Solution
LabVIEW 3D load functions as the
Sensor Mapping Express VI or the
Load STL Geometry VI are only capable of loading VRML and STL files saved in ASCII format. If they are saved as binary files, LabVIEW will hang when trying to load the file. To solve this issue, make sure the files ingested in these functions are ASCII instead of Binary.
Some CAD software can configure the type (VRML or STL) of the generated files. For example, in SOLIDWORKS
®, we can save in both formats, but only the .stl format has an option to save in ASCII format. This is done by clicking
Options when in the Save As prompt, as shown below.
When the Options Screen comes up, select the Output as: ASCII radio button, as shown below.
Your file will be saved as .stl in ASCII format, and will now be readable by the LabVIEW Sensor Mapping VI and/or the Load STL Geometry VI.