The .STL file format has become the Rapid Prototyping industry's defacto standard data transmission format and is the format required to interact with stereolithography  and selective laser sintering machines.   This format approximates the surfaces of a solid model with triangles.

Almost all of today's CAD systems are capable of producing an STL file. For the user the process is often as simple as selecting File, Save As, STL.

When working with a newer SLA Viipe rmachine or a newer SLS HiQ machine you should make sure your STL file is exported with enough detail so you will get the best parts possible.

Below are steps for producing high quality STL files from a number of today's leading CAD systems.  In all cases, export your STL file as a Binary file. This saves on time and file size.

Solidworks - SolidWorks 2006.pdf

Pro/E - Coming Soon

Autodesk Inventer - Coming Soon