Converting .STL or .STP Files Back to a Drawing

Is it possible to convert .stl or .stp files back to a proper 2D drawing with dimensions. I have used an online converter which takes in a .stl and produces .dwf or .dxf files. I want to get back to a .dwg that I can view and print out using either Alibre Atom 3D or possibly Turbocad 2019.

The other thought is can the .gcode used to produce a 3D print be used in any way on a CNC milling machine.

Thanks,

Colin

.stp is a data exchange format and can be imported into 3D CAD models by many software packages. I use Solidworks which can read the files but often all of the constraints which hold the model together are lost and have to be re-established which can be a lengthy process.  The .stp file is a 3D scale model from which you produce a drawing and then dimension.

dxf files are a 2D data transfer format which most 2D CAD software can read. .

dwg files are the standard format used by Autocad and used by some others.

I do not use Alibre or Turbocad. Don't these have an import option ?

There are also file viewers/printers that can read these formats that are free to download.

Paul.

Edited By Paul Lousick on 19/02/2022 12:37:12

It's very doubtful that you'll be able to get back to original with an STL file as it is a 3D form represented by triangular faces and as such is an approximation of the original model. However, you should be able to do better with a STP file as it should contain the model as drawn.

In the software I use (MoI), I would import the STP file and extract the edges I need, duplicate them as curves, and export them out as a DXF. If you have a DXF file, then I don't see the need to convert to DWG, unless of course your software is fussy in that respect.

The gcode won't work for a few reasons, one of which is that 3D printing starts at the bottom of the job and works up, whereas milling functions in the opposite way.

Martin.

Open the  STP in Alibre and save as a part file then just use Alibre's drawing option to produce your drawings.

Or open the STL or STP file in F360 and use that to produce the CAM for the CNC missing out the drawing bit altogether.

Edited By JasonB on 19/02/2022 13:46:25

TurboCad will export and import STL or STP and a lot of other formats. However these specific formats are the solid model, no tolerance dimensions etc. But can obviously create “paper” views and print if that what you want.

I'm pretty sure both Inventor and Blender can do this job just fine

HI guys,

Thanks for the help,

Martin, I take your point. The gcode is for additive machining as opposed to subtractive machining.

Jason, When the .stp is opened in Alibre should it be dimensioned or does it lose the dimensions. f they are present somewhere how do I get them to display.

Basically what I want to end up with is a dimensioned 2D drawing I can give to a colleague for him to produce the item on his CNC mill.

If I try the F360 route will that produce a CAM file that can be used/recognised by any CNC milling machine.

Thanks,

Colin

It would probably be better for whoever is going to cut it to have a DXF or DWG file if just 2D CNC is required with one dimension to ensure it does not get made in metric when you wanted it in imperial.

As I say once you have imported the STP file into Alibre save it as an Alibre part file. Then just click on the create drawing icon, select that part file and then the views you want and add any dimensions you feel are needed, just a case of clicking on two points and the actual size will come up from the part.

Better to leave ant CAM to whoever is making the part as they will need to enter the cutters they have and feeds and speeds that suit their machine. You could also produce a 2D drawing in PDF form but then the guy doing the cutting will have to draw it out again.