When working with files for Rapid Prototyping a number of key consideration should be taken into account when converting CAD data to STL format, in order to ensure the final prototype model received matches expectations.

4 Key considerations for producing STL files.

1. Faceting & Smoothness:
   Faceting refers to the relative coarseness or smoothness of a curved area. Most CAD packages allow you to control faceting through chord height, angle control and angle tolerance.Excessively fine faceting will ensure a smooth surface area but is likely to increase build times and production costs. Coarse faceting will lower production costs and build times however is likely to result in flat surfaces on rather than smooth curves, for example a heavily faceting file of a pound coin would most likely create a coin similar in shape to a fifty pence piece.Ideally to keep build times and costs to a minimum while maintaining a realistic surface finish your file should be just detailed enough to allow required features to build while maintaining a manageable file size.
   1.   SLA:  No less than 0.5mm
   2.  High Resolution SLA:   No less than 0.3mm
   3. SLS:  No less than 0.5mm-0.8mm (dependent on part geometries)

   
   

2. Wall Thickness:
   It is important to take into account that while modern Rapid Prototyping machinery allows the creation of high-resolution parts, certain restrictions on wall thickness still exist. Where walls fall below these minimum levels holes, missing pieces or weak walls may appear on the final prototype model.When sourcing prototypes it is therefore advisable to use the below wall thickness guideline:
   1.   SLA:  No less than 0.5mm
   2.  High Resolution SLA:   No less than 0.3mm
   3. SLS:  No less than 0.5mm-0.8mm (dependent on part geometries)
      
      
3. Nested /Tabbed Parts:
   It is advisable to save nested or assembly parts into individual pieces as this will not only the rapid turnaround of your quote, but also the optimal build settings for your prototyping part saving you both time and money while ensuring best quality part.It is also recommended to avoid supplying tabbed files as part clean up can prove difficult reducing quality of the final prototype model. While some users believe the provision of tabbed parts will actually lower the cost of prototyping the opposite is in fact true as our experienced technicians will best align components to optimise quality, cost and lead times.
4. Surfaces, Edges & Inverted Angles
   Prior to sending you files to LPE you should check for any missing surfaces, bad edges, inverted normal’s or overlapping surfaces as while our technicians will check for these issues upon receipt of files, we do not have the same working knowledge of the final design and may not always spot these issues.To avoid issues early on we recommend the use of a STL viewer prior to submitting your final files (STL viewers are available free online).

How to save files in STL format: