What is the content of an exported STL file from Pro-E or Solidworks?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the content of an exported STL file from Pro-E or Solidworks, focusing on the data structure and representation of the file format. Participants explore the nature of the information contained within the STL files, including geometric details.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific contents of an STL file, questioning whether it includes x, y coordinates of vertices.
  • Another participant explains that an STL file describes a triangulated surface using unit normals and vertices, emphasizing the use of a right-hand rule for triangle ordering.
  • A different participant mentions having an STL file that was exported into Pro-E, noting that it consists of a collection of facets.
  • One participant seeks clarification on whether the STL file is simply a collection of triangles with varying coordinates and expresses interest in developing a program to recognize the faces of basic shapes based on this information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present different aspects of the STL file content, but there is no explicit consensus on the details or implications of the information contained within the files.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the structure of STL files may be missing, and the discussion does not resolve the specifics of how different software might handle STL exports.

dooleygav
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Whe you export a stl file from Pro-E or solidworks, wat does the file contain?

x,y cordinates of vertices etc or what?
 
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Wikipedia said:
An STL file describes a raw unstructured triangulated surface by the unit normal and vertices (ordered by the right-hand rule) of the triangles using a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format )
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have an STL on my machine right now but it was exported INTO Pro-E. Like ME mentioned, it is a collection of facets.
 
So just a number of trianlges with different coordinates?...


Okay...

Thanks,

I was looking into making a program where it recognises the faces of Basic shapes... So it could be done...
 

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