Meshing & Exporting

Once you have finished designing a model that meets the 3D Model Checklist, the object can be meshed and exported out as a .stl (a standard file type readable by most CAD software.)

What is a mesh?

A mesh is a collection of vertices, edges, and planar faces that are used to define the geometry of a 3D model. Meshes are the simplest way to define a digital object and are often used to translate models from native CAD modelling languages into more universal mesh file types. (.stl files utilise triangular meshes)

Mesh Resolution

It is important to be mindful that the mesh resolution/polygon count will significantly impact the accuracy and smoothness of a model.

Low Density / Low-Resolution / Low Polygon Mesh Recommended for flat, planar or rectilinear forms that can easily be recreated with fewer, large triangular mesh faces

High Density / High-Resolution Mesh Recommended for organic, fluid and curvilinear forms that require significantly more mesh faces to preserve surface features.

Meshes shown in blue below represent the most suitable mesh density.

Original Model

Low Density Mesh

Medium Density Mesh

High Density Mesh

Exporting

To export models as .stl files, follow the below guides.

Fusion 360

1. Right-click on the Component in the browser tree (left panel).

2. Select Save As Mesh

3. Select File Format. (STL Binary)

4. Click OK

Solidworks

1. Select part from the browser tree (left panel).

2. File>Save As

3. In the Save As window, select the STL file type.

4. Select Options...

5. Output as Binary and ensure units are set to millimetres/mm

6. Select Resolution (Mesh Density / Resolution)

7. Click OK

8. Click Save

Rhino

1. Select Object

2. Mesh

3. select desired Polygon count / Mesh density

4. Click OK

5. Select the mesh

6. File>Export Selected......

7. In the Export window, select the STL file type.

8. Name the file and click Save

9. In the STL Export Options window, select Binary uncheck export open objects and click OK,

Blender

1. Select objects to export

2. File>Export>STL(.stl)

3. Name File

4. Ensure Selection Only is checked

5. Click Export STL

Do not export multiple meshes in a single .stl file. Each model must be submitted in its own individual .stl file. This allows dFab to modify part orientation & placement when nesting with other jobs. Exceptions: moving parts & integrated assemblies designed for printing in place