter for STEP, IGES, JT and more. Free tier for occasional use.
cadexchanger.comAspose 3D conversion
Online, no account needed.
products.aspose.appOnline converters are third-party services. Check their terms before uploading confidential parts, or use FreeCAD, which runs on your computer.
No 3D Model at All?
Send a photo, a sketch with dimensions or the broken part itself. We model it and the model is yours.
Have Your STL? Check It Now.
Drop it in the calculator on the quote page. Dimensions, weight, print time and lead time appear in your browser and nothing is uploaded until you submit.
Related Services
- 3D modelling when you have no model →
We build the model from a sketch, photo or part.
- 3D scanning of an existing part →
We turn the physical part into a digital model.
- 3D printing calculator →
Upload the STL and see dimensions, weight and lead time straight away.
- 3D printing glossary: STL, STEP, mesh →
The file formats and terms you will meet, explained.
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FAQ
I only have a STEP file. What now?
Send it through the quote form. We convert it for free and quote by hand within 48 hours. For the instant check in the calculator, open it in FreeCAD and export an STL.
Why does the calculator only read STL?
STL is a plain triangle mesh that the browser can process without uploading the file. STEP and IGES need a CAD kernel, so we handle them by hand.
I have no 3D model at all. Can you make one?
Yes. A photo, a sketch with dimensions or the broken part is enough. We model it at the hourly rate and the model stays yours.
Send Us Your Brief Today
A file, a sketch, a photo or a description. Within 48 hours you will have a price, a material and a date.
If 3D printing is not the right route for your part, we will say so and point you to CNC, injection moulding or laser cutting.