3D printing technology is fast maturing into a viable technology for many applications. Having had been created in the mid-1980s, 3D printing remained around for several decades until now, a time when many industries are discovering the benefits to using 3D printing for various purposes.
When you look at it like that, 3D printing is becoming 'big' as a newly rediscovered technology. After all, when new technology is discovered, it makes maturing existing technologies that much easier.
In previous articles, we talked about how 3D printing works and the types of 3D printing processes that exist. However, not a lot of people know enough information about the standard file format for 3D printing: STL. In this article, we're going to take a closer look a few Frequently Asked Questions pertaining to the STL file format.
Frequently Asked Questions ~ The 3D STL File Format
What is the 3D STL file? Can you tell me more about it?
The 3D STL file is a type of file used for what's known as stereolithography, a form of addictive fabrication technology. 3D printing is a form of addictive fabrication technology that was further refined by 3D Systems in the mid-1980s. Since its implementation, STL has remained the standard file format for 3D printing. STL stands for Standard Tessellation Language.
STL files are a representation of surface geometry in a triangulated format. True STL files, however, don't support color information. Despite that, various industries continue to create 3D models in STL format for 3D printing purposes.
Are there other file formats that support color in a 3D printed model?
Adding color to a 3D printed model is a newer implementation to current 3D printing technology.
As of now, other file formats, including improved versions of the STL format, are being used to potentially add color information to specific triangles without altering the STL structure. There are also other new file formats that are being used to add color information to 3D printing files without utilizing the STL file format structure, too.
How do 3D modeling or CAD software handle STL files?
Many modern 3D modeling or CAD software suites now export 3D models directly to 3D STL File format.
Users that do choose to export should always exercise caution when handling a raw export of the file. If you don't, you may potentially cause the file to hold on to mistakes that may potentially cause problems with the 3D printing process.
Fortunately, software exists to correct that problem. SpaceClaim Engineer's STL Prep module helps prepare models for 3D printing. It offers a single solution that efficiently repairs any apparent issues with STL and CAD files, in addition to safely modifying them for later use in a 3D printer.
The module also allows users to take further advantage of SpaceClaim Engineer's intuitive user interface, giving them the ability to efficiently work with any major 3D format today. Visit SpaceClaim Engineer for more information.
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