STL files describe only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object without any representation of color, texture or other common CAD model attributes. The STL format specifies both ASCII and …

STL is a file format commonly used for 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD). The name STL is an acronym that stands for stereolithography — a popular 3D printing technology.

STL, abbreviation for stereolithrography, is an interchangeable file format that represents 3-dimensional surface geometry. The file format finds its usage in several fields such as rapid prototyping, 3D …

STL files are the foundation of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, but many people encounter them without fully understanding what they are or how they work. This comprehensive guide explains …

What Is An STL File? The STL file format has become the Rapid Prototyping industry's defacto standard data transmission format, and is the format required to interact with Quickparts. This format …

Feb 27, 2025 · Format Description for STL_family -- STL is an openly documented format for describing an object as a triangular mesh, i.e., as a representation of a 3-dimensional surface geometry in …

May 10, 2023 · What is an STL file? What does STL stand for? All that and more as we explain the origins, structure, and uses of the STL file format for 3D printing.

Oct 13, 2024 · STL, short for “Stereolithography’, is a popular file format for 3D printing and CAD. It represents a 3D object as a collection of triangles or polygons that define its surface shape.

Nov 27, 2025 · New to 3D printing? Learn what STL format really is, why prints fail because of it, and when you should switch to STEP or 3MF for better results.