STL stereolithography model MIME Type
model/stl represents, how to open it, and how Poly supports this 3D format. MIME type details for model/stl
In active use| MIME type | model/stl |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .stl |
| First standardized | 1987 |
| Created by | 3D Systems |
| Browser support | |
| Example applications | Cura, PrusaSlicer |
| Poly support | Yes. Poly recognizes valid STL stereolithography model files and makes supported geometry available in the file experience. |
| Indexed by Poly | Yes. Poly indexes filenames and creates visual similarity information for supported 3D content; available metadata is shown in details. |
| Preview in Poly | Yes. Poly previews supported STL stereolithography model geometry. |
| Poly agent | Yes. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files. |
What does model/stl represent?
The model/stl media type identifies stl stereolithography model files, normally stored as .stl. STL represents a surface as a collection of triangular facets. ASCII STL uses solid, facet, and vertex records; binary STL stores an 80-byte header, a triangle count, and fixed-size triangle records. STL describes shape for fabrication, not a complete scene.1
Opening and converting the format
Cura and PrusaSlicer can inspect or import this format. Export to GLB when you need a compact scene package. Choose 3MF for additive manufacturing metadata, or use a dedicated slicer for STL preparation.
Support in Poly
Poly previews supported geometry, makes filenames searchable, and provides visual similarity for supported 3D content. Available mesh and scene metadata can appear in details. An optimized rendition of the 3D object or scene is provided to the agent, allowing compact yet information-rich multimodal interaction with 3D files.
| Construct | Handling |
|---|---|
| Geometry | Triangular surface facets |
| Appearance | No standard textures, materials, scene hierarchy, or animation |
| Manufacturing | Useful for slicers after mesh repair and validation |
Poly's rendition supports inspection and multimodal understanding; retain the original when editing or validating exact topology.
Format context and alternatives
3D Systems developed STL for stereolithography in the 1980s. Its broad printer and slicer support made it a durable exchange format, even though it carries little appearance or project information. 1 Choose glTF or GLB for interactive scene delivery, 3MF for manufacturing packages, and use this format when its geometry or point-cloud representation fits the task.
Footnotes
- Library of Congress. STL file format. ↩ ↩2