Export STL Skill

Convert OpenSCAD files to STL format for 3D printing with automatic geometry validation.

When to Use

Use this skill after:

• The design has been iterated and looks correct in PNG previews

• You're ready to export for 3D printing

Usage

.claude/skills/export-stl/scripts/export-stl.sh <input.scad> [options]

Options

• --output <path>

• Custom output path (default: <input>.stl )

• --binary

• Export binary STL (smaller file, default)

• --ascii

• Export ASCII STL (human-readable)

Geometry Validation

During export, the script checks for common printability issues:

• Non-manifold geometry - Mesh has holes or edges shared by more than 2 faces

• Self-intersecting geometry - Parts of the model overlap incorrectly

• Degenerate faces - Zero-area triangles that can cause slicer issues

If issues are detected, the export still completes but warnings are shown with guidance on how to fix them.

Example

After phone_stand_003.scad looks good in preview:

.claude/skills/export-stl/scripts/export-stl.sh phone_stand_003.scad

Output:

--- Geometry Validation --- STATUS: PASSED - No geometry issues detected

• Mesh appears manifold (watertight)
• No self-intersections found
• Ready for slicing

Workflow Integration

/openscad → /preview-scad → /export-stl ↓ Geometry validation ↓ Ready for slicer

Fixing Common Issues

If validation reports problems:

• Non-manifold: Ensure all shapes are closed solids, avoid 2D shapes in 3D context

• Self-intersect: Use union() to properly combine overlapping shapes

• Degenerate: Check for very thin features, increase $fn for curves

Notes

• Binary STL is recommended (smaller files, faster to process)

• The export performs a full render, so complex models may take time

• Triangle count is reported for estimating slice complexity