A stereolithography (STL) file is a format that provides 3d printers the blueprint to print a part. The .stl file is created as an export option in many 3D software applications such 3D Studio Max, Maya, Google Sketchup, and Blender.

You can use freeware CAD software to make STL files or you can download ready-to-use .stl models from different online repositories like: Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/ MyMiniFactory: https://www.myminifactory.com/ Make sure any model you are willing to print should be strictly in .stl file format

In 3D printing, infill refers to the structure printed inside the object. The size, shape, pattern, and percentage depends heavily on the design requirements. Higher infill percentage translates to physically stronger 3D printed samples.

Yes, you can opt for different infills for your object. This can be manipulated through different levels in the software. Lower infill percentage can help you to save filament and print time.

SLA or Stereolithography, is a form of additive manufacturing technology used for creating models, prototypes and production parts in a layer by layer fashion using photopolymerization, a process by which light causes chains of molecules to link together forming polymers. FDM or Fused Deposition Modelling, is the type of printer that is most common as it is cheap and can be readily made with a few simple parts. It works by heating up a piece of plastic and forcing it out of a small hole in the same manner as toothpaste. Imagine drawing a picture with just a tube of toothpaste by squeezing a line out and going forwards, backwards, left and right only. Let that first picture harden and then do the same again slightly higher with the next layer of the part you wish to build. The plastic mentioned above is referred to as filament and can come in a variety of materials, textures and colours. Different materials can be used for different applications. Wood, plastic, metal and rubber type materials are all used by 3D printer.

That depends on several factors,The size of your model,The material you are using,The layer height (smaller layers mean more layers to print),The complexity of your model,Whether the object needs supports.The most common slicers give to you the estimated time of print the model, but since external factors affect the job, the print could use more time or less.

Some printers use the thinner filament, some the thicker. It’s all down to the design of the print head. Check which thickness is appropriate for your printer, and stick with it. 1.75mm filament is a lot more flexible and needs less pressure to print with. This filament is quite easy to break however. 3mm filament is not flexible and can snap if bent too far. It also requires more torque on motors to push it into the extruder.