If you are not sure which 3D file format is needed, the safest options are STL for 3D printing and STP for all other manufacturing processes. If the master is made with 3d printing, a. The vacuum (urethane) casting process is unique in that it requires a master model made via SLA 3D printing or CNC - depending on a case-by-case basis. These file formats contain more detailed information than STL files, and they can be used to create models with multiple colours and complex geometries. STP and IGS files are typically used for CNC machining, injection molding and sheet metal fabrication processes. STP/IGS: CNC Machining, Injection Moulding, Sheet Metal Bear in mind that a poor-quality export will result in a poor print.

Hence, are not typically used for 3D printing.

STL and OBJ files contain all the information necessary to 3D print a model. Although, IGS files can be edited and repaired, they are more difficult to work with than STL or OBJ files. Which format is needed for manufacturing? So if you need to send CAD designs via email, using an STP format can often help reduce the attachment size. Both IGS (.iges) and STP files contain more detailed information than STL and OBJ files however, IGES files are generally larger in size. It is, however, worth noting that colour and texture data are stored in a separate file, which can add to complexity. A key difference is that OBJ files can store colour, texture and material information and not just solely geometrical data. It is worth noting that the higher the model accuracy, the larger the file. STEP is also often considered the best file format for sharing 3D models as it is a neutral file type. Though STEP is more complex, it contains more information than STL files and is easier to edit and repair after being exported. STP - STP (.step) files are better suited for curved designs or when you need an extremely accurate model. It is a simple format that is storage-efficient and can be easily imported into a slicing software and printed quickly. STL is a 3D file format whereby the model is composed of triangular mesh geometry.

STL - The most common format for 3D printing. STL, STP, OBJ and IGS file formats explained In this blog post, we will explain the differences between STL, STP, OBJ and IGS files, and tell you which format is best for your manufacturing process. There are many different 3D model file formats, and it can be confusing to know which one to use for your project.

3d print from stl file