Occasionally I am asked if there is a way of importing STL files into SOLIDWORKS as a solid/surface model and not as a graphic body.
STL Graphic Import
Well the answer is yes, and it is pretty simple. All you need to do is follow these steps:
1. Start SOLIDWORKS and click Open
Open a document
2. Change the file type to STL (*.stl)
STL File Type
3. Notice that a new Options button is available now. Click on it.
Import Options Button
4. Change import body to Solid Body or Surface Body and press OK.
Import Body Options
5. Browse to the STL file you want to import and click Open.
6. If you look at the FeatureManager Design Tree you can now see that the part is imported as a solid body.
Imported Solid
7. Now you can use the FeatureWorks > Recognize Features tool to convert the imported body into SOLIDWORKS features.
Recognize Features
In this example five features have been recognized:
Features recognized
Learn more about STL files
Attend our 3D Printing Essentials training course to learn more about working with STL files and the 3D printing technology and applications available.
