Why is there such a hype on STL files?

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.

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.

Yes, I disagree.

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.

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So, here is a STEP benchy for you.

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

Cheers.