Export to STL or OBJ

Introduction
In this tutorial we will cover how to export STL/OBJ-files from FreeCAD. Since the mesh-format STL/OBJ is dimensionless, FreeCAD will assume on export that the units used in the model are in mm. If this is not the case you have to scale your model. One way to do this is using Draft_Scale.

Sample part
You can use your own FreeCAD file, but you could also create a quick test file by
 * Opening FreeCAD
 * Create a new document
 * Switch to part workbench
 * Insert a cube by clicking on [[Image:Part_Box.png|32px]]
 * Insert a cone by clicking on [[Image:Part_Cone.png|32px]]
 * Select both objects in the tree view
 * Apply a fusion by clicking on [[Image:Part_Fuse.png|32px]]
 * Save your file

Export Method 1: Using "File > Export"

 * Switch to mesh workbench
 * Choose  →   →   →  from the top menu
 * Here you can specify the maximum mesh deviation (0,1 mm is default) which controls how "fine" your mesh will get
 * Close dialogue with
 * Select the solid to be exported in the tree view
 * Choose  →  and set file type to for example "STL mesh (*.stl *.ast)"
 * Type in your file name and don't forget the extension, choose

Export Method 2: Using the mesh workbench in FreeCAD

 * Switch to mesh workbench
 * Select the solid to be meshed in the tree view
 * Choose  →    from the top menu
 * Select one of the three available meshers and specify the available options, for more info refer to this page (Mesh from Shape)
 * Choose and the mesh object will be created in the tree view (with green mesh icon)
 * Select the mesh object in the tree view and right click on mesh object in the tree view
 * Choose to export mesh
 * You will be prompted to choose file name (default is the name of the mesh object) and the file type (default is "Binary STL (*.stl)")
 * Choose and you are finished

Which Method to choose ?

 * Method 2 is to be preferred. Especially when you have more than one Body to convert you can use Tools from Mesh Workbench, like fusioning Meshes before Exporting.

Links

 * Import from STL or OBJ