3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that uses layers of material to create objects and prototypes. It’s widely used in design, architecture, and many other industries to quickly iterate ideas for new products or parts. During the creation of a 3D printed object, there are various file formats that are required to print an accurate and quality result. Xometry provides a variety of 3D printing and value-added services for its clients, so we’ve put together this article to explain the most common 3D printing files and their uses.
STL files (which stand for STereolithography) are the most commonly used file format in 3D printers today. This file type contains simple geometry information with a representation of a model or object in 3D. It consists of thousands of small triangles that are stacked on top of each other to represent the 3D shape. It is the simplest and most cost-effective way to print your 3D models.
OBJ files are the second most commonly used file format for 3D printing. This file type is a more advanced form of the STL file and can be opened with software such as Autodesk Maya 2013, Blender, or MeshLab. It allows the storage of colors and textures for a more realistic model. The OBJ file is more versatile than the STL file and supports non-triangular faces which is not possible with an STL file.
This is one of the biggest reasons why the OBJ file is more popular than an STL file – its ability to store multiple colors and materials. The OBJ file also allows for better geometric modeling through its support of free-form curves and surfaces. This makes OBJ files more suitable for high-resolution and detailed prints.
Another advantage of the OBJ file format is that it can be exported using different slicing software programs. This is useful for users who are working with multiple manufacturers because they can choose the appropriate slicing program based on what software they are using to create their models and designs.
G-code is a computer language that translates your CAD model into a set of instructions for the 3D printer to follow while printing. The G-code stored in this file tells the machine how to build up each layer of the object by setting things like the movement speed, temperature, and fan speed for the 3D printer.
SCAD is a free, open source CAD program that can be used to create 3D models and objects. It has a number of unique features that make it easy to use and is great for beginners.
TinkerCAD is an online 3D printing tool that can be used to create and edit OBJ or STL files. It’s extremely easy to use and can be used on any device with a web browser. The program also has a wide range of built-in templates for you to use.
When you’re ready to start printing your 3D models, be sure to check that the wall thicknesses are suited for your 3D printer and there are no faults or disjoints in the model. It’s also a good idea to add ‘escape holes’ to the model, which is a way of reducing printing costs by removing material that will not be visible in your finished product.
