STL files explained
ASCII vs binary STL, units and mesh limitations.
What matters
STL stores triangle surfaces, not units, materials or design history. ASCII STL is readable text; binary STL is smaller and common. Confirm the unit convention with the file source before manufacturing.
A safe workflow
- Keep the source unchanged.
- Test on a representative copy.
- Review the output for meaning, not only file size or a green status.
- Record the settings that worked.
Common mistake
Automation can make a wrong assumption repeat faster. Confirm encoding, units, schema meaning or visual quality before applying a result broadly.