Convert STL to TSV via Java

What is STL file format?

STL (Standard Triangle Language) is a widely adopted file format in the realm of 3D printing. It plays a crucial role in the 3D printing workflow due to its simplicity and versatility. STL files define the shape of a 3D object through a series of interconnected triangles. These triangles, also known as facets, collectively form a mesh representation of the object.

One of the key advantages of STL is its universal compatibility across various 3D printers. Being a standardized format, it can be used with minimal modifications on a wide range of 3D printers available in the market. This compatibility simplifies the process of preparing and transferring 3D models for printing, enabling seamless interoperability between different machines and software.

Generating an STL file is relatively straightforward, as it can be easily exported from most 3D modeling programs. The conversion process involves tessellating the 3D model into a mesh composed of interconnected triangles. The resulting STL file encapsulates the geometric information required for the 3D printer to reconstruct the object layer by layer.

Another advantage of STL is its compact file size, which facilitates efficient data transfer. STL files are generally smaller compared to other 3D file formats, making them easy to share and transmit over the internet. This attribute is particularly beneficial for collaborative projects, where designers and manufacturers can exchange 3D models seamlessly.

However, it’s worth noting that STL files primarily represent the geometry of the object and do not carry information about color, texture, or other complex attributes. Additionally, the format is limited to representing only solid objects, without support for more advanced features like curves or non-planar surfaces.

What is TSV file format?

The TSV file format, also known as Tab-Separated Values, is a plain text format used for storing tabular data. TSV files are similar to CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files, but instead of using commas as the delimiter, they use tabs to separate the values within each row.

TSV files consist of rows and columns, where each row represents a record and each column represents a field or attribute. The values within the columns are separated by tabs, allowing the data to be easily parsed and read by various applications and programming languages.

One of the main advantages of the TSV format is its simplicity. Since it is a plain text format, TSV files can be opened and edited using basic text editors. They can also be imported into spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, for further analysis and manipulation.

TSV files are commonly used for exchanging data between different systems and applications. They are particularly useful when the data contains commas or other special characters, as these characters might conflict with the standard CSV format. TSV files are also more human-readable compared to binary file formats, making them accessible and understandable even without specialized software.