Everything You Need to Craft Beautiful 3D Printer File Formats

How about bringing your favorite fictional characters into reality? Not alive, but making their 3D models at home without requiring technical skills. It is only possible with the help of 3D printers. Nowadays, we can buy printers capable of crafting 3-dimensional objects easily. The 3D printer models are easy to create at home if you have these three things:-

• • A 3D printer

  • 3D printer filament

  • 3d software file

Printers of 3D objects lay down layers of thinly sliced filament material in the desired shape. A 3D printer is capable of crafting complex shapes faster and with high precision as compared to the traditional techniques. Filaments are the coils of different colors that we need to attach with the printer to create different models. 3D printer software files play the most significant role in this entire process. These files are similar to PSD and CAD but specifically meant for the compatibility of 3D printers. The most common supportive file formats of 3D printers are:-

1) STL

STL aka Standard Tessellation Language is the first and most popular file format for crafting 3D miniature models. In this file format, 3D models are saved in geometrical shapes that laid down on the surface as a triangular mesh. The designs of an STL file are very flexible as well as compatible with all types of printers. The biggest drawback of STL is its inability to display information about color and texture.

2) OBJ

In order to meet the color and texture identification issue, OBJ file format comes to existence. The file is capable of encoding color, texture, as well as surface geometry, from approximate to precise encoding. Due to its high precision in crafting the details, OBJ file is popular in the engineering fields like automotive and aerospace. However, high precision also increases its complexity while editing or repairing.

3) AMF

As an upgrade to the conventional STL file format, AMF comes to existence. This format was introduced as STL 2.0 and comprises all features that were lacking in its predecessor. Along with maintaining high precision while using multiple colors and materials, this format is also more simple as compared to the OBJ file. As an advancement, this file format also supports curved triangles to attain high-level perfection in finishing details.

4) 3MF

If you are looking for a cutting-edge solution to professional-grade 3D miniature models, consider 3MF as the most advanced format. It is developed by the leading IT giants like Microsoft and Autodesk for high-quality printing experience without any error.

For a normal 3D girl model or your favorite fictional character, STL file can serve the purpose. If you are looking for something highly advanced for professional purposes, go with the option of AMF or 3MF.