.igs to .stl

the version of CAD software I have used for the last 13 years does not let me save as .STL. I can create, save, convert between igs, stp, dwg .cad .3dm .dgn .asc. .sldprt x_t. and .dxf. Anyone had any luck with a converter or maybe some free CAD that may allow me to create an stl from my existing options? thanks

FreeCAD supports STEP, IGES and STL among others. It's a sketch based parametric modeler. I didn't think the Mac version was solid some months back when I tried it but others like the Linux and Windows versions. If you are going to do much in the way of objects for 3D printing a modern parametric modeler is handy for some things and necessary for others.


[www.freecadweb.org]

Thanks Vega, I ran a couple iges solids from my CAD through FreeCad then into Repetier and everything appears to be playing well together. One nice feature I noticed about FreeCad is it recognizes the layers I used initially.

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Bill Clark
I can create, save, convert between igs, stp,

Bill, I suggest you export to STEP rather than IGES. STEP (ISO 10303) is a more modern file format which replaced IGES, which has not been updated since 1996.

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vegasloki
I didn't think the Mac version was solid some months back when I tried it

As a matter of fact, Mac builds of FreeCAD were produced by forum users who didn't stick around to debug their builds. As a result those were indeed riddled with bugs the Windows and Linux version do not have.

But FreeCAD has a new Mac maintainer now, he released a first Mac build compiled from the development branch in late January. This version has a lot more stuff that the latest stable that was released a year ago. You may be interested in checking it out. Providing feedback will help make it better.

[forum.freecadweb.org]

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/2014 02:57PM by NormandC.

Thanks, I will start using .stp .

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NormandC
But FreeCAD has a new Mac maintainer now, he released a first Mac build compiled from the development branch in late January. This version has a lot more stuff that the latest stable that was released a year ago. You may be interested in checking it out. Providing feedback will help make it better.

That's good to hear. It was virtually unusable. At this point the demands on my time are not suited to build software but rather use the tools to support a business. Much in the same way I buy a piece of equipment rather than building one. Much of what we do is accomplished by exchanging native formats from a few programs so in my case it offers no advantage but I can see that for others it's a great boon and the difference between having access to the tool and not. IOW, a textbook open software solution. It's nice to see it developing and people able to take advantage of it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/2014 11:48PM by vegasloki.