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Home > Supported File Formats > Unigraphics NX to STL


How to convert Unigraphics NX (UG NX) to STL (StereoLithography)?


PolyTrans|CAD+DCC performs mathematically precise CAD, DCC/Animation, GIS and BIM 3D file conversions into all key downstream 3D packages and file formats. Okino software is used and trusted throughout the world by many tens of thousands of 3D professionals in mission & production critical environments, backed by respectable personal support directly from our core development team.

     

Unigraphics NX

Unigraphics NX, or just "NX" is a BREP solids modelling software package with roots that go back to the early 1980s. In 2002 the prior Unigraphics and I-DEAS software packages were merged to create the next generation of solids modelling software called just "NX".

In terms of Okino sales, UG NX comes in within the top 3 of most requested MCAD solids modelling file conversions, along with SolidWorks and ProEngineer/Creo, even if they all focus on slightly different markets.

In simple terms, the best and most reliable way to transfer data from UG NX to Okino software is with the STEP AP214 file format. Other methods include JT files and Parasolid files.

     

STL

STL (StereoLithography) is one of the industry's oldest (and simplest) 3D file formats created back in 1987 for 3D Systems' first commercial 3D printer. It is widely used for rapid prototyping, 3D printing and CAM. Okino has provided one of the very first and still primary STL export conversion systems for close to 3 decades.

Please take note that there is no 3D file format which is much simpler than STL. It is not a high-end, high fidelity 3D conversion file format as many people have come to wrongly believe. Rather, STL defines just a raw triangulated polygon mesh with no smoothing information (vertex normals), no uv texture coordinates, no assembly hierarchy part naming or any material assignments. 3MF and VRML2 are often much better file formats for moving 3D datasets into downstream programs and/or 3D printers.

The Okino STL exporter WEB page provides good graphical tutorial about how to convert CAD file data into STL and also how to clean a 3D model which is 'almost water tight'.