How to convert from STEP or SLDPRT files to STL files
How can I convert the STEP or SLDPRT files to STL files?
I saw that a lot of models that are STEP or SLDPRT files, how can I convert them to STL?
Accepted answer
SLDPRT files are 3d solid geometry files used specifically by Solidworks. They contain source data for the solid geometry to allow easy editing of the model within Solidworks. STEP files are files used to exchange 3d solid data between CAD systems. They contain raw 3d geometry that is not easily edited. Both of these formats can be converted to the STL format which is primarily intended for 3d printing. STL files are also not easily edited. It will usually require CAD software like Solidworks to convert the SLDPRT file to an STL file. STEP files are supplied so that users of other CAD systems can import the 3d CAD geometry without losing any accuracy. STL files are not only hard to edit, they are actually very inaccurate.
It should be noted that just because a 3d model like SLDPRT may be converted to to the STL format does not necessarily mean you will be able to print it. Unless a model was designed with 3d printing in mind it may serve no purpose to provide it in an STL format. That may be why there are no STLs provided.
