3D Printing File Formats

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to 3D printing file formats.

STL

Standard Triangle/Tessellation Language, a file format for 3D printing.

Tessellation

The process of covering a surface with geometric shapes, like triangles, with no gaps or overlaps.

UltiMaker Cura

A software used to prepare 3D models for printing.

G-code

The programming language that 3D printers understand.

STL Geometry Encoding

Uses numerous triangles to cover the model's surfaces.

SolidWorks

A CAD software used to create 3D models.

STL Compatibility

Highly compatible with almost every hardware and software.

STL Limitation

Only stores geometrical data.

3D Builder

Tool to visualize STL files, choose scale, check errors and repair them.

OBJ File Format

Allows choosing the way the geometry is encoded.

OBJ Data Storage

Stores geometry, color, texture, and material data.

AMF

Additive Manufacturing File, an updated version of STL.

ASTM

American Society for Testing Materials, developed AMF in 2013.

AMF Capabilities

Can store all possible data and metadata about a model.

STL vs AMF

AMF addresses limitations of STL files.

3MF

A 3D printing file format that stores data in human-readable XML format.

3MF Data Accuracy

Stores geometry data accurately.

XML Format

3MF files are stored in XML, making it easier to develop and modify.

3MF Advantage

Files are mostly error-free.

FDM Tolerance

Tolerance in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is the same as the nozzle (0.4mm).

STP, IGS, IPT, SLDPRT

File formats that can be converted to STL.

AMF, 3MF, OBJ

Alternative file formats to STL for 3D printing.

STL Geometry Storage

Geometry is encoded by numerous triangles covering the model's surfaces.

STL Online Availability

Millions of STL models available for easy download online.

STL Color Data

Does not save color, texture, and material data.

OBJ Compatibility

Not as popular as STL, limited compatibility.

AMF Scale Units

Scale can be specified in various units.

3MF Error Rate

Very low possibility of error.

Nozzle

The part of the 3D printer that extrudes material, tolerance in FDM is the same as the nozzle

STL Polygon Quantity

Important consideration when exporting STL files.