Stereolithography, also called standard tessellation language, is a technology that has been in use for many years. The purpose of this tech is to use CAD data and translate it with the help of a 3D printing device. Over the years, different upgrades in technology have made it a crucial development for the sustenance of futuristic devices and components for all of us. 

There are different aspects of STL that we need to consider while learning about it. This tech is important for translating complex data and developing different types of complex geometrical objects. One thing to remember is that we cannot use STL for mesh topology. The reason is the files are too big to handle for a regular 3D printer. 

There are also more chances of errors and faults that can become irreversible if we do this. You will find different companies today that are relying on this tech for daily operations. Data formatting and modeling are easier with this technology as well. Another way is the 3mf file format. It means you can use it for individual object development with the help of the old mesh. 

This way is beneficial when you want to reuse the single mesh for the development of multiple objects later. STL vs. 3mf file format can be hectic for beginners. Therefore we are going to assist you in picking the correct method in this post. Let’s get started!

STL (Stereo Lithography):

• Structure of File: STL files mostly have triangular facets that are important for the development of 3D geometries. The objects are just a group of mesh that achieves a shape later in the process. 
• Simplicity: STL has always been one of the most feasible techs that support 3D printing; therefore, for both beginners and experts, this process is easy to rely on. 
• Compatibility: STL is also compatible with printing purposes and file management, and development with STL is also easier for crafting complex objects. 
• Limitations: STL still has some limitations in the form of colorless files and the texture of the objects under development. The STL process is not handy for the development of complex geometries that contain multiple colors at all. 
• File Size: STL files are always larger than 3mf files because these contain all the insights and details regarding a 3D object under development. 

3MF (3D Manufacturing Format):

• Structure of File: 3MF files are more critical than STL files because these are exceptional for displaying complex data for multiple objects. From color details to material insights and information regarding the texture used, 3mf files are a good choice when you want to go deeper into geometrical objects. 
• Versatility: 3MF files are good when we are aiming for 3D objects that contain multiple materials and complex formations. You can even use a single 3mf file for this entire representation in an organized manner. 
• Compression: 3MF files are compressible, which means that we can reduce their sizes which does not create a load on the system, and it comes in handy when we are dealing with huge complex data. 
• Enhanced Support: It is important to consider that 3mf file formats are supportive of different types of 3D printers, but problems can still occur during this pursuit. 
• Standardization: The 3mf file formatting is always undergoing changes to meet the industry standard of 3D printing to exclude the chances of error as much as possible. 

Use Cases:

We are now going to take a look at the major use cases of STL vs. 3mf file format. You can see which option suits you the best based on your requirements and the nature of the projects. 

1. STL: STL files are suitable when your 3D objects are simple and do not require extensive representation of data and insights. You can use STL when you are not working on the color and material of the objects. The applications of STL include rapid manufacturing, modeling, feasible visualization, and flawless prototyping.
   1. 3MF: 3MF files are for intricate 3D objects and are larger in size because of the range of data they represent. This file format is handy for applications. There are chances of data manipulation, and a fine representation of the materials used matters a lot. Architectural models and technical objects can benefit a lot from this format. 

Characteristics of STL files

There is no doubt that STL files are important because of their remarkable characteristic of small-volume complex data and mid-range intricate object representation. Their range of characteristics makes them a reliable choice to merge with 3D printing to gain great results. You can even use CAD with STL files easily. 

These are crucial when you need quick prototyping when your deadlines are approaching. The process comprises triangles and displays the data by using these triangles. In this way, we are able to create simple to little complex objects easily with the help of STL files. 

The number of triangles we are working with directly determines the precision of the objects we are going to 3D print. This technique leaves no margin behind in developing the exact same object that matches the model on all counts. The difference between STL vs. 3mf file format is that in STL files, you don’t get in-depth information about color texture and materials used. This is possibly one of the biggest downsides of STL files. Speaking of which, we have to know about another drawback of STL files which is the higher chance of corrupted files. 

If you happen to interact with a corrupted file, you cannot use it further. Instead, you have to rework it, which is also time-consuming. There is still some external help present that makes your reworking easier. Another drawback is you, as a human, cannot read these files; instead, you need to rely only on software for reading purposes. 

Characteristics of 3MF files

There is no doubt that today’s 3mf file format is common because of its remarkable properties. It makes your projects much easier to complete, no matter how intricate they are. You can fully adhere to the principles of 3D printing with the help of 3mf files without any complications. 

With 3mf files, you are able to consume data effortlessly since these barely undergo glitches and file mishaps. You can compress huge amounts of data and in-depth information regarding a project in a single 3mf file for later usage. Now don’t mistake a 3mf file for a mesh-like STL one. These are mostly zip files that you can for referring to the 3D modeling and use the data stored in them for the model development. From colors to materials and much more, you can easily rely on these files for different advantages. 

The latest features of 3mf files will also make your current projects much easier at the same time. With 3mf files, prototyping, and 3D printing is never a hustle, even for beginners. Unlike STL files, these are human readable, which omits the need to use external help and third-party software for this purpose. 

Advantages of STL vs. 3MF File Format

If we talk about 3mf files, these are your go-to option to store tons of crucial data in a single file. These are beneficial when we are working on complex models and 3D objects. Later, you can develop similar models with the help of 3D printing and rely on the information delivered through these files quite feasibly. Things are not easy with STL files because these are impossible to read manually, and we need to use different software for this. Plus, we won’t get the basic information regarding the 3D objects since the texture and color details are absent in STL files. 3mf files are handier because, with these, you can make embedding possible and modifiers that can exclude the obstacles in your way of 3D printing. You can use your copyrights for the models and designs with these 3mf files as well. These files are important because they offer you a higher degree of customization on all counts. 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that we have to struggle with making a decision between STL vs. 3mf file format. However, we have shared all the crucial information regarding these file formats with you in this post. So that you can easily decide what you are going for in the future.

One thing that is always going to help you in this regard is evaluating your options. The better you will be able to do that, the soon you will realize what type of file format will prove to be beneficial for you.