STL files simply describe a set of triangles that (usually) make up a mesh which approximates the continuous surfaces of a 3D model. If you’ve ever used a 3D printer, or designed something to be 3D printed, there’s an almost certainty that you’ve encountered an STL file before - but did you know that not all STLs are equal? In fact, it’s entirely possible to design a 3D model that meets your functional requirements and then generate an STL file from that model that will produce out-of-spec parts. If your model still contains excessive flat spots at these settings, you can try decreasing the values of the chordal and angular tolerance, with the strong recommendation of continuing to keep the file size below 20 MB.Īs the original file type created for stereolithography 3D printing in the late 1980’s (STL comes from STereoLithography), the STL file format is effectively the 3D printing industry standard for importing 3D model files into a slicing program like Markforged’s Eiger software, in preparation for actually 3D printing the model. If the resulting file size is greater than 20 MB, we strongly recommend reducing the file size by increasing the values of the chordal and angular tolerance until the STL file size has been reduced to less than 20 MB, as the large file size can significantly slow down the computations involved in preparing the STL for 3D printing.
Our recommendation is to start by exporting STLs with the following parameters: The TL DR: Exporting CAD geometry with the right STL resolution will result in 3D printed parts with the highest dimensional accuracy and surface finish, without slowing down the slicing process.
#FIND 3D PRINT FILES SOFTWARE#
STL Export Settings by Major CAD Software
Mesh Quality vs File Size: Our Recommendations
Angular Tolerance/Angular Deviation/Normal Deviation In the guide we will cover the following aspects of STL files and 3D Printing: We’ve been getting a lot of questions from new users about these types of faceted surface characteristics on their printed parts, so in the interest of helping everyone get the best possible prints from their 3D printer, we’ve put together this guide to creating high quality STLs that will make for great 3D printed parts. Have you ever 3D printed a part that had flat spots or faceted surfaces where smooth curves were supposed to be? Or maybe you’ve just seen a picture of a 3D print that looked like it belonged in some low-resolution CGI from the 90’s? You are not alone, and it’s not your 3D printer’s fault - the culprit is likely a lack of resolution in the STL file that was used to create the part!
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