Is there a python library to generate STL file for 3D printing?

Question

I am currently in a project where a lot of 3D printing designs need to be done. They are all parameterized, so I'd like to write a python code to generate those design files (in .STL format) for me. I was wondering that, is there a python package that can do this? Because currently I am all doing those by hand using SolidWorks.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes there is... It's called FreeCAD.

The assembly module is already in the devel version (as of 06/15/2014) and will be of production quality really soon for real assemblies!

http://freecadweb.org/

Answer 2

Yes, more than one.

In my humble experience, I tried many Open Source tools for parametric CAD modeling using Python (FreeCAD, Rhino-Grasshopper, Blender, Salome). All of them are valid options and the best one is represented by your ability to either model or code.

I recently favour SALOME (www.salome-platform.org) because of the straight forward "dump study" option, the continue development and the good API documentation.

Particularly I did some 3d prints using the exportSTL command once I had a solid worthy of printing and it was ok.

Nevertheless, if you intend to work on surfaces rather than solids, I don't think you will find anything worthy Open Source (Rhino has a little price to pay).