STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes. The STL format specifies both ASCII and …

Dec 22, 2022 · An STL file is a 3D model saved in the Stereolithography (STL) file format developed by 3D Systems. It contains plain text or binary data that describes a set of triangular facets, which …

STL is a file format commonly used for 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD). The name STL is an acronym that stands for stereolithography — a popular 3D printing technology.

Jan 9, 2024 · The STL file is an old file type, developed in 1987 for the first commercial 3D printer. The STL file format is widely used for the creation of simple 3D model designs and is compatible with …

Nov 1, 2025 · Developed by 3D Systems in the 1980s, this file type translates Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models into a format that manufacturing equipment can interpret. It describes the surface …

An STL file is a 3D file format that represents the surface geometry of three-dimensional objects using triangular meshes. STL files contain no information about color, texture, or material properties—only …

May 10, 2023 · All that and more as we explain the origins, structure, and uses of the STL file format for 3D printing.

Aug 30, 2022 · There are two types of STL files: ASCII and binary STL. They are both used in encoding information about geometrical surfaces that have been triangulated or tessellated.

Jan 22, 2025 · The STL file format is supported by many CAD software packages and is used for prototyping, computer-aided manufacturing, and 3D printing projects. It describes the 3D object in its …

Oct 13, 2024 · STL file comes in two main formats, ASCII encoding and binary encoding. ASCII STL files are human-readable and provide a plain text description of the orientation and position of each …