Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "undefined" mean in the "Mesh quality" section?
The model page includes a section called "Mesh quality", for example: Mesh quality: 0.0005 | 0.05. For some models, this section does not show numbers but the mention "undefined". This does not mean that the quality is good or bad. It simply means that this feature for displaying the details of the linear and angular deviations was not implemented at the time the model was generated.
What is mesh quality?
The Mesh quality section on the model page provides an indication of the mesh quality used during the generation of the 3D file. Two variables are displayed:
- linear deviation
- angular deviation
This gives information about the fineness of the rendering. The lower the values, the higher the accuracy. You can find more details on this topic on the OCCT project page Open CASCADE Technology: Mesh.
How are the files named?
The ZIP archive contains the 3D file(s) that make up the model. For example:
inline-tube-adapter-lenA10mm-diA100mm-thA3mm-lenB30mm-diB16mm-thB3mm-tra70mm-ofs0mm-fil0_model1342-nb0_dd1797.stl
The first section, here "inline-tube-adapter", corresponds to the name of the template. Then comes the sequence of labels associated with their values. Here: "lenA10mm-diA100mm-thA3mm-lenB30mm-diB16mm-thB3mm-tra70mm-ofs0mm-fil0".
The meaning of the codes can be found in the "labels" section of the model page. In this example, we understand that lenA corresponds to "side A length" and that for this model its value is 10 mm.
At the end of the file name, there are three elements:
- "model1342" which corresponds to the model number,
- "nb0" which corresponds to the object number, here 0. A model containing several objects will show files nb0, nb1, etc.,
- "dd1797" which is the download number.
What does the download include?
Download
The ZIP archive you receive after downloading a model contains the following files:
- One or more 3D files in STL or 3MF format, compatible with common slicers (Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, etc).
- A "values-model" file
- A "license" file
- A "download-hash" file
The dd suffix found in some filenames and in the ZIP archive name, for example dd840, refers to the download ID, which in this example is number 840. Each download is assigned a unique dd suffix.
Each file serves a purpose. Make sure to keep them all.
STL or 3MF 3D File(s)
STL is the "classic" 3D printing format. 3MF is a more recent format that includes more information and capabilities than STL.
If the generated model includes multiple objects forming a single unit, the file names are distinguished using the "nb" attribute:
"values-model" File
The "values-model" file lists the parameter values of the downloaded 3D model. For example:
#1 width: 50 mm
#2 length: 140 mm
#3 thickness: 20 mm
#4 shape (0:square,1:circle): 0
#5 transition (0:right,1:rounded): 1
#6 fillet radius: 0 mm
#7 hole diameter: 4 mm
To see the full details of these parameters, you can search for the model by ID and view each parameter in the "Parameter Illustration" section.
"license" File
This file specifies the license associated with your download. It is therefore especially important.
A link to the official license description is included.
You can also visit our license page.
"download-hash" File
This file contains a fingerprint of your download’s attributes. It serves as a verification code for the authenticity of your download.
As mentioned above, each file matters. Make sure to keep the entire ZIP archive.
Why doesn’t 3D printing start on my Bambu Lab printer?
Due to the file naming logic, the filename generated by the slicer may be quite long. It appears that, depending on the 3D printer’s firmware, the print job might be blocked because of the large number of characters in the filename. Simply renaming the file should fix the issue.