What is a drawback of STL files?

STL files, or Stereolithography files, are widely used in 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD) applications. One significant drawback of STL files is that they restrict the designer's ability to modify the part material and microstructure after the file has been generated. This limitation arises because STL files represent 3D models solely in terms of their surface geometry, specifically through a mesh of triangles. Thus, the information about the material properties, such as bulk material choices or detailed microstructural information, is not included.

This lack of data means that the decisions regarding the material and its properties must be made prior to the model's conversion to STL format, limiting flexibility during the manufacturing or post-processing stages. Therefore, once an STL file is created, changes in part material and microstructure are not directly captured or adjustable within the file, which can constrain the design process and the potential performance characteristics of the final printed product.