3D printing file format

3D printing file format
3D printing is a technology that is quickly gaining popularity. But in order for the printer to print your project, you need to provide it with a file in a certain format. These formats, like languages ​​in which a computer and a printer communicate, determine how the model will be built and how the printer will create it. Understanding these formats is the key to a successful 3D printing.
Basic file formats for 3D printing
The most common formats are STL and OBJ. STL (Stereolithography) is perhaps the easiest and most universal format. He describes the model as a set of triangles, which, like pieces of mosaic, make up a 3D object. STL is clear to many programs, which makes it convenient for changing files between different applications. OBJ (WaveFront Obj) is a more complex format that may contain more detailed information about the model, including textures and materials. It is used when higher details or special effects are required. There are other formats such as AMF, Ply, which can be specialized for certain tasks or programs. But STL and OBJ are those that are most often found.
Why is it important to choose the right format?
Choosing the correct format is necessary for successful printing. If you do not use a suitable format, the printer may not recognize the shape of the object, and in the end you will get an incorrect model, or the printer will not be able to print it at all. The wrong format can lead to loss of time and consumption for materials. Imagine that you give incorrect instructions to the builder, and the result will not be at all the same as expected. So here, the correct format is a guarantee that your 3D object will be exactly the way you planned. Choosing a suitable format, you seem to give clear instructions to the robot so that it builds your desired object.
How to convert files to a suitable format?
If your file is not in the right format, do not be upset! There are many programs that can convert files between different formats. These programs, like translators, help the printer understand the language that describes your model. You can find such programs on the Internet or in specialized programs for 3D modeling. Usually just upload the file and select the desired format. This is a simple process, similar to the usual transcoding of files, like from JPG to PNG.