When you model something in Shapr3D and you want to print it, you have to export your file in STL file format. The format is available for all our users in Shapr3D, and a higher quality for PRO users.
What is an STL?
STL is a mesh format, which means that it contains triangles, and nothing else (in the case of Shapr3D, otherwise you could store color and lighting information in this format).
- low quality for free users
- high quality for PRO users
- custom quality (with the ability to set Deviation and Angle Tolerance) for PRO users
The difference between high and low-quality export can be shown through the differences in deviation and angle tolerance.
| Low-quality STL | High-quality STL | |
| angular deflection (in mm) | 0.5 | 0.08 |
| deflection (in mm) | 0.5 | 0.0025 |
Low quality is intended to be used for 3D printing at home with your filament based printer. High-quality is intended to be used with CNC machines, or if you have a more expensive SLA printer, for example, a Form2.
Steps for 3D Printing with Shapr3D:
- Export your model to STL format in Shapr3D (output: STL)
- Use a slicer program to get the STL ready for 3D printing (input: STL -> output: .gcode)
- Send this GCode file to the printer and print the model (Use WiFi or a USB stick)