Introduction
This converter allows GIG users to import STL (stereo-lithography) file data
directly into GIG.
The converted data can be rendered in GIG using ELECTROGIG's proprietary
raytracer and then
output to transparency, print, or video for high quality presentations. The
converted files can also be animated in GIG to produce high quality
animations. The STL data is polygon based.
Models containing 300,000 polygons have been rendered successfully on a Silicon
Graphics workstation with 16 MB Internal memory and 55 MB swap space.
Preparation
Some knowledge of GIG, UNIX, and the configuration of your workstation is
required before using the STL file converter.
The file name must have the extension
.stl (in lower case) and must be moved or copied to the
'intlib' directory of the project chosen by the GIG user.
Assuming the user is currently in the directory where the universal file is
stored, the file has the name test.stl and the user's
project is named 'convert', then the following command has to be executed:
cp test.stl ~gig/projects/convert_prj/intlib
The intlib directory of the currently active project could also be accessed using the environment variable LD:
mv test.stl $LD
This command will move the file test.stl to the intlib directory of the
currently active project.
Usage
Now a copy of the STL file has been placed in the correct
directory, select the get stl button
from the channels menu in the GIG interface.
The selection submenu will then be displayed where you can make your selection.
The STL file will be converted to a GIG facetted model which can be saved and used as a normal GIG model.
See also
confile
