Are STL files to scale?

Do STL files have dimensions?

This format describes only the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object without representing color, texture, or other common model attributes. These files are typically created by a computer-aided design (CAD) program as an end product of the 3D modeling process. You can identify STL files by the “.

What are disadvantages of STL files?

Although STL is the most widely used file format for 3D printing, it also has its own limitations. STL only understands the external surface and shape of the 3D model. The second biggest problem regarding STL files is the gaps and overlaps of joining surfaces in model that are not drawn correctly.

Do STL files have units?

. STL files are unit less and therefore are assumed to be in mm. This means that if you defined your part in inches 1 inch will become 1 mm in the exported file.

Can you scale 3D print files?

In 3D printing, size really doesn’t matter. If you like a 3D object, you can scale it up or down easily and print at exactly the size you need.

How do I check the size of a STL file?

Press N (or use View | Properties) until the Properties panel shows up. Select the “Length” checkbox in the “Edge Info” section of the Properties panel (see image below). Select the edge to measure by clicking on it with your right mouse button.

What does STL file format stand for?

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. You might also hear it referred to as Standard Triangle Language or Standard Tessellation Language.

What is the 4th dimension in 4D Printing?

The fourth dimension in 4D printing refers to materials that are able to change and mutate over time when exposed to water, temperature changes and/or air to self assemble.

Are there any alternatives to the STL file format?

There are plenty of alternatives to STL files for 3D printing. The most well-known is the OBJ file which can store color and texture profile. PLY file formats are also used and were originally used to store 3D scanned objects.

What are the advantages of STL file format?

3 – STL’s advantage: simplicity



STL files are simple, light and very easy to handle by software and machines. We can email it, download it and transfer it with remarkable ease because it only contains the basic shape of the generated surfaces and their coordinates understood by the 3D printer.

How do I export from NX to STL?

In the File menu, select Export, then STL. In older versions of this software, select Rapid Prototyping instead of STL. In the Rapid Prototyping dialogue box, set Output Type to Binary.

How do I reduce the size of a STL file?

Choose the ‘Select’ tool from the menu on the right, then double-click on your model (this will select your entire mesh). Then click on the ‘Edit…’ option and select ‘Reduce’.

How do you scale down a 3D model?

To Scale a 3D Object

1. Click Home tab Modify 3D Scale. Find.
2. Select the objects and subobjects you want to scale using the following methods: …
3. When you have selected all objects, press Enter. …
4. Do one of the following: …
5. To resize the selection, drag and release, or enter a scale factor while holding the mouse button.