Supported exports

Read this file when the user requests STL, 3MF, or native GLB output from CAD geometry. For 2D DXF output, use the $dxf skill; DXF uses a separate gen_dxf() source contract.

Policy

STL, 3MF, and native GLB are mesh sidecars, not substitutes for STEP. Generate and validate STEP first, then export requested sidecars from the same scripts/step run. Do not treat sidecar renders as CAD validation; inspect and snapshot the primary STEP per the standard workflow.

Native GLB sidecars are ordinary glTF 2.0 binary files for external tools: Y-up, meter-scaled, and free of the CAD Viewer STEP_topology extension. Do not confuse them with the hidden .<name>.step.glb CAD Viewer topology artifact.

Tool

Use scripts/step with a generated Python source:

python scripts/step path/to/model.py \
  --stl meshes/model.stl \
  --3mf meshes/model.3mf \
  --glb meshes/model.glb

When a generator exists, use the generator form. Use direct STEP/STP targets only when the generator is unavailable or the user explicitly identifies that file as the target:

python scripts/step --kind part path/to/model.step \
  --stl meshes/model.stl \
  --3mf meshes/model.3mf \
  --glb meshes/model.glb

Sidecar paths must be relative .stl, .3mf, or .glb paths and are resolved beside the STEP output.

Mesh tolerance

The default mesh density is 0.02 linear deflection and 0.05 angular deflection.

Use these flags when the default mesh density is wrong for the part:

--mesh-tolerance FLOAT
--mesh-angular-tolerance FLOAT

Use tighter tolerances for small curved parts or visual fidelity. Use looser tolerances for large simple geometry when file size matters.

Workflow

Generate STEP from gen_step() with the requested sidecar flag(s).
Run facts/planes/positioning inspection on the STEP.
Report the STEP and the requested sidecar files.

Example:

python scripts/step models/bracket.py \
  --stl meshes/bracket.stl \
  --glb meshes/bracket.glb \
  --mesh-tolerance 0.2 \
  --mesh-angular-tolerance 0.2

python scripts/inspect refs models/bracket.step --facts --planes --positioning

Reporting

Files:
- STEP: /absolute/project/models/bracket.step
- STL: /absolute/project/models/meshes/bracket.stl
- GLB: /absolute/project/models/meshes/bracket.glb

Validation:
- STEP geometry validated; STL/3MF/native GLB generated as requested sidecars.
- Primary STEP/STP snapshot packet run/skipped and why.

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