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File Formats
Supported file formats and preparation guidelines for optimal 3D printing results.
Preferred Format: STL
STL (Stereolithography) is our primary supported format, offering the best compatibility and processing speed.
Requirements:
- • Binary or ASCII format accepted
- • Watertight mesh (no holes or gaps)
- • Proper normal vectors orientation
- • Resolution: 0.1mm for detailed parts
- • Maximum file size: 100MB
Other Supported Formats
STEP/STP Files
CAD-native format with precise geometry - excellent for engineering parts
OBJ Files
Wavefront OBJ format - widely supported with materials
PLY Files
Polygon File Format - excellent for scanned models
3MF Files
Microsoft 3D Manufacturing Format
Note: All formats are automatically processed and optimized for SLS printing. STL remains our preferred format for best compatibility.
File Preparation Guidelines
Best Practices
- ✓ Export STL with 0.1mm resolution for detailed parts
- ✓ Verify mesh is watertight before export
- ✓ Use appropriate units (preferably mm)
- ✓ Check file size is under 100MB
- ✓ Include multiple parts in separate files
- ✓ Use descriptive file names
- ✓ Keep original CAD files as backup
Common Issues to Avoid
- ✗ Non-watertight meshes with holes
- ✗ Inverted or inconsistent normals
- ✗ Extremely high polygon counts
- ✗ Very low resolution (faceted appearance)
- ✗ Overlapping or intersecting geometries
- ✗ Units in inches instead of mm
- ✗ Compressed or corrupted files
Resolution Guidelines
| Part Type | Recommended Resolution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Simple geometric shapes | 0.25mm - 0.5mm | Smaller file sizes, faster processing |
| Standard functional parts | 0.1mm - 0.25mm | Good balance of detail and file size |
| Detailed parts with fine features | 0.05mm - 0.1mm | Maximum detail, larger file sizes |
| Artistic or organic shapes | 0.1mm or finer | Preserve surface detail and curvature |
Export Settings by Software
SolidWorks
- • File → Save As → STL
- • Resolution: Fine
- • Deviation: 0.1mm
- • Angle: 5°
Fusion 360
- • File → 3D Print → STL
- • Refinement: High
- • Surface deviation: 0.1mm
- • Normal deviation: 15°
Inventor
- • File → Export → CAD Format
- • Select STL format
- • Resolution: High
- • Units: Millimeter
Rhino
- • File → Export Selected
- • Choose STL format
- • Binary format
- • Tolerance: 0.01
Blender
- • File → Export → STL
- • Check "Apply Modifiers"
- • Units: Millimeters
- • Binary format
SketchUp
- • Plugins → STL Export
- • Units: Millimeters
- • Binary format preferred
- • Check mesh before export