CAD tip # 11806:

Question

CAD

% platform category

Higher precision for facetted round surfaces in STL export from Inventor.

In the stereolithografy file (.STL) generated from Inventor, the radial (round) surfaces and details are represented too roughly, facetted. How to increase their smoothness, precision - e.g. for 3D print?

In the main dialog of the command "Save copy as" click the Options button and in the options dialog choose the resolution "High" or "Custom" and decrease the "Deviation" parameters.

Surfaces will be then converted to STL format in higher precision. But the file size will be larger.

A sample - comparing STL output of a single (larger-sized, about 50cm, 16in) IPT part with the precision settings (from the left) "High", "Low" and "Brep" (in the 3D print application Autodesk Print Studio):

Inventor

*CAD

21.2.2018 16249×

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applies to: Inventor ·

See also:
Tip 14472:	Overview of CAD formats supported in Inventor 2026 (import/export/AnyCAD).
Tip 14367:	What CAD formats are supported in the free Personal (hobby) license of Autodesk Fusion?
Tip 14075:	Overview of CAD formats supported in Inventor 2025 (import/export/AnyCAD).
Tip 13824:	How to export OBJ including materials, textures from Inventor?
Tip 12884:	How to insert your 3D model into a PowerPoint presentation?

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