| name | export-stl |
| description | Export OpenSCAD (.scad) files to STL format with geometry validation. Checks for non-manifold geometry, self-intersections, and other printability issues. |
| allowed-tools | ["Bash(*/export-stl.sh*)","Read"] |
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
