The external layers of a 3D model are made up by shells. Image Source: Autodesk Fusion 360 with Netfabb® Part 2.

In conjunction with 3D slicer, it allows a computer to communicate with 3D Printer to ensure that the file is printable. Slicer is a 3D Printing software that converts digital 3D models into printing instructions for your 3D printer to create an object. stl file extension, STL files are exported.īefore 3D Printing, the STL file needs a tool called 3D slicer to chop up the file into hundreds and sometimes thousands of flat horizontal layers. The more complex the 3D model, the more triangles are used, and the higher the resolution.Īs the most commonly used file format for 3D Printing, all STL file can be created by CAD (computer-aided design) model program. It consists of a series of linked triangles that describe the surface geometry of a 3D model without representing color, texture, or other common model attributes. STL files are the translations of 3D models in which all information is stored. STL file is the standard 3D printer file format for 3D Printing, it is the acronym of StereoLithography, and some say it is also called Standard Triangle Language or Standard Tessellation Languages. Image Source: Autodesk Fusion 360 with Netfabb® Part 1. What Is an STL File? In this article, we will discuss STL file and common errors of STL file. Therefore, before 3D Printing the basic process is 3D models, STL file format, 3D slicer, 3D printer setting.

STL file is the defacto file format of 3D Printing, with slicer software that can generate G-code, 3D printer can understand every layer of the STL file. To print 3D models successfully by 3D printers, what we need to do is to import a printable file that 3D printer can understand.

Slicer for fusion 360 alternative