Free Online SCAD to STL Converter

A SCAD file, short for "Script-based Computer-Aided Design," is a type of plain text file used primarily in the field of 3D modeling and design. It is commonly associated with OpenSCAD, an open-source software tool used to create 3D models using constructive solid geometry (CSG). Unlike traditional CAD software that employs a graphical user interface for modeling, SCAD files are written in a scripting language. These files typically have a .scad extension and contain a series of commands and parameters that define the shapes, dimensions, and operations required to construct the 3D model.

Within a SCAD file, users can define basic geometric shapes such as cubes, spheres, cylinders, and more complex shapes by applying operations like union, difference, and intersection to combine or modify them. The use of a scripting language in SCAD files enables users to create parametric models, allowing them to easily modify dimensions and characteristics of the model by changing variables in the script. This flexibility makes SCAD files particularly useful for designing customizable objects and prototypes, where various iterations may be required to meet specific design requirements.

Once a SCAD file is created and the script is defined, it can be rendered by the OpenSCAD software, which interprets the script and generates a visual representation of the 3D model. Users can then preview the model, make further adjustments if needed, and export it to standard 3D file formats like STL (stereolithography) for 3D printing or rendering in other CAD software. SCAD files have gained popularity among the maker community and designers due to their simplicity, modifiability, and compatibility with 3D printing technologies, facilitating the rapid prototyping of complex objects.

An STL file, short for Stereolithography, is a widely used file format in 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) applications. It serves as a standard method to represent the surface geometry of a three-dimensional object. The format was first developed by 3D Systems in 1987 and has since become a fundamental file type in the additive manufacturing industry. STL files are essential in the process of converting digital 3D models into physical objects through 3D printing technology.

STL files consist of a collection of triangular facets that approximate the shape of the 3D model. The surface of the object is divided into numerous small triangles, forming a mesh representation. Each triangle is defined by three vertices in 3D space and possesses information about its orientation and size. Since STL files store only the outer surface of the model, they are often referred to as "mesh" files or "surface" files, as they lack information about the object's internal structure or color.

When using STL files for 3D printing, slicing software processes the 3D model by dividing it into layers and creating the instructions for the 3D printer to build the object layer by layer. Despite its simplicity and widespread usage, STL files have some limitations. They do not support color or texture information, and the triangle-based representation can lead to larger file sizes and reduced accuracy compared to other file formats. Nonetheless, STL remains a vital format in the 3D printing ecosystem due to its simplicity and compatibility with a wide range of 3D printers and software.