slot in imported .stl solid

[Keith.Turner2]

I know it just after the holiday & the brain is not functioning 100% but I'm going nuts trying to put slots in an imported .stl solid. Help says you can do it with a feature so why won't it work? I put a sketch on a plane or face but when I try to use extrude to 'cut' the slot it only allows the surfaces option. What am I doing wrong?
Using Inventor Pro 2008

[jonathan.landeros]

Keith,

Are you sure the file didn't import as a surface model? It sounds like it did. If you can get it to import as a solid, or stitch it into one after the fact, then the slot should work.

You can always attach the file here (assuming there's no proprietary type rules that prevent it), and either myself (or one of the other AUGI addicts) can take a look.

[Keith.Turner2]

Thanks Jonathan, I think you may be right I'll take another stab at it. Unfortunately I can't attach it as it is part of a patent application for a well known UK aero engine manufacturer. I think I would be shot at dawn if I did that!

[JD Mather]

... an imported .stl solid.

Inventor does not import stl files?
Stl files are surfaces - not solids.
However you go the data (since Inventor doesn't import stl) you will need to learn how to use the Construction Environment in Inventor.

[Keith.Turner2]

OK on that, I will look to learn about & to use the construction environment.
But the 'Help' does say that you can use features to cut the .stl object.

Back in the new year, Happy new year!

[JD Mather]

But the 'Help' does say that you can use features to cut the .stl object.

Can you give the terms to search in Help to find this information? Perhaps attach a screen shot as well. I have never been able to import stl files into Inventor. Even if you can stl files are heavily faceted surfaces, generally of little use in engineering other than as reference geometry.

Are you sure you aren't confusing stl with STEP (*.stp)?

If you attended AU 2008 I gave a presentation on using neutral format data that you can access at http://au.autodesk.com