STL File Save As Options reference

Sets the options for the export of Autodesk Inventor part file to an STL file. Use an STL file to produce a 3D prototype on any device that reads the format.

Access:

In the Save Copy As dialog box:

Set the Save as type to *stl.
Click Options.

Format
Binary	Applies the binary file format to the exported file. (default)
ASCII	Applies the ASCII file format to the exported file.
Units	Specifies the units to apply to the exported file. Select from: Inch Foot Centimeter (default) Millimeter Meter Micron
Structure	Specifies whether to explode a file into separate parts, which results in multiple export files: One File One File Per Part Instance creates a separate file for each component included in the export. Retains origin relationships from the assembly file. Not available for a part file. One File Per Selection creates a separate file for each solid body or component you select. In assemblies, includes only the parent file in a selection. Not available for assemblies if you select All Visible in the Send to 3D Print Service dialog box. Available for parts only when Selected is selected.

Resolution	Controls resolution to use for exporting the model. Sets preset percentage values for sliders in options that control tessellation for the exported file. High Specifies parameters use the high preset percentage values. Selection clears if values change for Surface Deviation, Max Edge Length, or Aspect Ratio. Medium Specifies parameters use the medium preset percentage values. (default) Low Specifies parameters use the low preset percentage values. Custom Specifies parameters use custom or user defined preset percentage values. Note: A tolerance setting that is too tight can result in excessive facets and depletion of memory. In this case, the operation can fail.
Surface Deviation:	Controls the maximum distance between the facet edges and the surface edges. Specifies the surface deviation parameter to use for tessellation. Displays a value calculated from the size of the exported object and percentage set by the slider. You can enter a value. If you change the default value, the slider adjusts accordingly, and the preset selection changes to Custom.
Normal Deviation:	Controls the maximum angle between the normal vectors of the facets. Specifies the normal deviation parameter to use for tessellation. Displays a value calculated from the size of the exported object and percentage set by the slider. You can enter a value. If you change the default value, the slider adjusts accordingly, and the preset selection changes to Custom.
Max Edge Length:	Defines the maximum distance between the grid lines that are placed on the face during the tessellation process. Specifies the maximum edge length parameter to use for tessellation. Displays a value calculated from the size of the exported object and percentage set by the slider. You can enter a value. If you change the value, the slider adjusts accordingly, and the preset selection changes to Custom.
Aspect Ratio:	Controls the ratio between the height and width of the facets. Specifies the aspect ratio parameter to use for tessellation. Displays a value calculated from the size of the exported object and percentage you set by the slider. You can enter a value. If you change the value, the preset selection changes to Custom.
Allow to Move Internal Mesh Nodes	Specifies whether to make the face smoother. Works well for twist features.
Export Colors	Specifies whether to include colors in the exported file.