Overview
Stereolithography mesh format for FDM and resin 3D printing—the most common handoff between CAD/sculpt tools and slicers.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Best for
- 3D mesh
- Typical output
- STL
- Typical cost
- Free
Excellent for
- FDM 3D printing★★★★★
- Resin SLA/DLP printing★★★★★
- Prototypes and figurines★★★★★
Compatible with
Production
File types
Pros & cons
Pros
- ✔FDM 3D printing
- ✔Resin SLA/DLP printing
- ✔Prototypes and figurines
Cons
- ✘Parametric edits after export (use STEP)
- ✘2D print processes
Creator & maker guides
Preparing artwork
- Work in formats suited for export: STL
Resolution & export
- Export in millimeters with applied scale.
Bleed & safe areas
No items yet.
Common mistakes
- Non-manifold meshes failing in the slicer
- Wrong scale (meters vs millimeters)
- Excessive triangle count slowing slicing
Best practices
- 1Export in millimeters with applied scale.
- 2Run manifold checks before upload.
- 3Use STEP when a machinist needs accurate CAD.
Common mistakes
Non
manifold meshes failing in the slicer
Wrong scale (meters vs millimeters)
Wrong scale (meters vs millimeters)
Excessive triangle count slowing slicing
Excessive triangle count slowing slicing
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Non-manifold meshes failing in the slicer | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Wrong scale (meters vs millimeters) | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
| Excessive triangle count slowing slicing | See guides below for context | Review creator/maker tabs and troubleshooting table |
Helpful tools
DPI & resolution calculator
SoonImage size calculator
SoonBleed generator
SoonAspect ratio calculator
SoonHeat press time & temperature
SoonSublimation wrap calculator
Soon