How to Install a Free STL Viewer

ProtoCAM Rapid Prototyping Services

ProtoCAM is a leading provider of rapid prototyping services, including stereolithography, laser sintering, Polyjet 3D printing, rapid tooling, RTV molding, urethane casting, investment casting and more. Please contact us to discuss your prototyping needs or to request a quote for rapid prototyping services.

Installing STL Viewer

The STL viewer of choice at ProtoCAM is SolidView.  Although there are different levels of features available for a various prices, SolidView Lite is a good, free product for viewing STL files.  Use this to preview any STL files you send to ProtoCAM. (ProtoCAM can create them ourselves from other formats)

1. Download SolidView/Lite
2. Enter your contact information into the form and submit it.
3. Either accept permissions to run SolidView's AutoUpdater or download it manually through their ftp or http site.
4. When the download window pops up, select Save File, and save it somewhere on your hard drive.
5. Run the svlite application either through Windows Explorer or utilizing the Start button.
6. When the setup application for SolidView Lite shows up, click on the Next button.
7. Read the licensing agreement that opens up next, then click on the Yes button if you accept it.
8. Enter your Name and Company, then click on Next.
9. Select a Typical install, then click on Next.
10. Select the directory to which you want to install SolidView Lite, then click on Next.
11. Select the program group to which you want to add SolidView Lite, then click on Next.
12. Click on Next.
13. After the setup has copied files, select or unselect the options to start SolidView and to read its ReadMe.  Then click on Finish.
14. When starting SolidView for the first time, select the Lite option from the dialog box.
15. If you would like SolidView to automatically open STL files when you double-click on them in Windows Explorer, select OK to SolidView's "To register the default file types, click OK." dialog box. 
    
    The most recent version of SolidView is 2004.3. If you have problems with it, try SolidView/Lite 3.55.

If you require further assistance, please give us a call at (610) 261-9010 or write to sales@protocam.com.  Note: SolidView is not our product, although we do use it extensively.  For further assistance, refer to the SolidView/Lite download page or contact their technical support.

Contact ProtoCAM for Rapid Prototyping

Please contact us to discuss your rapid prototyping needs or to request a quote for rapid prototyping services.