3D printing export (STL/3MF) in Solidworks - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

This feature helps you save your 3D model in a file format that 3D printers can read. It solves the problem of sharing your design with a 3D printer by creating files like STL or 3MF that contain the shape information.

When you want to send your 3D design to a 3D printer for manufacturing.

When you need to share your model with someone who uses a different 3D printing software.

When you want to prepare your design for slicing software that creates printer instructions.

When you want to save a lightweight version of your model for quick previews.

When you want to export your design for quality checking before printing.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- File menu

The file options dropdown opens

💡 You can also use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S to open the Save As dialog

Step 2: Select

- Save As option

The Save As dialog box appears

Step 3: Click

- Save as type dropdown

A list of file formats appears

Step 4: Choose

- Save as type dropdown

The selected format changes to STL (*.stl) or 3MF (*.3mf)

💡 Use STL for most 3D printers; use 3MF for newer printers that support color and more details

Step 5: Click

- Options button in the Save As dialog

The Export Options window opens

Step 6: Set

- Export Options window

You adjust settings like resolution, units, and output type

💡 Choose 'Fine' resolution for detailed prints and 'Binary' format for smaller file size

Step 7: Click

- OK button in Export Options

The Export Options window closes

Step 8: Click

- Save button in Save As dialog

The file is saved in the chosen format and location

Before vs After

Before

3D model is open in SolidWorks with no export file saved

After

3D model is saved as an STL or 3MF file ready for 3D printing

Settings Reference

File Format

📍 Save As dialog > Save as type dropdown

Selects the file format for 3D printing export

Default: STL (*.stl)

Resolution

📍 Export Options window

Controls the detail level of the exported mesh

Default: Medium

Output As

📍 Export Options window

Defines the file encoding type; binary files are smaller

Default: Binary

Units

📍 Export Options window

Sets the measurement units for the exported file

Default: Millimeters

Common Mistakes

Exporting with low resolution

The printed model may lose detail and look rough

Choose 'Fine' resolution in Export Options for better print quality

Saving in ASCII format unnecessarily

ASCII files are larger and slower to process without benefit

Use Binary format unless ASCII is specifically required

Forgetting to check units before export

The printed model size may be incorrect if units mismatch

Confirm and set correct units in Export Options before saving

Summary

This feature exports your 3D model into a file format that 3D printers can read.

You can choose between STL and 3MF formats depending on printer compatibility.

Adjust resolution and units in Export Options to ensure print quality and correct size.

Practice

1. What is the main difference between exporting a model as STL and 3MF in SolidWorks for 3D printing?

easy

A. STL files contain only shape data, while 3MF files can include color and material information.

B. STL files are always smaller than 3MF files.

C. 3MF files cannot be used for 3D printing.

D. STL files include textures and colors, but 3MF files do not.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand STL file content

   STL files store only the shape geometry of the model as triangles without color or material data.

2. Step 2: Understand 3MF file content

   3MF files can store shape, color, materials, and other printing information, making them richer than STL.

3. Final Answer:

   STL files contain only shape data, while 3MF files can include color and material information. -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   STL = shape only, 3MF = shape + color/material [OK]

Hint: Remember: STL = shape only, 3MF = shape plus extras [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking STL files include color or textures
• Assuming 3MF files are not for 3D printing
• Believing STL files always have smaller size

2. Which of the following is the correct way to export a model as an STL file in SolidWorks?

easy

A. File > Save As > Select STL (*.stl) > Click Save

B. File > Export > Choose 3MF > Click Export

C. File > Save As > Select PDF (*.pdf) > Click Save

D. File > Import > Select STL (*.stl) > Click Open

Solution

1. Step 1: Locate export option in SolidWorks

   To export, use File > Save As and choose the desired file type.

2. Step 2: Select STL format correctly

   Choose STL (*.stl) from the dropdown and click Save to export the model as STL.

3. Final Answer:

   File > Save As > Select STL (*.stl) > Click Save -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Export STL via Save As > STL [OK]

Hint: Use Save As and pick STL to export 3D print files [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using Import instead of Save As to export
• Choosing wrong file type like PDF
• Confusing 3MF export with STL export steps

3. Given a SolidWorks model exported as STL with a very high resolution setting, what is the most likely outcome?

medium

A. The file size will be small, but print quality will be poor.

B. The file size will be large, and print quality will be high.

C. The file will not open in 3D printing software.

D. The model will lose color information.

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand resolution effect on STL export

   Higher resolution means more triangles, increasing file size and detail.

2. Step 2: Relate resolution to print quality

   More detail in the file leads to better print quality but larger file size.

3. Final Answer:

   The file size will be large, and print quality will be high. -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   High resolution = large file + high quality [OK]

Hint: Higher resolution means bigger file and better print [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming high resolution reduces file size
• Thinking STL files contain color data
• Believing large files won't open in printers

4. You exported a model as STL but the 3D printer software reports the file is corrupted. What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. You forgot to save the file.

B. You exported the file as 3MF instead of STL.

C. The model has gaps or holes causing a non-manifold mesh.

D. The file size is too small.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify common STL export issues

   Non-manifold geometry like gaps or holes causes corrupted STL files.

2. Step 2: Understand impact on 3D printer software

   Such errors prevent the printer software from reading the file correctly.

3. Final Answer:

   The model has gaps or holes causing a non-manifold mesh. -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Non-manifold mesh = corrupted STL file [OK]

Hint: Check model for gaps before exporting STL [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing file format with corruption
• Assuming file size causes corruption
• Forgetting to save the file is rarely the cause

5. You want to export a SolidWorks model for 3D printing with color and material info included. Which export format and settings should you choose?

hard

A. Export as STL with high resolution settings.

B. Export as OBJ without textures.

C. Export as STL with binary format.

D. Export as 3MF with color and material options enabled.

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify format supporting color and materials

   3MF supports color and material data; STL does not.

2. Step 2: Enable color and material options in export

   Ensure export settings include color and material to preserve this info.

3. Final Answer:

   Export as 3MF with color and material options enabled. -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   3MF + color/material options = correct export [OK]

Hint: Use 3MF format to keep color and materials [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Choosing STL expecting color data
• Ignoring export settings for materials
• Selecting unrelated formats like OBJ without textures