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If you love creating 3D models, you’ll be no stranger to an STL file. This handy file format, most commonly used for 3D printing, easily stores and translates complex designs to software and printers. Discover more in this comprehensive guide to STL files.
STL is a file format commonly used for 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD). The name STL is an acronym that stands for stereolithography — a popular 3D printing technology. You might also hear it referred to as Standard Triangle Language or Standard Tessellation Language.
Each file is made up of a series of linked triangles that describe the surface geometry of a 3D model or object. The more complex the design, the more triangles used, and the higher the resolution.
You can recognize an STL image by its .stl file extension and by its lack of color and texture.
STL was created by 3D Systems in 1987 as part of their stereolithography printing technology for commercial 3D printers. The process used a computer-controlled laser beam and pre-programmed CAD software to create 3D models for rapid prototyping.
Since its creation, the STL file format hasn’t changed much, and is now considered the standard for 3D printing. It still uses triangular tessellation to create the geometric surface of an object, storing details about each triangle, such as each different vertices’ coordinates.
STL is renowned for its ability to transmit the geometric makeup of a 3D design and bring computer-aided designs to life. You can use STL files in some of the following ways:
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing (AM) — a flexible approach to industrial production. Your 3D design is printed in layers to form lighter, stronger parts using STL files and CAD software.
STL files were initially designed to speed up the creation of scale models for rapid prototyping. This means that the STL file is used to design a product or part, and then printed out to test the product in different scenarios before finalizing the design.
There are many advantages to using the STL file format. However, several of its drawbacks also may mean it’s not always suitable for your needs. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of STL.
Depending on the operating system you use, there are multiple ways to open an STL file.
This step-by-step guide shows you how to create an STL file for a 3D model with Adobe Photoshop:
An STL file uses a series of linked triangles (known as tessellation) to describe the surface geometry of a 3D design. You can then use this file to print a prototype of your model using a standard 3D printer.
Whether you want to print a fun 3D model or a practical prototype, you’ll need to create an STL file to store the design. First draw your model on a CAD software program, then save and export the completed design to your computer as an STL file.
You can open STL files using a variety of CAD-friendly software, including Adobe Photoshop. From there, you can edit 3D designs and prepare them to send to the printer.
While STL is the most common file format for 3D printing, it’s not the only option. Other files include OBJ, VRML, and PLY. To ensure you choose the best file type for your needs, it’s worth comparing different format options.
This is the file format of choice if you’re designing 3D objects using CAD software.
Learn more about this vendor-neutral file format popular for its ability to provide smooth digital exchange through CAD software.
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