What Is the Purpose of STL Files on 3d printing?
What Is an STL File?
An STL file is the digital file format that 3D printers and slicing programs can read. It defines the surface geometry of the object in a simplified, purely geometrical manner, ignoring aesthetics.
What Is the Purpose of STL Files?
STL files deliver a description of the 3D model’s outer shape. Aesthetic details such as color, texture, and material are not included in the file contents. The STL export process converts the overall model into a more basic, faceted model composed of triangular polygons. That model can then, in turn, be interpreted by slicing software or by the 3D printer itself.
What Is the Purpose of STL Files?
3D printers use the simplified STL file format because it is easier to convert into 2D “slices” that can be laid down successively. Though many CAD programs build in their own file formats, STL is compatible with nearly all of them.
What Are the Pros and Cons of STL Files?
PROS:
Compatible with the majority of 3D modeling and 3D printing software platforms.
It is easy to share and publish.
Can produce many object shapes.
Allows fast printing due to the absence of image color and texture data.
CONS:
Does not function as a visual 3D model format because it displays no image texture or color.
Unable to store metadata
Very hard to modify
