Note: For specific information on how to export STL files from your particular CAD program, see the links for your CAD program on the main Photopia FAQ page.

Q: Where can I find advice on other CAD programs that export STL files?

A: You can find some general instructions for how to export STL files from the following web site: http://www.vistatek.com/file_stl.html.

Q: What is the best way to import STL files into Photopia?

A: The best way to import the STL files is to select File / Luminaire Import Wizard from the main menu and follow these steps.

1. When prompted to select the STL file to import, you should select the entire range of STL files in the file dialog. Photopia will assign default layer names for each part using their filenames. Set the Layer Types for each layer in the list presented in the Import Model dialog by clicking on a layer (or range of layers) and then selecting the appropriate layer type from the drop down list.
2. The model needs to be oriented according to Photopia’s photometric coordinate system. The model can quickly be rotated about the X, Y or Z axis using the Rotation feature on the Import Model screen. See the manual or the FAQ on Photometric Conventions for more details on luminaire orientation. Note that you can access all CAD viewing options by right clicking your mouse in the CAD view. Click the Next button when finished with the first screen.
3. The surfaces of the STL parts will all be properly oriented by default, so nothing needs to be changed on the Orient Surfaces screen. Click Next.
4. Add the desired lamp to the model on the Add Lamp screen. If the lamp needs to be rotated, then that can quickly be done on this screen. If the precise lamp location is not known, then leave the lamp at 0,0,0 and move it in Photopia’s CAD system after completing the import wizard.
5. The easiest way to precisely locate lamps is to construct an extra element in the solid model that is a cone, located such that the tip of the cone points to the center of the lamp (or arc tube). After the Luminaire Import Wizard is finished, the lamp can be moved into its precise location using the tip of the cone as a reference point. Make sure the Osnap is turned on in Photopia’s CAD system (toggle the button on the bottom of the screen) and then use the Move command on the lamp model, specifying 0,0,0 as the base point and then picking the tip of the cone as the second point. If multiple lamps are required, then the first lamp can be copied, again using the Osnaps as necessary. See Chapter 4 of the manual for more complete instructions on the Luminaire Import Wizard and the CAD system.