Ob Sie ein Hobbyist sind 3D Drucker or a professional in manufacturing, one question always comes up: Which 3D printing format should I use? The answer depends on your project goals—like whether you need color, how big the file can be, or what software your printer supports. This guide breaks down the most common formats, ihre Vor- und Nachteile, and how to pick the best one.
1. Key 3D Printing Formats: Ein Nebenseitigkeitsvergleich
Anfangen, let’s look at the four most widely used formats. The table below compares their core features, Ideale Verwendungszwecke, und Einschränkungen.
Format | Year Launched | Kernfunktionen | Ideal für | File Size | Main Limitation |
Stl (Stereolithikromographie) | 1988 | Triangular mesh; only geometric data | Einfache Modelle (Z.B., Spielzeug, basic parts) | Klein | No support for color, Textur, or material info |
Obj (Object File) | 1992 | Polygonal mesh; supports colors, Texturen | Komplexe Modelle (Z.B., Figuren, prototypes with details) | Groß | Not ideal for online transfer/storage |
AMF (Additive Manufacturing File Format) | 2009 | XML-based; fügt Farbe hinzu, Textur, Materialeigenschaften | Advanced 3D printing (Z.B., multi-material parts) | Groß | Inconsistent support across software/devices |
3MF (3D Manufacturing Format) | 2015 | XML-based; complete model data (Geometrie + Farben + Materialien); error-resistant | Professional projects (Z.B., Industrieteile, high-detail designs) | Medium to Large | Newer—some older printers may lack support |
2. Deep Dive into Each Format
Let’s take a closer look at each format to understand when to use them.
2.1 Stl: Der “Veteran” of 3D Printing
First developed by 3D Systems in 1988, Stl is the oldest and most widely supported 3D printing format. Think of it as the “JPEG of 3D printing”—simple, universal, but limited.
- Wie es funktioniert: It uses thousands of tiny triangles to build a “mesh” that represents the model’s surface. This simplification makes files small and easy to process.
- Am besten für: Projects where you only need basic shape—like a custom phone stand, a replacement hinge, or a simple toy.
- Beispiel: If you’re printing a plain white chess piece, STL is perfect. It will get the job done quickly without extra data.
2.2 Obj: Der “Detail Lover” Format
Unlike STL, Obj doesn’t stop at geometry. It’s designed for models that need color, Textur, oder gute Details.
- Key advantage: It preserves surface textures (Z.B., a wood grain on a model chair) and color data (Z.B., a red car body with black wheels).
- Trade-off: All that detail makes files large. Ein einfaches OBJ-Modell kann zwei- bis dreimal größer sein als dasselbe Modell in STL.
- Wer nutzt es??: Designer kreieren Figuren, Architekten erstellen texturierte Gebäudemodelle, oder Künstler, die an 3D-Skulpturen arbeiten.
2.3 AMF: Der “Flexible Newcomer”
AMF wurde erstellt, um die Fehler von STL zu beheben. Basierend auf XML (eine Sprache, die für strukturierte Daten verwendet wird), es fügt Unterstützung für Farben hinzu, Materialien, und sogar verschiedene Texturen in einem Modell.
- Warum ist es wichtig: Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie drucken ein Spielzeug mit einem Hartplastikkörper und weichen Gummiarmen – AMF kann dies bewältigen, indem es verschiedene Materialzonen definiert.
- Herausforderung: Not all 3D printing software or printers support AMF yet. Zum Beispiel, some budget hobby printers only work with STL or OBJ.
2.4 3MF: Der “Industry Favorite”
Launched in 2015 by a group led by Microsoft, 3MF is quickly becoming the go-to for professionals. It’s like AMF but more user-friendly and widely supported.
- Big wins:
- It reduces printing errors (Z.B., it checks for missing parts in the model before printing).
- It works with major brands (Z.B., HP, Prusa, Autodesk software).
- It can describe everything from geometry to material types in one file.
- Ideal scenario: A factory printing a complex machine part that needs specific material properties (Z.B., heat-resistant plastic in certain areas).
3. How to Choose the Right Format: Ein Schritt-für-Schritt-Prozess
Not sure which format to pick? Folgen Sie diesen 4 Schritte:
- Define your project needs: Do you need color/texture? Wenn ja, skip STL. If no, STL is a safe bet.
- Check your printer/software: Does your printer support 3MF or AMF? Check the user manual—most new printers list supported formats.
- Consider file size: If you need to share the file online (Z.B., with a friend), OBJ or AMF might be too big. Use STL or 3MF instead.
- Prioritize quality vs. Geschwindigkeit: STL prints faster (smaller file = quicker processing). 3MF or OBJ takes longer but gives better detail.
4. Perspektive der Yigu -Technologie
Bei Yigu Technology, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients on 3D printing projects—from hobbyists to industrial teams. Our view? 3MF is the future, but STL still has its place. Für einfach, fast projects, STL is reliable and works with every printer we recommend. For professional projects (like custom industrial parts or high-detail prototypes), 3MF is our top choice—it reduces errors and ensures all model details are preserved. We also advise clients to test formats: start with STL for basic designs, and upgrade to 3MF or OBJ when details matter.
5. FAQ: Common Questions About 3D Printing Formats
Q1: Can I convert one 3D printing format to another?
Ja! Tools like MeshLab, Mixer, or Autodesk Fusion 360 let you convert STL to OBJ, OBJ to 3MF, und mehr. Just note that converting from a simple format (Z.B., Stl) to a detailed one (Z.B., Obj) won’t add color or texture—you’ll need to add those in design software first.
Q2: Is 3MF better than AMF?
Für die meisten Benutzer, Ja. 3MF has better support from software and printer brands, and it’s easier to fix errors in 3MF files. AMF is still useful for niche projects (Z.B., multi-material printing with rare materials), but 3MF is more practical for everyday use.
Q3: Why do some 3D printers not support OBJ?
OBJ files are large and require more processing power to print. Budgetdrucker (unter $300) often lack the memory or processing speed to handle OBJ files, so they stick to smaller, simpler STL files. As printers get more powerful, OBJ support is becoming more common.