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What Programs Are Compatible With Step Files?
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Therefore, either an addon must be used to perform the import process, or the file must be converted into a format at the potential loss of data. It is considered to be a more accurate file format than something like stl, which is why converting a STEP file to an stl can result in a loss of mesh data.īecause the STEP file is very good at storing information for 3D objects, you may think that Blender can use STEP files in its own projects, however, this is not the case, as there is no way in the vanilla build to directly import STEP files. It is best suited for models and programs that center around 3D printing and manufacturing design. STEP is short for STandard for the Exchange of Product data and is a file format used for the transfer of 3D objects between applications. What Exactly Is A STEP File And Why Use One In Blender? STEP files cannot be exported from Blender.īlender is capable of using 3D data from just about any other software, but in some cases requires the data to be stored in a universal format like an obj before it can be used in Blender.
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If you do not have the add-on, then the STEP file will need to be converted as another 3D file format, such as an STL or an obj, and then imported into Blender as those file formats. STEP files can be imported using the STEPper addon. The nice thing is, that you can add, remove or modify edges and vertexes as you want and modify it like you wish.As a 3D application that has built a reputation for being the open-source jack of all trades, Blender needs to be able to both import and export a wide variety of formats for, 3D objects, textures, images, sounds, and videos in order to make the most of all the tools that it has available. Take a look at it with paraview and compare to the stl.(maybe rotate the feature edges 90° on the x-axis).Remove the STL from your blender session.But if you want to generate your own one in a very simple way using blender, you have to do the following: If you are familiar with that tool, the triangulation of STL's its very easy to produce good featureEdges with surfaceFeatureExtract. Then you have to check and test and repeat it till you know, the result you want is not reachable or its done after a few runs.
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Sometimes it happens that the *.eMesh which is generated by surfaceFeatureExtract is not very nice. Here is a very simple workflow for all those who what to modify their featureEdgeMesh for snapping. FeatureEdges with Blender - CFD Online Discussion Forums
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