Finally, the STL format is unreadable by humans, only a compatible software is able to understand it and therefore to interpret it. But using such software adds an extra step to the printing process. They allow to correct the defects of 3D files. This is why, following the example of Netfabb and Meshmixer, several repair programs exist. When a file is defective, which is regularly due to a problem during conversion, the user is forced to repair it. These parameters can only be saved in 3MF format.Īnother problem with STLs is the frequency of damaged files. However, by using a slicer, the user can nevertheless add various printing (slicing) parameters to the model/STL file. The more precise the STL format is, the more triangles it containsĭespite their large size, STL files only contain information that allows the geometry of a part to be established. Also called 3D Manufacturing Format, 3MF models are intended to be intelligible and to limit errors during the printing process. Released in 2015, the format is now attractive because of some of its unique properties. Much more recently, the 3MF format was developed by a consortium led by Microsoft. It stands for stereolithography (or Standard Triangle Language) and is found on most platforms that offer 3D models, such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory and Cults. Launched in 1987 by 3D Systems, the first company to specialize in 3D printing, the STL format is now the most widespread on the market. 3MF files, probably the most popular among additive manufacturing enthusiasts. To learn more and find out what the pros and cons of certain files are, we took an in-depth look at STL vs. Between OBJ, STL, PLY, 3MF and many others, it can sometimes be difficult to choose between the different formats offered. And at this point, several choices are presented to the user. Once the 3D model is finished, it is necessary to export it into a file that can be read by a slicer, a software that acts as an intermediary with a 3D printer.
This step consists of modeling a part in two or three dimensions, which is where the geometric shape of the part is determined. While all additive manufacturing technologies work differently and each has its own specificities, one printing process always starts in the same way: Computer Aided Design.
0 kommentar(er)
