{"id":3120,"date":"2025-12-03T14:47:38","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/additium3d.com\/?p=3120"},"modified":"2026-04-24T10:26:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T10:26:45","slug":"stl-files-3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/additium3d.com\/en\/blog\/archivos-stl-impresion-3d\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prepare and submit your STL file for 3D printing in Additium 3D"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have your design ready, the next step is to make sure the file is perfect so we can print it without any problems. Here I explain all you need to know to prepare and send your STL file to Additium 3D<\/strong> and get the best quality in your printed piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an STL file and why is it essential for 3D printing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The STL file is the standard format <\/strong>that we use for 3D printing. This file converts your design into a mesh of triangles that the printer can interpret to produce your part layer by layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Additium 3D, we almost always work with STL because it is the most reliable and compatible with our equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you need to consider when preparing your STL file for submission?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. File format and quality<\/strong>Ideally, your STL should be in binary format, because it is lighter and faster to process. Also check that the mesh is closed and without errors, to avoid the part having faults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Units of measurement<\/strong>Make sure that the file is in millimetres, which is the unit we normally work with. This avoids size confusion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Mesh resolution<\/strong>If the file has too many triangles, it can be very heavy and slow to print. If it has too few, the detail is lost. We help you to balance it if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    What if you have the design in another CAD format, how to convert it to STL?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If your design is in CAD formats such as STEP, IGES or DWG, you have to export it to STL before sending it. CAD programs usually have the option \u201cExport as STL\u201d or \u201cSave as STL\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you have any doubts with this step, you can also send us the CAD file and we will help you to convert it so that everything is ready to print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why is it better to send an STL rather than other formats such as OBJ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Although OBJ stores more visual information, what matters for printing is the geometry of the part, and there the STL is the king. At Additium 3D we optimise your STL so that the print comes out perfect without losing detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where can you find resources to review or improve your STL file before submitting it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you want to make sure that the file is perfect, you can use free software such as Meshmixer<\/strong><\/a> o Netfabb Basic<\/strong><\/a> to repair possible faults in the mesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you prefer, we check the file before printing <\/strong>and we will notify you if we detect any problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to send the STL file to Additium 3D?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can send us your STL file via our contact form or by email. If the file is very heavy, we can coordinate a file transfer platform such as WeTransfer or Google Drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Always include in the shipment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n