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View Full Version : 3D printing Software - STL query



Tilarta
21st April 2020, 05:59 PM
I just got a Monoprice MP Select Mini 3D Printer V2 and have been testing it out.
Each time I've used it though, I have to reformat my STL to a GCode formatted file.

Does anyone know if there's any specific 3D printing software that can print an STL direct to a 3D printer?

For my printer, the manufacturer recommended UltMaker Cura, but it's just converting the file, not printing it directly.

UltraMarginal
21st April 2020, 11:27 PM
All my experience is that the CAD software outputs a .stl file and you then use a slicing software which figures out the 'tool path' and creates the Gcode from that. it's not so much a format change as taking a 3D model and producing a file that tells the 3D printer how to do it's job. I doubt you'd get around that step without causing more trouble than it's worth.

Unicran
22nd April 2020, 09:23 PM
STL - isn’t he a veteran board member here? What happened to that guy?