STL to U3D Conversion
This list presents valuable resources, filled with step-by-step guides and expert tips for converting STL files to U3D format using our converters. Go through them now to streamline your STL files conversion later.
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
- Convert Smooth Edges in SketchUp SKP Files
- Autoconverter Uses Vertex Normals to Display Smooth Meshes
- Convert 3D Mesh Files in the Batch Mode
- Revolutionizing 3D File Conversion Beyond Online Tools
- Enhancing 3D Models with Vertex Normal Smoothing in Autoconverter
STL vs. U3D Comparison
| Property | STL | U3D |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .u3d, .idtf |
| Name | STereoLithography | Universal 3D |
| Versions | ||
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
STereoLithography File
A file format that was developed by 3D Systems, a global leader in the 3D printing industry. It is primarily used for storing 3D models and exclusively contains triangular mesh data. Some of the benefits and features of STL files are:
- Simplicity: STL files are easy to create and read by many software applications and 3D printers, as they only contain the coordinates of the vertices and the normal vectors of the triangles.
- Lack of Additional Information: STL files do not include information on face color, texture, transparency, and named groups. This means that all STL models are effectively colorless in their raw form.
- STL Files Converter: While it is technically possible to assign RGB color values to individual vertices in an STL file, it’s important to note that not all software, including our Autoconverter, currently supports this extension.
- Binary and ASCII STL Formats: STL files can be saved in either binary or ASCII text formats. The binary format is generally preferred due to its significant reduction in file size compared to the ASCII format.
- Units of Measurement: The coordinates in STL files are always defined in millimeters. If necessary, our STL converter will perform the required units conversion.
Universal 3D File
An open-source compressed file format that was initiated by the 3D Industry Forum. U3D is designed to store three-dimensional triangular meshes along with additional properties such as color, transparency, or texture coordinates. Here are some of the key features and advantages of U3D:
- 3D PDF Integration: U3D enables the generation of PDF documents that contain interactive 3D data. This means that you can view, rotate, zoom, and manipulate 3D models within a PDF document. 3D PDF is a widely used and supported format that can be easily shared and distributed.
- U3D File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are capable of reading and writing to and from the U3D file format. This allows you to convert your 3D models from various formats, such as STL, OBJ, SKP, DAE, STEP, and others, to U3D and vice versa.
- IFX Conversion Library: Our U3D file converters use the publicly available open-source IFX conversion library provided by Intel. This library is a powerful and reliable tool that enables the conversion of 3D data to and from U3D.