STL

STL (STereoLitorgaphy) – an open file format, designed by 3D Systems as the original software format for stereolitography (rapid product prototyping based on its geometric model). Files in STL format save mosaic (facetted) surface model, approximated by triangular faces. STL-files can be both text and binary. Currently STL is supported by many CAD systems and is used not so much for fast prototyping but as a neutral format to exchange geometric data.