STL Import for SolidWorks is a Stereolithography (.stl) file import add-in for SolidWorks®. This add-in gives SolidWorks the ability to import geometric data from ASCII and Binary STL files.

STL Import for SolidWorks reads polygon mesh data stored in STL files and imports it into SolidWorks. A polygon mesh in a STL file is comprised of a set of triangular faces. STL Import for SolidWorks creates trimmed planar surfaces for each triangle and knits them together to create a body. If the polygon mesh is closed (i.e. it does not contain boundary edges) then STL Import for SolidWorks will create a closed body feature, otherwise an open surface will be created.

STL Import for SolidWorks is very easy to use as it adds new commands to SolidWorks. It also adds a submenu to the SolidWorks menu called "STLImport".

Download & Purchase

Please download a fully functional trial of STL Import for SolidWorks by clicking on the "Download" link below. We are confident that during the trial period (10 days or runs, whichever is earlier) you will find STL Import for SolidWorks extremely useful. Later when you decide to buy the software please return to this page and click the "Buy" link to place your order. In the order process you will be asked to enter the Lock that appears in the product registration dialog box (which appears when you run any of the "STLImport" commands). We will create and send you your Key by e-mail within one business day. To avoid disruption in your workflow we urge you to place your order before the trial period ends.

(3.38 MB)

($195)

Note: Downloading this software indicates your acceptance to the SYCODE Software License Agreement. STL Import for SolidWorks is priced at $195 only. This is the price of a single user license. For your bulk-licensing needs please contact us.

Installation & Usage

Since STL Import for SolidWorks is an add-in for SolidWorks, it must be loaded into the SolidWorks environment before it can be used. Please follow the simple instructions in the STL Import for SolidWorks ReadMe document which is copied into the installation folder. After you have loaded the add-in file into SolidWorks, Simply click on the menu items in the "STLImport" submenu to run these new commands. Truly, software made simple!

The 'STLImport' submenu consists of the following commands:

• Import - Import a STL file
• Help - Display the STL Import for SolidWorks help file
• Register - Register your copy of STL Import for SolidWorks
• About - Display the STL Import for SolidWorks About box

STL Import for SolidWorks comes with detailed documentation for each command as well as a  tutorial to get you started in the shortest possible time. There is also an online version of the help file which you can view by clicking the link below.

Online Help

The STL File Format

The STL file format is the Rapid Prototyping industry's standard data transmission format and is the format required to interact with stereolithography machines. Stereolithography files contain solids which are made up of 3 sided facets. STL files may be ASCII or binary data, although binary is far more common due to the resulting size of the CAD data when saved to the ASCII format. A STL file describes a raw unstructured triangulated surface by the unit normal and vertices (ordered by the right-hand rule) of the triangles using a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Many CAD systems are able to output the STL file format among their other formats, but very few have the ability to import STL files.

Customization

If you want STL Import for SolidWorks to work in a different way to suit your workflow, do let us know. We will customize the add-in to suit your needs.