Export STL to 2d PDF at multiple viewpoints

Is there a simple function to convert .stl files to 2d .pdf or .jpeg files?

I have a large set of .stl files of 3d objects.

I want to save out these 3D objects as pdfs at different viewpoints (i.e. rotating around x axis).

Thank you.

Answer 1

[Suvansh Arora]

In order to import “STL” file (3D image) into MATLAB you can use a customer created function in MathWorks File Exchange which can load “STL” file into MATLAB. The customer created function can be downloaded from the following link:

http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/22409-stl-file-reader

As you mentioned you have large set of “STL” images to convert, you can use the below mentioned code to save out the 3D objects as “PDFs” at different viewpoints (In order to use it, please download the above package first).

%% 3D Model Demo (stldemo.m) 
% This file will help in saving femur.stl (3D image) same view, 7 times in 7 different pdf files. 
for idx=1:7 
    fv = stlread('femur.stl'); 
    %% Render 
    % The model is rendered with a PATCH graphics object. We also add some dynamic 
    % lighting, and adjust the material properties to change the specular 
    % highlighting. 
    patch(fv,'FaceColor', [0.8 0.8 1.0], ... 
        'EdgeColor', 'none', ... 
        'FaceLighting', 'gouraud', ... 
        'AmbientStrength', 0.15); 
    % Add a camera light, and tone down the specular highlighting 
    camlight('headlight'); 
    material('dull'); 
    % Fix the axes scaling, and set a nice view angle 
    axis('image'); 
    view([135 35]); 
    exportgraphics(gcf,'test'+string(idx)+'.pdf') 
    close 
end 

Please look at the following documentations and related ML answers articles, if you face any issues:

• Export current “plot” to “PDF” programmatically: Save Plot as Image or Vector Graphics File - MATLAB & Simulink
• Exporting a 3D figure to “PDF”, such that it is rotatable in the “PDF”: Exporting a 3D figure to PDF, such that it is rotatable in the PDF
• Import geometry to from “STL”: Import geometry from STL or STEP file - MATLAB importGeometry

I hope the above information helps you.

[Chris]

stlread is also a function in base matlab since 2018.

It outputs a triangulation, so instead of patch you would need trimesh to plot it.

[Lee]

Thank you this is extremely helpful! It works great for my object set.

I had one more followup question, is there a simple argument I could add to make the pdf backgrounds black and the object white?

Thanks again, really appreciate it especially as a new matlab user.

[Suvansh Arora]

I had one more followup question, is there a simple argument I could add to make the pdf backgrounds black and the object white?

You can use the “exportgraphics” function to add the background colors to your “PDF”.

Please follow the documentation mentioned, for your reference: Add background to your PDF