File Formats

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Revision as of 05:24, 11 July 2012 by Omphteliba (talk | contribs) (STEP)
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This page provides a list of the various file types that are used in the reprap software toolchain. You may also want to take a look at Useful Software Packages.


AOI

AOI filenames end with .aoi

AOI files are the native file format for Art of Illusion. AoI was never intended to be used as CAD software but you will find a lot of reprap files in this format because AoI is an open source app and is easy to use. In the long run though this app is probably a dead end for designing parts.

COLLADA

  • COLLADA is an XML based file format for digital media

GCODE

GCODE filenames normally end with .gcode

These are ascii files that have a list of G-codes. G-codes are the instructions the arduino firmware reads for moving the stepper motors and extruder head.

IGES

IGES filenames normally end with .igs

This is an older open-format CAD file. It has since been superceded by STEP files as of 1995 or so More detail on IGES files can be found in Wikipedia

PDE

PDE filenames end with .pde

Processing Development Environment files are used by the arduino IDE. Processing is basically just C++ with some extra libraries thrown on top.

PLY

  • The PLY format is similar to STL in that it is a wireframe mesh representation of a 3D part

STL

STL filenames end with .stl, from "STereoLitography" - the format was actually developed for feeding 3D printers.

STL files are an open file standard and are widely used in Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and rapid prototyping. The STL file format is good for printing out parts because it describes a part's surface geometry. Unfortunately, STL files are terrible for doing Computer Aided Design (CAD). They can be imported into CAD applications but are difficult to change. See the link to the article 'CAD vs CAM' in the discussion section below.

STEP

STEP filenames normally end with .stp, from "STandard for the Exchange of Product model data"

STEP files are basically the gold standard for translating between different CAD applications. People that do CAD for a living use STEP files because it is an ISO Standard

Discussions about File Formats