What 3D file types do you prefer?

– The most common 3D object files are STL (.stl) files, which capture three-dimensional shapes as millions of tiny triangles, arranged in a mesh. These files contain no ‘material’ attributes, so can be printed in any suitable material. A single-colour object is created by using a coloured resin or filament – red, yellow, white, etc. If using resins, most makers prefer the cheaper ‘draft grey’ resin which can be painted after printing.

– VRML files contain colour information, and are preferred it you’ve applied colour to parts in your software. Full-colour prints which make use of the available 500,000 possible colours require special file types which contain not only the 3D mesh information, but also the colours and textures of the object.

– The preferred file type is the relatively new 3MF (.3mf) format, which can be loaded directly into our J55 printer without any modification or translation.

– OBJ (.obj) files are also suitable for full-colour printing. Other suitable files are the native files produced by some of the many 3D design software packages. Check and see what file export options your software has, and contact us about your options.