STL format, general information

Tool(s): Export STL Data, Import STL Data

The STL interface (SurfaceTesselationLanguage, STereoLithography) is a quasi-standard interface of many CAD systems.

Data in STL format describes the surface of 3D objects based on triangles; curved surfaces are approximated by triangles. However, the higher the degree of accuracy, the higher the amount of data generated.

Remember the following restrictions when it comes to transferring data in STL format from and to Allplan:

• No surfaces
• No textures
• No line colors
• No line types
• No pen thickness
• No layers
• Polygons consisting of more than 4 points are divided into triangles when you export them from Allplan.

The STL format is used to transfer data to a new generation of chromophore, film-forming 3D printers. This way, you can create true-to-scale models straight from Allplan.

Note: The VRML format was developed as a 3D standard for the Internet. Priority is given to the representation of virtual reality within a web browser in real time. The VRML format can also be used for rapid prototyping. Color models can be created in this format as colors and textures are integrated. However, VRML is not created or read correctly by all systems.