The process of generating stereolithography files involves converting a three-dimensional digital model into a format suitable for additive manufacturing techniques, primarily 3D printing. This conversion entails tessellating the model’s surface into a mesh of triangles. The resulting file contains information about the vertices and normals of these triangles, defining the object’s geometry. For example, a CAD model of a mechanical part is processed to create a file that represents its surface as a collection of interconnected triangles.
This file format is widely adopted due to its simplicity and compatibility with a broad range of 3D printing hardware and software. Its use streamlines the translation of digital designs into physical objects, enabling rapid prototyping, customized manufacturing, and the creation of intricate geometries. The proliferation of this technology has significantly impacted various sectors, from engineering and medicine to art and education. Early implementations were limited by computational power, but advancements in software and hardware have enabled the creation of complex and high-resolution models.