3D design software: after downloading the software, it is possible to open an STL file and edit it.

STL viewer: there are many free ones online, without having to download any software.

To open an STL file, there are two main options:

Click on the 3D model and read all the characteristics to make sure that’s the one.

Find a 3D design using the filters or the search bar (if there are a lot of “likes” on a 3D design it usually means it’s good).

Go to a 3D model repository/marketplace (see our list above).

How to download an STL file?ĭownloading STL files is a very easy process. Slicing software converts 3D drawings into horizontal layers with instructions for the 3D printer. It is possible to generate G-Code files from STL files or other formats using slicer software.

The G-Code file contains the instructions for the 3D printer to build the object layer by layer (starting point, the direction and the speed of the nozzle, etc.). In the case of 3D printers, the G-Code is the actual file that the 3D printer reads. G-Code is a numerical language used to instruct CNC (computer numerical control) machines, including 3D printers. Most of all, it is possible to compress AMF files to about half the size of an STL file. AMFĪMF stands for Additive Manufacturing File Format and is becoming more and more standard in 3D printing. Therefore, full-color 3D printers or dual extruder 3D printers may use this format. VRML stands for “ Virtual Reality Modeling Language”. VRML is a 3D digital file format that supports color. Many design software can export to OBJ and this format is also common in 3D printing. OBJ is an open file format that Wavefront’s Advanced Visualizer uses for polygonal or free-form objects.

This format approximates the surfaces of a solid model with triangles: the more triangles, the more accurate the 3D design. It is the main 3D file format used for FFF and FDM desktop 3D printers. The STL format is the most common file format in 3D printing. STL stands for stereolithography and is originally a 3D Systems creation. What are the most common file formats for 3D printing? STL This website is specialized in medical STL models. Embodi3DĮmbodi3D receives 15% of the sale price, plus $0.30 per sale (transaction fee). The commission may be higher if Threeding helps prepare the models in a 3D-printing-friendly format. However, this commission may be lower for non-profit organizations such as museums, schools, foundations, private collectors, etc. The standard commission fee rate is 8.5% of the sale price (minimum $0.45) including VAT. Pinshape adds 30% of the designer’s price, so the commission is paid by the buyer and not the designer. Their commission is 20% of the selling price (excluding VAT), which includes bank fees (about 5% of the commission). Here are a few of our favorite 3D print file marketplaces. The best websites and marketplaces to sell 3D models Agustin Flowalistik’s profile on Twitter.

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