It is also one of the oldest 3D file formats – dating back to the 1980s.Ī problem that has plagued the 3D modeling industry for decades is the vast number of different and incompatible file formats of 3D models. STL stands simply for “Stereolithography.” It is a native file format of the CAD stereolithography software that was developed by 3D Systems. What is STL and why should you be using it? Where did the STL file format come from? The STL file format is one of the more commonly used for 3D models for several good reasons.
3D modeling has also become so common and accessible that people are doing it just for fun.Īs with any piece of digital data, 3D models are stored in file formats that can only be opened using the appropriate software. Nowadays, technology exists that can turn a 3D model into a real object – and vice-versa.
3D models were nothing more than digital representations of objects, real or imagined, that had depth. Two decades ago, 3D modeling was something that only experienced animators and game developers bothered with. 3D Insider is ad supported and earns money from clicks, commissions from sales, and other ways.
