3D printing is becoming popular in many businesses. Mostly manufacturing business. They create prototypes and customized products for their customer. Other businesses also use printing for medical applications and even customized robotics products.
Before printing the product model, we need to create the 3D models first. After that, we need to save the file in the right format based 3D printing. Printers always rely on specific file formats to print the digital 3d models.
But there is one question heads up, which files are used for 3d printers?
Well, in this blog, we’ll break down the most common 3D printing file types. And help you to pick the right format for your product printing.
What is a 3D Printing File?
Before getting into the file formats, let’s understand what it is.
Well, printing files are common 3d file formats used to store the details of 3D models of the object in a way that a computer can understand. The details of 3D models mean- object’s information and shaping, like typology, surface texture, dimension, and structure.
Not all formats can save all the information. While working on the 3D models, it’s important to choose the right file format so that the computer can store exact product information. There are many printers that require many file formats.
The most common file formats are STL, OBJ, AMF, 3MF, PLY, etc.
We need to choose the right file for the right printers based on the product. If we fail to choose the right file types, that’ll be a problem. The printing machine will not work properly. The printing object will be damaged. So, focus on the right file while saving the 3D models.
Before diving into the various types of file formats used in 3D printing, it’s worth understanding a typical workflow. For example, individual steps before printing the object.
How Should I Start The Printing Process?
Before starting the printing process, we need to follow some steps. In the printing process, there are 3 steps that we can follow-
- Modeling: A product 3D model produced using dedicated CAD or other modeling software. In models, their product details should include internal structure, materials, color, texture, and so.
- Slicing: The next step is to convert the 3D models into something printable using a 3D slicer. In this process, software requires additional information about the characteristics of the printer (size, speed, and method of printing).
- G-code: This step is a file containing toolpath information to instruct the printer what to do. The most common toolpath file format is G-code.
Now, we have understood the basic process of 3D printing. Now get into the main point, what type of file format is commonly use?
File Type For 3D Printing
There are more than 6 types of 3D printing files available, and each has its specialty, advantages, and applications software. In this section, we will provide brief information on the common 3d file formats you’re likely to use for 3d printing and what they should be used.
STL
In the 3d printing industry, the most common 3D printing file format is STL (STereoLithography). It is supported in the majority of 3D CAD software. The STL file format mainly shows an object’s or product’s shape. They do not store details about the product’s or object’s color, texture, or other elements beyond the object’s geometry. However, they are widely used in prototypes and projects that focus on complex object’s shapes over texture or multiple colors. This format right file type for 3d printing.
OBJ
OBJ files (pronounced oh-bj) are another popular choice for 3D printing, alongside STL. They’re like an upgrade because they can store more than just basic shapes. OBJ files can hold information about an object’s textures, like colors and patterns. This means you can print objects that look amazing, with all sorts of cool details. The only catch is that OBJ files can’t be used to show spinning animations of your creation. But hey, they’re still compatible with a ton of 3D printers, just like STL files. This one is also the right file type for 3d printing.
AMF
AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format) is also known as the “STL 2.0”. It supports multiple product materials and more colors, addressing the limitations of STL and OBJ formats. The AMF file format also accepts the creation of more complex geometric structures. Thereby AMF offers higher design flexibility making it ideal for projects that feature details, texture, multi-color, and -material designs. This one is good for file type for 3d printing.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noticing that the AMF file may not be as supported by 3D modeling and printing software as STL and OBJ. Also, it keeps more data and produces a larger file size than the other two files.
3MF
3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) is a multipurpose file type for 3D printing known for its ability to keep a wide range of data, including ownership information, and copyright details. This is worthy of protecting intellectual property. Therefore, 3MF gained wide 3d printing industry support. Besides, it allows users to store essential project-related information within the file itself. These are amazing pros for the 3MF file format.
However, 3MF files are not fully supported by all 3D printers and software. Also, it keeps much more information, resulting in a large file size.
PLY
PLY (Polygon File Format) is known for its versatile 3D printer file format. It is used to store 3D models composed of polygons. It can keep color and texture information, making it flexible to various software. It’s very simple and easy to use for 3D modeling and printing. This format easy file type for 3d printing.
However, PLY format files may not keep highly complex geometric structures like some other formats like AMF. The size of PLY files can become large to keep the product’s detailed textures or high-polygon models.
FBX
The last flexible file format for 3D printing is FBX (Filmbox). It was developed by Autodesk engineers and it has gained more popularity, particularly in the gaming industries and entertainment industries. It can store not only 3D geometry but also much more like animations, textures, and scene information, making them ideal for complex projects.
However, there’s a bit of a catch. FBX is a private format owned by a big software company. This means some free 3D programs might not work with it as easily as the other formats we mentioned.
Choosing Your Right File Type For 3D Printing
- For everyday printing of simple objects, STL remains a reliable workhorse.
- If detail is your priority, OBJ offers a good balance between intricate features and compatibility.
- For projects requiring advanced features and keeping an eye on the future, 3MF is the way to go (if your printer supports it).
Ultimately, the best file type hinges on your specific project and printer’s capabilities. By understanding these common formats, you can ensure your 3D masterpiece comes to life exactly as you envision it.
