From Onshape to Manufacturing Files
Chapter Goal: Learn how to export files from Onshape in the correct format so your Snapmaker can recognize and manufacture your parts. This is the first step in turning a CAD design into a physical object.
Earlier chapters (Chapters 13-15) covered the general principles of 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling. Starting from this chapter, we'll use the Snapmaker in our lab to walk through the entire process from design to finished part, step by step.
β οΈ Safety First: A teacher must be present before operating any manufacturing equipment. This tutorial only covers software operation and parameter settings β it cannot replace in-person safety training.
A. What Format Does Each Process Need?
Onshape can export many formats, but each manufacturing process only accepts specific ones:
| Process | Required Format | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing | STL | Triangle mesh file describing the 3D shape of a part |
| CNC Milling | STL or STEP | Luban supports STL; professional CAM software prefers STEP |
| Laser Cutting | DXF or SVG | 2D vector file describing the contour lines of the cut path |
| Laser Engraving | SVG or PNG | Either vector or raster works; vector produces better results |
Easy Rule of Thumb: 3D processes (printing, CNC) use STL; 2D processes (laser cutting) use DXF/SVG.
B. Exporting STL Files (for 3D Printing and CNC)
Steps
- Open the part you want to manufacture in Onshape (a single part in a Part Studio)
- Right-click the part β Export
- Select STL as the format
- Resolution:
- Fine β larger file but smoother surfaces, recommended for 3D printing
- Medium β good enough for most cases, recommended for CNC
- Coarse β smaller file but faceted surfaces, generally not recommended
- Confirm the units are set to Millimeter β Luban uses millimeters by default
- Click OK to download the file
Note: You are exporting a single part, not the entire assembly. If you need to manufacture multiple parts, export each one separately. An assembly exported as STL merges all parts into one, making individual machining impossible.
Checking the STL File
After exporting, open the file in Luban and verify:
- Are the dimensions correct? β The part should be the size you designed, not huge or tiny
- Is the shape complete? β No missing faces or intersections
- Is the orientation correct? β For 3D printing, the bottom face should face down; for CNC, the machining face should face up
C. Exporting DXF Files (for Laser Cutting)
Laser cutting is a 2D operation β the laser follows contour lines to cut flat sheet material. So you need to export the cross-section profile of your part, not the entire 3D shape.
Method 1: Export from a Sketch (Recommended)
- Open the Sketch containing the cutting contour
- Right-click the sketch β Export
- Select DXF as the format
- Click OK to download
Method 2: Export from a Face
- If the part is already built, select the flat face you want to cut (e.g., the front of a plate)
- Right-click β Export as DXF/DWG
- Select DXF as the format
- Confirm units are set to millimeters
Common Issue: The DXF dimensions are wrong in Luban? Check the unit settings when exporting from Onshape and make sure they match Luban (both should use millimeters). If it's still off, try manually scaling in Luban.
Try it: Export an STL and a DXF file from a part you made earlier, and verify the files open correctly.
D. Getting to Know Snapmaker Luban
Luban is Snapmaker's companion software. It converts your design files into machine instructions (G-code) that the Snapmaker can execute. All Snapmaker models use this single software.
Installing Luban
- Visit the Snapmaker website's download page and select your operating system (Windows / macOS)
- Download the latest version of Luban and install it
- On first launch, select Snapmaker 2.0 A350/A350T/F350 (our lab's model, work area 320 Γ 350 mm)
Luban Interface Overview
When Luban launches, you'll see three main modes:
| Mode | Purpose | Related Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing | Import STL β Slice β Generate print path | Chapter 13 covered the principles |
| Laser | Import SVG/DXF/PNG β Set power and speed β Generate cut/engrave path | Chapter 23 |
| CNC | Import STL β Set tool and toolpath β Generate milling path | Chapter 22 |
Connecting to the Machine
Once your manufacturing file is ready, there are two ways to send it to the Snapmaker:
- Wi-Fi β Luban automatically discovers Snapmakers on the same network and sends directly
- USB Drive β Copy the G-code file to a USB drive and plug it into the Snapmaker (recommended when the network is unreliable)
Install Luban 4.15.0, select Snapmaker 2.0 A350, and confirm you can access the 3D Printing / Laser / CNC modes.
Chapter Summary
- 3D processes (printing/CNC) β export STL
- 2D processes (laser cutting) β export DXF or SVG
- When exporting, pay attention to units (millimeters) and resolution (Fine/Medium)
- Luban is the bridge between your Onshape designs and the Snapmaker machine
In the next chapter, we'll dive into hands-on CNC milling β using Luban's CNC mode to machine your first part.