What type of file is required to export a model for 3D printing purposes?

For exporting a model for 3D printing, the STL file format is widely recognized and utilized. STL stands for Stereolithography, and it was initially developed for 3D printing technologies. This file format encapsulates the geometry of a 3D model through a mesh of triangles, which is particularly relevant for 3D printers, as they interpret these triangular facets to physically recreate the model layer by layer.

The key attributes of STL files include their simplicity and direct compatibility with most 3D printers. They hold the necessary information regarding the surface geometry of the model but do not include color, texture, or other CAD data, which is well-suited for additive manufacturing processes where the focus is on the shape of the object.

Other formats like OBJ and DXF may serve specific applications within design or CAD environments, but they do not have the same level of compatibility and standardization for 3D printing. The IGES format, while used for exchanging information about 3D models, is more geared towards CAD systems rather than printing. Thus, STL files stand out as the standard choice for 3D printing.