Is there a reason people don’t include step files when posting everything? Some of us have full blown machine shops and dealing with the conversion from .STL to .STEP is just not worth my time for these projects that I am interested in.

It would be really cool if everybody could just post the other format which only takes like 20 seconds extra if possible.

It would really go a long way to getting these made in metal.

Much appreciated. I’m also a certified .stl file type hater so if I’m not in the majority here, I’ll take my roasting.

  • stickygumm_01English
    1·
    1 day ago

    For beta testing files it makes sense to only include a printable file and not an editable one, as this minimizes the chance of a tester making changes that would invalidate the results.

  • AlphaCureMom69English
    1·
    2 days ago

    I always include .stl, .step, and .f3d files in my releases. I won’t include .3mf or do orientation for people. They gotta read the read me and do it themselves lol. I thought this was the standard for most devs now? Which files are you looking at that don’t have step?

  • notsuspektEnglish
    8·
    4 days ago

    A lot of projects do include step files, particularly the ones by creators more into the FOSS ideology.

    The ones that don’t include step files likely did it on purpose to gatekeep the model.

  • foxbatEnglish
    1·
    3 days ago

    I always include STEP files.

    I think some people don’t know that STEP is more useful. Other people “in the know” do it because they don’t want others to be able to easily edit the design and release new or better versions.

  • hunteroftheyellowdogEnglish
    61·
    4 days ago

    Well, some people (like me) learned modeling with programs other than SolidWorks or Fusion. I learned with Cinem4D, for example, and would only upload my own projects in .c4d or .obj. Furthermore, most people here are more into 3D printing, and that’s why you find a lot of models in .stl, .3mf, or similar formats. Many people also use online or open-source programs that don’t work with or save in .stp/.step formats. I’m not a fan of the .stl format either, but you can’t change it. I’m starting to find it really annoying when some people are so persistent about certain formats. At the end of the day, you should always be happy when you get something for free…after all, the model creators have invested a lot of their time and effort into these models. I’m also very grateful when they come in .step format, but it is what it is…you should take it as it comes.

  • Thunder2kEnglish
    3·
    4 days ago

    Some CAD software locks .STEP behind a paywall, I really like shapr3d and really don’t have the $300 a year rn to drop on unlocking better files.

    But yeah, I feel you, I really want to remix some files but half of them are .STL.

    • skumEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      If you know someone with a college email address, you can get it for free. That how I got mine. Thanks daughter’s boyfriend 😂

      • Thunder2kEnglish
        1·
        2 days ago

        Good to know, wonder if I can still get into mine 😂

  • sir_obitusEnglish
    2·
    4 days ago

    I believe that any file release claiming to be “open” should provide the files in a way that allows anyone to easily edit the schematics without needing to modify (with difficulty) or manually reference the model.