All You Need to Know About STL 3D Printer Files Format

There was a time when we wish everything fictional come true that appears on the computer screen. Right now, this fantasy is getting real as with the help of 3D printers. Consider it as a big step towards meeting the gap between the real and virtual world. Right now, 3D printers are available for personal use. You can order a device online and command it to create a 3-dimensional structure of anything imaginary such as your favourite superhero costume or a showpiece. For making it possible, STL 3D printer filesplay a major role. A structure that was designed in the soft copy of STT file turns into real while integrating with a 3D printer. STT aka stereolithography is a file format meant for serving multiple purposes including:-

• • 3D Printing

  • Rapid Prototyping

  • Computer-aided manufacturing

Currently, many other file formats are also available that supports 3D printing such as:-

• • Advanced Module File

  • 3MF File

  • OBJ File

Among all of them, STL is the most popular format because it was introduced initially in 1987 when other formats were not in even conceptual phase.

Elaborating on STL Files

Despite being the oldest format, still, STL is the widely and mostly used format for 3 Dimensional printing. This kind of 3D printer files simply and structurize the surface of an object in the series of small triangles called “tessellation”. Below are some points explaining the significance of an STL file in detail.

1) Ease of Compatibility

Almost all 3D printers and software platforms support it because STL is the oldest file format meant for printing PLA coils. Also, STL is among the simplest format that can be easily read by any random printer STL file can be created with multiple software applications including Autodesk, Sketchup and Rhinoceros.

2) Sharable without data loss

Generally, it is seen that sharing features of modern files are limited. On the other hand, STL file is lightweight enough to send via email or any other social media platforms. As mentioned above, it only comprises a set of small triangles rather than surface data that retain the information robustly. Even your favourite Marvels or Star Trek STL files are also available online to download without any quality issue.

Currently, a lot of websites are offering STL files of fictional characters and their costumes. However, also remember that it only retains geometry data and the final product will be crafted with a limited level of details.