Skip to Main Content

University Library

LibGuides

3D Printing at UIUC

A brief guide to 3D printing and 3D printing resources on and around the UIUC campus brought to you by the IDEA Lab.

What is an STL file?

An STL file is the most common file type used in 3D printing. The name STL stands for "stereolithography" or is sometimes referred to as Standard Triangle Language. The STL file records the outside shape of an object using a series of interlocked triangles. To learn more about 

Many designers and engineers create STLs themselves using CAD software (see below), but it is also possible to find depositories of STL files online. These can be further modified in CAD software or printed as-is. A few of the most popular places to find STL files on the internet are:

  • Thingiverse - Most well-known repository of STL files, thingiverse hosts thousands of free to download STL files for thousands of applications
  • Prusa Printables - While the Prusa company is most known for their printers, they also host a site full of STL files and designer competitions.
  • Free3D - This site operates like a search engine to find STL files across the internet, although it is not strictly STL files.
  • My Mini Factory - This site is more focused on tabletop figures and printing.
**Disclaimer: These are non-university websites and are independently moderated and do not meet our standards**
**Content may be inappropriate for some users**

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is the first step in any 3D printing process. This is where the 3D model is designed and given shape in a digital environment. This shape can then be exported out of the software as an STL file, where it can be further edited by a slicing software to be printed. CAD software operates as the 3D designer's blueprint. At this stage of the process, the only thing that could possible limit the designer is their own imagination. 

For first-time users especially, the IDEA Lab recommends using TinkerCad to experiment and familiarize yourself with the 3D design space. TinkerCad is a free-to-use 3D modeling program that can be run through any web browser. While it is a great entry-level CAD software, it can be used to make models as simple or as complicated as your imagination will allow.

Below is a list of all slicing software available at the IDEA Lab: 

Slicing Software

A slicer is digital software that translates your 3D model into Gcode for your printer to follow. The slicer sets up a digital workspace through which the user can edit how a 3D printer will print a specific model. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are quite a few slicers out on the market. Some are free and some require a payment for access. On the same note, Some slicers are meant built for a specific purpose, but most are compatible with a large selection of printers at the very least. Your choice of slicer should depend on which printer you are planning on using as it will streamline the entire printing process and minimize the chance of error.

On a similar note, some slicers like ChiTuBox are designed for resin printing instead of FDM printing, and are completely incompatible with printers using different printing processes. Just be sure the right slicer is paired with your preferred printer before printing.

The interface does change between different slicers, but 

At the IDEA Lab, our staff use a number of slicers, and we  can strongly recommend the use of any of the following for project use: