STL+file+creation

= STL stands for a __S__tandard __T__essellation __L__anguage. An STL file is a file format of the stereolithography CAD software created by 3D design software programs. This format is supported by a large number of additional software packages. These packages either apply it directly (i.e. when you save it, you can save it directly to an STL file using the menu), or by means of a plug-in that you can install. STL files are mostly used for rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing. STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three dimensional object without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes. The STL format specifies both ASCII and binary representations. Binary files are more common, since they are more compact. = =There are a large number of programs that can create .stl files from 3D objects you build or ones you download. Many are expensive, for example, AutoCad, while some are free and easier to learn, for example, Google's SketchUp or the program open source program Blender. = = When Sketchup is first installed, it does not have the capability to be able to convert files into .stl files. This means that you must first install a plug-in in order to convert them into .stl files. A free plug-in available to download is here To install the plug-in, you need to download the file above to the Sketchup plug-in folder. This method of installation should work with most Sketchup versions = = After adding this plug-in, you should see a new option under the Sketchup tools menu, a total of five should be seen, these being: STL triangles. Use this for Makerbot or Reprap style 3D printers; DXF polyface mesh. This will give the most faithful reproduction of your original Sketchup model; DXF polylines: exports the outlines of each face as a polyline, sometimes useful for CAM toolpaths; DXF triangular mesh: breaks all the faces up into triangles; DXF lines. This option exports the edges in your model as lines. = =- Lastly, the file will not work if you try to save it as non-Unicode and non- Latin characters. In other words, keep it simple. =
 * =On a PC, if you have installed Sketchup on the C: drive, then this folder will be at C:\program files\google\google sketchup [VERSION]\plugins. =
 * =On Mac computer, the Sketchup plug-in folder is /Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp [VERSION]/SketchUp/Plugin =

The .stl file is an intermediate stage in the entire process. We need to take the .stl file we have saved and convert it to gCodes, which is the file we will actually print from.