bolsover
Alibre Super User
Hi Kelly
It's important to note that the STL file format carries no information about the original units. So, when converting to STP there is no way to automate 'setting' the units. However, when importing a STP into Alibre you can and should select the required units. Unless you have already set some default import options, you will see a dialog when importing an STP file that allows you to set the units. If you don't see the dialog, check your system settings and make sure Show options when importing is selected.
It is also worth experimenting with the Import File Face Processing options. The latest version of the STL->STP utility defaults to generating a surface bodied STP file but you can use the Stich to Solid option to force a solid body. This should allow you to insert solid precise section views in the imported STP file.
I would note the the STP file format is not great; it was developed many years ago and has become something of an industry standard but it has several failings. The worst (in my view) is that entries in the file can and do reference other entries both forward and backward in the file which makes file processing both awkward and slow. I'm sure you must have seen Alibre get 'stuck' at 21% by now and you may well encounter situations where you give up waiting for a result... Nothing I can do about that!
Unfortunately we're stuck with STP until such time as a better format comes along.
Keep up the good work - the lost foam process is fascinating.
David