Why is there such a hype on STL files?

Software
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I tried to find a more appropriate thread in this forum but could not find it.

Just curious…

Why is there such a hype on STL files? I do not understand. I only use step files, since stl files are facetted and I do not want that in my prints. Step files are so much better.

Why share 3mf files? Creality print does not embed print settings in 3mf files. At least not yet.

I am very interested in why some people download files to print. I’ve never done that and have never printed that little boat!!! For me, I design, save as step and print. Printing is trivial, design is the fun part!

I know many will disagree, so let me know.

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I only represent me here, but there was so much to learn when I got into 3D printing that I found something that worked and have stuck with it. I’ve not seen (and admittedly not looked for) a giude to all the file types I can use for my workflow from Fusion 360 (that’s a beast in itself to learn) to the various slicers I’ve used over the years. STL was the first file format I stumbled across which “worked” as far as I knew and still does. I can’t attribute any problems I’m having to the file type I’m using so have spent my time learning other things.

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Yes, I disagree.

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Up until fairly recently there was no way to open STEP files in the slicer so you would have to use STL, these days that is no longer true and I only use STEP files.

As for little Benchy, I use that to check how my printer is setup, quick and easy, reproducable test. Get a new printer, run a Benchy and compare it to what it should look like.

1 Like
5

So, here is a STEP benchy for you.

https://www.printables.com/model/1191345-step-benchy

Cheers.

6

Thank you. I appreciate the link. However I have no interest in printing Benchys.
Everyone has a specific need. This is all fine. However for me, I do not print benchys or any other “toys”
I print parts for investment casting and other parts for traditional casting. 2 very different arenas. This is not a business, just a guy having fun.

So many discussions about layer heights, speeds, bed adhesives, etc.

So for people new to this, here are few thoughts…

  1. The K2 is pretty good. But I have no time or inclination to swoon over a print. I watch the first 3 layers, and if OK, I walk away. Whether it is a 2 hour print or 36, I ignore. It is just a tool.
  2. If you want accuracy in your parts, do not be an excited little kid and try to peel/scrape the parts off. I never remove a part until it slides off naturally. If it is the least bit stuck, I walk away.
  3. Bed adhesion: many will disagree, but that is cool. I have no intent of pasting all kinds of goop on my PEI bed plates. I regularly print PLA, PETG, TPU and Nylon. BUT, I wash my plate in the sink every 4 prints to remove whatever slime printing parts makes. So far no issues.
  4. Lesson learned the hard way: We all get used to the K2 and CFS system. Works pretty good. It keeps track of filament type and quantity, all good. On startup it goes through all the CFS systems, calibrates, purges, all good. But with all this tech, a pretty big flaw. For example: the “system” knows the last print was nylon. Next print is PLA. It goes thought all the regular stuff, purges, loads, etc. Print is total failure. Why? With all the database, history, firmware/software it recognizes the next print. So it purges PLA at 220 Deg. But to purge the nylon (last print) it apparently forgot about, it needed to get hotter. So if you are in this situation, manually purge the nozzle at the right temp, then reload whatever filament and then continue as normal…watching the first 3 layers and walking away!
  5. Filament color: Since I typically do very long prints, and have no intention of babysitting this, as noted above, I watch 3 layers and walk away. If you want to print a toy, go for it, No disrespect, to each their own. But I only run functional long print time patterns. So if you can relate, a little tip: Printing with white filament on the black PEI bed plate tells you right away if you are adhered. It looks different. You will easily notice if you should abort or continue printing. If good, walk away for the next 18 to 24 hours. Printing in black give little indication, so I stay away from that.

Might be interesting to read all the comments opposing me.

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I see the benchy as a testing tool to check temps or other experiments I’m trying as it’s quick to print. I usually throw it away or give it to neighbor kids afterwards. I also print cubes and circles for measurement accuracy also.