Technology

I have converted Proe file into STL format.Now how to obtain coordinates from STL file(for Rapid prototyping)?

I have learnt to convert Proe file into STL format recently. But i need to extract the coordinates (for any proe model that the user draws) from the STL file for writing coding for a machine. Can anybody help me in this regard? Thanks in advance :)

Public Comments

1. I'm not exactly sure because i've only use external prototyping bureaus for getting stereolithogrphy (STL) prototype parts produced. The STL format is a type of triangulated surface mesh model. To produce SLA parts, custom commercial software is usually used, some can define the orientation of the part, create a scaffold to support the part during the build, then post process the STL data into numerous 2D cross sectional slices. The 2D slices are used to build up the 3D part slice by slice. I've never used these types of software myself, but I assume they're usually supplied by the prototype machine manufacturers. If you search, you may find a free program or type of post-processor. A lot of info regarding rapid commercial prototyping technology & suppliers can be found at: http://www.tctmagazine.com/x/default.html If you're more interested writing your own program you could take a look at the following site to get some ideas: http://wiki.makerbot.com/how-to-print#toc9