Merge Multiple STL Models - Convert to 3D PDF
In this demo several separate STL files are merged into a common 3D scene
using PDF3D ReportGen.
STL format files are commonly used to send instructions to 3D Printers.
A preview of how multi-part designs will look can be created as a 3D PDF document file.
The following 5 steps shown in this video demo show how such a preview can be created.
Step #1
Load several different STL files designed to be printed separately with different
materials and merged post-printing.
In this demo, two parts of a black and white Vase are loaded.
STL format files are commonly used to send instructions to 3D Printers.
Step #2
Set each part to have individual file options and specify the STL interface
which will be responsible for the file conversion.
Step #3
On the visual effects tab, set diffuse and specular material colors for
each part.
Step #4
After setting up STL part colors, the are merged into the same
3D PDF scene to see how they will look as a final composite.
Step #5
Open the 3D PDF using the Adobe Reader.
The STL parts can
The preview design can be reviewed before printing, archived or
sent to clients for review.
Use of Julia Vase #2 Yin Yang in this demo is courtesy of Virtox on Thingverse.
Why, what problem does this solve?
There are a number of tools around which take one STL to one PDF, in a simpel file-in, file-out conversion.
Further, STL files as sent to 3D printers typically only describe a single component
and do not include material characteristics.
Specialist applications or CAD design sofware allow to see multiple parts, but this is lost
when exporting to separate STL files.
By creating preview 3D PDF files based on merging multiple STL files and setting up distinct
3D part material color, a fully assembled preview is possible without any specialized software required to view.