What is an STL File?

STL stands for Stereolithography. It’s a file format that represents a 3D object’s surface as a mesh of triangles. This means that the 3D shape is broken down into thousands or even millions of tiny triangles.

Why is it used?

• 3D Printing: STL files are the most common format used in 3D printing. They provide the necessary information for a 3D printer to create a physical object from a digital design.
• CAD Software: Many Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs can export models in STL format.
• Sharing 3D Models: STL files are a simple and widely supported format for sharing 3D models online.

Key Characteristics of STL Files:

• Triangle Mesh: As mentioned, the surface of the object is represented as a mesh of triangles.
• No Internal Structure: STL files only describe the outer surface of the object. They don’t contain information about the object’s internal structure or material properties.
• Lightweight: STL files are relatively small in size, making them easy to transfer and store.

In essence, an STL file is a blueprint for a 3D object. It provides the essential geometric data needed to create a physical representation of the digital design.