STL to XYZ Conversion
We present a list of valuable resources, featuring comprehensive guides and expert tips for converting STL files to XYZ format using our converters. Browse them now for an effortless STL files conversion later.
STL vs. XYZ Comparison
| Property | STL | XYZ |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl | .asc, .xyz |
| Name | STereoLithography | Point Cloud |
| 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.
Point Cloud File
A file extension that is used for ASCII text files that contain point cloud data. Point cloud data is a collection of 3D points that represent the shape of an object or a scene. Each row in an XYZ file consists of 3D point coordinates, typically separated by a special character like a TAB. Here are some of the key features and benefits of XYZ:
- Optional Normal Vectors: Optionally, the XYZ file may also include 3D normal vector coordinates for each point. Normal vectors are perpendicular to the surface of the object at each point, and they can be used to enhance the appearance and realism of the point cloud. Normal vectors also help with the reconstruction of surfaces from point cloud data.
- Mesh Reconstruction: Autoconverter software can be used to automatically reconstruct meshes from point cloud data. Meshes are composed of polygons, such as triangles or quadrilaterals, that approximate the shape of the object.
- Smooth NURBS Surfaces: Autoshaper software allows for the reconstruction of smooth NURBS surfaces from scattered points stored in the XYZ file. NURBS stands for Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines, and it is a mathematical method of representing curves and surfaces. NURBS surfaces provide a more accurate and smooth representation of the object than a mesh.
- Alternative File Extensions: Point cloud data may also use alternative file extensions such as ASC or TXT. These file extensions are essentially the same as XYZ, except for the different characters used to separate the point coordinates. Our XYZ file converters can handle these file extensions as well.