printing cross sections of a STL file in 2d

Hello,

I am hoping I can get some answers to a question I have been having
all kinds of problems with. Assuming I have an STL file, and I want
to print the cross sections onto paper in the same way that they would
be deposited by a rapid prototyper what is the best way to do so? At
worst I could use a freeware viewer and just print screen/ print
screen to file type of operation but I would think simpler methods
exist.

More importantly what is the best software package to do this often?

Thanks for any help

Ghostwriter

 

When STL files are imported to SolidWorks, the default is for the
result to simply be a "Graphic Body" representation of the 3D object.
Although the imported graphic can be dynamically rotated and viewed,
there is no solid object.

If the translation option is changed to "Solid Body", then (assuming
that the STL file's polygons describe a closed volume) the result will
be a faceted solid object which can be cut along section lines you
create. The resultant solid can also be displayed with the virtual
Section View (from the main menu) and the cutting plane dynamically
dragged across and/or rotated throuhg the part.

Per O. Hoel
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