STLB Files (original) (raw)
STLB Files
Stereolithography (binary)
STLB is a data directory which contains examples of STLB, or "binary STL" files. "STL" stands for "stereolithography", and indicates that the primary purpose of this file format is to describe the shape of a 3D stationary object. Stereolithography is a means of creating physical 3D models of such objects, using resin or carefully cut and joined pieces of paper.
A binary STL file usually has a filename extension of ".stl".
A binary STL file contains a description of the surface of a solid that has been decomposed into triangles. The vertices of the triangles should be listed in counterclockwise order, as viewed from outside the surface. A normal vector for the triangle may also be listed.
The file begins with a solid record, (which can include a name for the object), and ends with an endsolid record. Each triangle begins with a facet record and ends with anendfacet record. The normal vector, if given, is included as part of the facet record, and is identified by the normal keyword. The normal vector should have unit length. The three vertices of the triangle are delimited by outer loop and endloop records. Each vertex is described on a vertex record that lists its (X,Y,Z) coordinates.
A binary STL file has the following structure:
- An 80 byte ASCII header that can be used as a title.
- A 4 byte unsigned long integer, the number of facets.
- For each facet, a facet record of 50 bytes.
The facet record has the form:
- The normal vector, 3 floating values of 4 bytes each;
- Vertex 1 XYZ coordinates, 3 floating values of 4 bytes each;
- Vertex 2 XYZ coordinates, 3 floating values of 4 bytes each;
- Vertex 3 XYZ coordinates, 3 floating values of 4 bytes each;
- An unsigned integer, of 2 bytes, that should be zero;
Binary STL File Characteristics:
- binary
- No color information
- 3D
- No compression
- 1 image
Licensing:
The computer code and data files described and made available on this web page are distributed underthe GNU LGPL license.
Related Data and Programs:
MESHLAB, examples which illustrate the use of the meshlab program, an advanced mesh processing system for automatic or user-assisted editing, cleaning, filtering, converting and rendering of large unstructured 3D triangular meshes.
STLA, a data directory which contains examples of ASCII stereolithography (STL) files for 3D graphics;
Reference:
- 3D Systems, Inc,
Stereolithography Interface Specification,
October 1989.
Sample Files:
- <cube.stl>, a cube.
- <cube.png>, a PNG image.
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Last revised on 09 June 2012.