Hi,

it's actually quite simple. In one of the links I posted above they show you how to export an stl-file:

Export["filename.stl", output]

It's as simple as that. Much of the remainder of the code they use is to make the two dimensional surfaces into three dimensional objects (obviously two dimensional objects cannot be 3D-printed).

One good piece of advice is to additionally use MeshLab to post-process the file and prepare it for printing. It is really quite straight forward.

Cheers,

Marco

Hello, I have found several relevant posts here about converting 3D data to stl format for 3D printing. However, I have not seen how to increase the resolution that is used by Mathematica to make the stl file. When I use the standard commands I have seen so far, e.g. "Export["file.stl",obj]", the resolution is far to low for my needs. I should also note that I am using ParametricPlot3D to make my surface. I can easily increase the resolution of that plot using "Mesh" but it has no effect on the stl file created. How can I accomplish that task? Thanks!

Right now I have this on the new window in Math and the file its calling for IS on the desktop. Now how do I execute it?

OK. What about this?

p = ListPlot3D[0.1*Import["~/Desktop/test_2.txt", "TSV"][[2 ;;]], 
  PlotRange -> All, Mesh -> None, PlotStyle -> Red, Axes -> False, 
  Boxed -> False, Filling -> Axis, FillingStyle -> Red]

It exports nicely as stl:

Export["~/Desktop/test.stl", p]

Again, you will have to adapt the path.

Cheers,

M.

PS: The stl file is attached.

Attachments:

This data set contains only one layer; the first one had more of them. I can plot this one, i.e. one layer, like so:

Import["~/Desktop/test_2.txt", "TSV"][[2 ;;]] // ListContourPlot![enter image description here][1]

When I constructed the 3D shape I only plotted one particular contour line. In 2D this works like so:

ListContourPlot[Import["~/Desktop/test_2.txt", "TSV"][[2 ;;]], Contours -> {250}]

The 3D case is similar; you only need to use ListContourPlot3D.

Cheers,

Marco

ok my data contains 4096 points. 64 columns and 64 rows see attached file

Attachments:

This is so complicated. Looks like I opened a Pandora's box to myself. How do I apply all these codes, programs and my data. How do I export it as a .stl at the end??? Please help.

I'm sorry if I ask some stupid questions but this field I'm getting into to complete this task is new to me. ListPlot3D is that a free software???